Soldier’s Best Friend is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from Arizona shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once and inspires countless others.

How we work: After the veteran or active military member is accepted into our program and we have placed a suitable dog, the veteran and dog team begin training with our professional trainers. Training takes approximately 6-9 months to master the skills necessary to qualify as a service dog. During this time, we provide training classes, basic supplies, veterinary care, and support at NO cost to the veteran. On average, services cost our organization $7,500 per veteran/dog team. To maintain cost free programs for our veterans, we host several community events each year to promote awareness of our organization, and generate much needed revenue.

I am contacting you for your organization’s consideration in providing an in-kind donation for use at our 2024 Sporting Clay Tournament fundraiser. The fundraiser will be at Ben Avery Clay Target Center, Phoenix AZ, at 8:00 A.M. on March 23, 2024.

I hope that you will consider our request. Since our launch in 2011, Soldier’s Best Friend has had such a positive impact in the community. Veterans and their families alike, have shared with us how their service dog has given them renewed hope, security, improved family life, and led them to live more productive lives. This impact is not lost on our volunteers and professional partners that have found such reward in helping our nation’s most precious resource, our Veterans! Additionally, our partnerships with animal shelters help address the pet overpopulation issue by placing Arizona homeless dogs into good homes, therefore allowing us to save two lives at once, while inspiring countless others.