Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines

Some of the most impactful lessons our service dogs learn happen in the most unexpected places—inside our innovative Prison Training Program. Through this transformative program: 🐾 Future service dogs receive 24/7 training, socialization, and care to prepare them for life-changing partnerships. 💛 Incarcerated trainers gain skills, purpose, and the joy of giving back, creating ripples of hope that transform their own lives. As the year comes to a close, we’re proud to share a heartwarming glimpse of this incredible program in action. Your support helps create these life-changing connections—not just for our dogs and recipients, but also for the trainers who help shape these pups into heroes. 🌟 Today is your last chance to make a difference this year. Join us in creating more ripples of hope by donating now. Donate Today: https://lnkd.in/gKgSJfwa #RippleOfHope #PrisonTrainingProgram #ServiceDogs #MakeADifference

Meet Kim, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who dedicated 21 years to serving our country, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Her remarkable career came with immense challenges, from working near burn pits to leading mortuary operations that took a toll on her mental health. Watch Kim share how receiving a service dog transformed her life, offering hope and healing after years of sacrifice —don’t forget the tissues! https://lnkd.in/gGkMSEDt

Navy veteran Jude Litzenberger is giving back through the Puppy Raiser program at Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines. From raising puppies to training service dogs, she helps create life-changing partnerships for veterans and others in need. “Guide dogs are the eyes who see dangers, know the routes, and keep clients safe.” #AwarenessJournalism #SponsoredPost #ServiceDogs #VeteransSupport

Meet Jackson and Brooklyn! An autism service dog team who had their lives changed for the better since Brooklyn arrived. Check out a little bit of their story below. This Holiday Season, you can make a difference. Your support will help provide loyal service dogs that bring hope and independence to those who need it most. Thanks to Jane Huey and The Huey Family Foundation, every donation will go TWICE as far, with $120,000 matched dollar for dollar! ✨Donate: https://lnkd.in/gKgSJfwa

Meet Chris and his guide dog, Marco. After a life-changing stroke, Chris had to relearn how to walk, talk, and move—and also faced the challenge of vision loss. But with a guide dog by his side, Chris has gained newfound independence and confidence. Be part of the ripple of hope. Donate today to help change a life. ✨Donate: https://lnkd.in/gxNdd_Yq

Sometimes, the road to healing begins with sharing stories of strength and hope. Kris’s journey touches on military sexual trauma (MST) and its profound impact. If this topic feels overwhelming, please know that support is available for those who need it. Army veteran Kris faced unimaginable challenges after enduring MST during her deployment. Once a driven medic with unshakable determination, PTSD and self-doubt left her feeling like a shadow of herself. Yet even in her darkest moments, she found hope through her connection with dogs. In 2021, after two years of waiting, Kris was matched with Ziggy, a spirited black lab from Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines . His playful nature and soulful amber eyes became the light Kris needed. Together, they’ve achieved milestones once thought impossible: a perfect 4.0 GPA, a new home, and rediscovering her spark for life. “Before Ziggy, I was just going through the motions. Now, I have goals,” Kris shares. Kris and Ziggy’s story is a testament to the transformative power of service dogs. With your help, we can create more life-changing partnerships for those in need—all at no cost to them. Be part of the ripple of hope. Donate today to help change a life. ✨Donate: https://lnkd.in/gxNdd_Yq ✨Read Full Story: https://lnkd.in/gJR5X9uf

Meet Kaylie, a mom of three children on the autism spectrum, who faced unimaginable challenges when the pandemic disrupted their family’s routine. Her son Logan, deeply affected by the changes, refused to leave the house, leaving Kaylie and her family struggling to navigate daily life. After some research, Kaylie found hope through Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, who matched her family with Hadley—a lab-golden retriever mix that would soon transform their lives forever. Hadley quickly became a vital part of the Schmidt family. From providing deep pressure therapy to calming the kids during moments of sensory overload, to fostering connections and easing social interactions with her playful nature, Hadley has brought new possibilities into their lives. “Most people like dogs, so Hadley is a great way for my children to meet people and interact,” says Kaylie. Thanks to Hadley, Kaylie’s children are socializing more, even showing off Hadley’s cues and proudly sharing stickers with her face on them! 🙌 Autism affects 1 in 36 children in the US, but for families like Kaylie’s, Hadley has brought more than just support—she has brought hope. Her family, once limited by their struggles, now embraces new adventures together—like a week at Disneyland. “Hadley has given us more than stability; she’s given us hope and dreams for the future,” says Kaylie. Your support can make a world of difference. By donating, you help create ripples of hope for families just like Kaylie's, where service dogs unlock brighter, more inclusive futures. Join us in giving the gift of love, guidance, and possibility. 💖Donate: https://lnkd.in/gxNdd_Yq #ServiceDogs #AutismAwareness #Donate #MakeADifference #GDA #TLC

What if a dog could give a hero their life back? That’s exactly what Jackson, a service dog from Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, did for Kim—a retired Lt Col who served 21 years in the Air Force. Kim’s life was forever changed in 2018 when she was diagnosed with spinal cancer likely caused by exposure to burn pit fumes during her service in Iraq. After losing sensation from the chest down, everyday activities became daunting, and cherished family moments—like attending football and basketball games—felt out of reach. But everything changed when Kim met Jackson, her service dog from GDA|TLC. 💛 Equipped with a custom balance harness, Jackson provides Kim with the stability and confidence to navigate the world again. More than just mobility support, Jackson silently signals others to give Kim space and ensures her family never has to worry about leaving her behind. With Jackson by her side, Kim no longer has to say no to life. Now, 9 out of 10 times, it’s a resounding YES—to outings, adventures, and precious family moments. This holiday season, our hearts turn to the many veterans like Kim who long for the life-changing support of a service dog. These brave heroes—fathers, mothers, and siblings—have given so much for us. Now, they deserve the chance to rediscover their independence, embrace joy, and share in the magic of life’s most cherished moments. Together, we can make this season one of hope and healing for those who need it most. 💙 You can make that possible. Your generosity can give a veteran like Kim the gift of freedom, confidence, and connection. Together, we can provide hope and healing to those who’ve given so much for us. 💛Donate: https://lnkd.in/gxNdd_Yq #ServiceDogs #Veterans #HolidaysOfHope #Nonprofit #GivingBack #GDAFamily

Happy National Disability Independence Day! Today we honor the contributions to support our mission to transform lives through partnership with service dogs and continue to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Meet one of our Guide Dog Teams, Dr. Bill & Ford Dr. Bill is a 76-year-old currently living in Fresno, CA. He is a “Solo ager” (Widower) who has two children, Bill the Third and Christy. He is a Doctor of Education specializing in Leadership & Change. He is a retired USC School of Gerontology faculty member. https://lnkd.in/gba4iyUY

This past weekend I was able to attend a great joint seminar between Braille Institute of America, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines, and Foundation Fighting Blindness Los Angeles Chapter. It was wonderful to hear all the valuable information discussed by all the great presenters. Thank you for all for your dedication and willingness to share your expertise. Karen Mayes Alex Welter Greg Steinmetz Rachel Silva