OCTOBER 2025

Inside puppy prison programs

When people learn that most of the dogs in training at FSD take their first big step toward becoming life-changing assistance dogs in correctional facilities, we are often met with a look of surprise. But what you may not realize is that the foundational training our puppies with a purpose receive from handlers who are incarcerated is an essential part of their journey and a cornerstone of FSD’s success in placing highly-trained assistance dogs with people in need.

Interested in learning more about our puppy prison program partners? We thought so! Check out our new blog post for an inside look at these vital programs and see how you can get involved.

Happy Howl-o-ween!

Trick-or-treat? Or as we say around FSD… click-and-treat? From all the good ghouls and boys of FSD, have a safe and spooky Halloween!

Pssst… don’t forget to vote for your favorite costume as a part of our Howl-o-ween Costume Contest on FSD’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Finalists and the voting will begin on social media on October 27, and your favorite pet needs YOUR help to win. Stay tuned, as the furry friend with the most votes will be announced on all platforms on Halloween!

Fall grads welcome a new season

As we welcomed the autumn, our recent grads also embraced an exciting chapter with their FSD assistance dogs by their side! We were thrilled to celebrate these new teams, their incredible partnerships, and all the hard work they put into their two week placement class with a well-deserved ceremony before our grads headed home together for the very first time. We would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the hearts and hands that made these teams possible…we couldn’t have done it without you!

Join us in honoring them by learning more about each team and how these loyal pups will make a life-changing difference.

MEET THE TEAMS >>

Maxy's 2025 NHL season debut

FSD Service Dog in training and Colorado Avalanche Team Dog Maxy is for the girls (and for Colorado hockey, of course!)

Our celebrity puppy with a purpose made a special appearance at her first Avs game of the 2025-2026 NHL season at Girls Hockey Night, where she represented FSD, Goodheart Animal Health Centers, and the Avs. She brought all the girl power as she helped young hockey fans create pre-game friendship bracelets, made a special appearance with Avs Mascot Bernie on the jumbotron, and visited with fans at Bernie’s Dog Park.

Stay tuned throughout the hockey season for more PAWsome Maxy content!

DONATE TO MAXY'S SCHOLARSHIP FUND >>

Hot off the press

Never fear—your Fall 2025 Freedom Press is here! In this special Veterans Day edition of our bi-annual newsletter, you’ll discover the inspiring story of how FSD Service Dog Dijon changed the life of U.S. Army veteran Nick, a special message to our nation’s heroes and the FSD community from FSD President and CEO Chris Nelson, a celebration of our incredible 2025 grads, a feature on how Sting Ray Robb is racing to make a difference for FSD’s mission, and more!

VIEW THE FALL FREEDOM PRESS >>

Community Events & Ongoing Partnerships

We are grateful for the support of individuals, groups, and businesses that hold events to raise funds and awareness to support Freedom Service Dogs! View the ongoing partnerships and community events that are being held on our behalf. For more information, or if you are interested in starting your own fundraiser, please contact avote@freedomservicedogs.org.

SEE ALL OUR PARTNERS >>

FREEDOM SERVICE DOGS OF AMERICA

FreedomServiceDogs.org

DONATE TODAY >>