Service Dogs in Training

Ripley is one of the newest dogs beginning training with Warrior Freedom Service Dogs as we kick off 2026. She officially starts her journey toward placement in our Fall 2026 class.

Ripley’s story began at Mountain Hospital for Animals on Lookout, where she was born and lovingly raised by Dr. Maddox from day one. In late 2025, Ripley was evaluated for the Warrior Freedom program — and she passed with flying colors.

We received Ripley at 14 months old in fall of 2025, Ripley has entered into formal training, where she will focus on obedience, confidence-building, and the foundational skills needed to become a reliable Service Dog. We’re excited to watch her grow and take each step toward becoming a life-changing partner for a Veteran.

Weekend Foster Needed
Ripley is currently looking for a weekend foster home to help her continue learning home routines, social skills, and real-world experiences outside the kennel environment. Weekend fosters play a vital role in a dog’s development and are fully supported by our team.

If you’re interested in welcoming Ripley into your home for weekends and being part of her journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Mimosa is a 3-year-old, high-energy Shepherd who is currently in training with Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. She is intelligent, driven, and eager to work — qualities that show strong potential but also mean she needs the right foster environment to support her development.

Mimosa is looking for a Weekend Foster who is comfortable with an active dog and can provide structure, consistency, and positive engagement outside the kennel setting.

Weekend fostering allows dogs to practice home routines, build confidence in everyday environments, and develop the real-world skills essential for Service Dog placement. This step is critical in helping our trainers evaluate a dog’s readiness and long-term success in the program.

If you’re experienced with energetic dogs and interested in playing a meaningful role in a future Service Dog’s journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Maxx is a wonderful dog from Patriot Kennels 1776 and is ready for Spring placement with Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. With a solid training foundation and a confident, willing nature, Maxx has shown he’s prepared to take the next step toward becoming a dependable Service Dog partner.

As Spring approaches, we’re excited to see Maxx move forward into placement — where his training, temperament, and potential can come together to support a Veteran on their journey toward greater independence and connection.

Maxx is ready for what’s next — and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make.

Duke is a bright and promising puppy in the Warrior Freedom Service Dogs program, proudly named by Alexis Bogo of Hamico, whose continued support plays a meaningful role in advancing our mission.

Duke was generously donated by Bond Girl Goldens, a breeder committed to producing dogs with the temperament, health, and potential needed for Service Dog work. He is currently being raised in St. Louis by dedicated foster parents Lee Ann O’Brian and Patrick O’Brian, who are providing the structure, socialization, and early training essential during this critical stage of development.

In foster care, Duke is learning confidence, good house manners, and how to navigate new environments—building the foundation he’ll need as he progresses into formal Service Dog training. This stage of his journey reflects the collaborative effort behind every successful Service Dog: from thoughtful breeding and generous naming sponsorship, to committed foster care and professional training.

Zulu is a promising young golden retreiver in the Warrior Freedom Service Dogs program, generously donated by Jackie Sands and Charlie Brill, owners of Patriot Kennels 1776. Through their continued commitment to Veterans, Jackie and Charlie have donated multiple dogs to our program — helping expand our ability to train and place Service Dogs with those who need them most.

Zulu is currently being raised in a foster home by Karen Wheeler and Jack Wheeler, who are providing the consistency, structure, and early socialization essential during this foundational stage of development. In their care, Zulu is learning house manners, confidence in new environments, and the early skills that will prepare him for formal Service Dog training.

Zulu’s journey reflects the power of collaboration — from purposeful breeding and generous donation, to dedicated foster care and professional training. Each step plays a critical role in shaping a future Service Dog capable of supporting a Veteran with service-induced brain injuries.

Attie Bear is a confident, intelligent black German Shepherd with a sweet, affectionate personality and a strong desire to work. She is eager to learn, thrives on having a job to do, and approaches every training session with enthusiasm and focus. Whether she’s mastering new skills, exploring new environments, or enjoying playtime with her handlers, Attie Bear brings a wonderful balance of energy, confidence, and affection. Her calm demeanor, resilience, and strong bond with people make her an excellent candidate for advanced service dog training.

Attie Bear’s name carries a special story of love and remembrance. She was generously donated to Warrior Freedom Service Dogs by a private donor as “Attie.” Around the same time, Sheri Greene made a $30,000 gift through the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to help fund the training of future service dogs for Veterans living with service-induced brain injuries, including Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Sheri hoped to dedicate a future service dog in memory of her daughter, Mary Clare, whose nickname was “Bear.” Because Attie already knew and responded to her name, Head Trainer Julie Jones-Thornton chose to keep it. The opportunity to combine the names created Attie Bear—a beautiful tribute that honors both the dog’s identity and Mary Clare’s enduring legacy. Through her future partnership with a Veteran, Attie Bear will carry that legacy forward by helping restore independence, confidence, and hope.

Meet Ember and Onyx—the inseparable duo who keep us smiling every day! These rescue siblings joined Warrior Freedom Service Dogs from Marion Animal Resource Connection (MARC) in Sequatchie, Tennessee, and have been keeping life interesting ever since.

Ember is adventurous, confident, and always ready to investigate something new. Onyx is equally playful, with a curious spirit and a knack for turning everyday moments into an adventure. Together, they’re full of energy, love to play, and are always up for learning something new.

As they continue their training, Ember and Onyx are building confidence, developing important skills, and showing us more of their personalities every day. While every dog follows their own unique path, these two remind us that with patience, guidance, and a whole lot of love, amazing things are possible.

We’re excited to watch their journey unfold and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this dynamic duo. One thing is certain—they’ve already captured our hearts!