Our Dogs

Breeders make generous donations of well-vetted dogs to our organization. Many are Labrador Retrievers, a breed known for its easygoing, yet self-confident, disposition. Even without training, these dogs have a unique ability to bond with humans—through touch, listening, and empathy. With training, what they offer is even more priceless.

Our Freedom Dogs complete a two-year program of special training before being teamed with a wounded warrior. The dogs live with their trainers from the age of eight weeks and work with the wounded warriors while they are still being trained.

Specialty service dogs are taught to problem solve and to think on their feet. Our Freedom Dogs are trained to assist the warrior with his or her unique needs.

Partner Program Dogs

Asher

Asher, a black male Labrador Retriever, was born on 11/28/2021 and is named after Jeremiah Asher who became the first African American Chaplain to die in the U.S. Military Service in 1865.

Breeder: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Ryder

Ryder, a black male Labrador Retriever is named after Brigadier General William T Ryder who helped pioneer Army airborne training, equipment, and tactics. He was an aide to General of the Army Douglass MacArthur from 1944-1951. In the early 60s he was a top Army expert in guided missile systems, retiring as a Brigadier General in 1966.

Breeder: Ron Morelos of Stonewall Labradors

Sky

Sky, a black male Labrador retriever , joined Freedom Dogs in August of 2022 and is named after Staff Sergeant Sky Mote.

SSgt. Mote deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. SSgt. Mote’s personal decorations include the Navy Cross awarded posthumously in January of 2014, a Purple Heart, a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two Combat Action Ribbons and three Good Conduct Medals.

Breeder: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Ethan

Ethan is a yellow male Labrador Retriever. He joined Freedom Dogs in January 2018 at the age of 8 weeks. He is a confident puppy, handles unexpected events and happenings with ease. His travel from Kentucky to California involved a 12 hour day and a plane flight that he handled like a pro.

Breeder: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Libby

Libby is a black female Labrador Retriever who joined Freedom Dogs on April 24, 2018.  She has a gentle, thoughtful demeanor and is able to overcome any adversity that is thrown in her path. She enjoys training, meeting people in public, and playing with her new puppy friends.

Owners: David and Beth Hoyt

Breeder: Kim Jacobson of Alibi Labradors.

JJ

JJ, a black female Labrador Retriever, joined Freedom Dogs in August of 2013, along with her brother, Gonzo. Not only is JJ swift to pick up new behaviors when she is working with her trainer, but we’ve also found her carefully watching the other dogs during training classes and then copying those behaviors without a lot of extra guidance.

Owner: Lorrie Boldrick, DVM.

Breeders: Susan and Wayne Martin of Wynmar Labradors.

Steele

Steele is a 6 month old black Labrador Retriever who is named in honor of our long time supporters John and Marcy Steele.

Breeder: Tiffany Ginkel of Cedar Ranch Labradors

Spencer

Spencer is a 4 month old yellow Labrador Retriever named in honor of Vietnam Veteran John Spencer.

John was drafted as a teen, injured in combat and sent home with an “other than honorable discharge” with a promise that once home it could be fixed. For 51 years, he received no benefits or no recognition of his service. Just a few years ago, The UNC Military and Veterans Law Clinic assisted him in getting his Purple Heart Award, Combat Infantry Badge and Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Breeder: Rosemary Sutter

Cami

Cami is a 6 month old yellow Labrador Retriever. Her name is short for chamomile (like the tea), as her dads name is Earl Grey.

Breeder: Tiffany Ginkel of Cedar Ranch Labradors

Partner for Life Program Dogs

Chance

Chance, a yellow male Labrador Retriever, is named in honor of LCpl Chance Phelps, USMC.

Chance Phelps was born in Riverton, Wyoming, and joined the Marines after the events of September 11, 2001. On April 9, 2004, his unit was providing a convoy escort outside Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He volunteered to operate the .50 caliber machine gun on the lead vehicle, a very dangerous position. When the convoy came under heavy fire, he provided cover fire, allowing his fellow Marines to get to safety. He was fatally wounded and died on-site.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Koda

Koda is a black male Labrador Retriever who joined Freedom Dogs in April of 2016. Koda is the nephew to our Monty and brother to our Russell. He follows in his relatives’ footsteps (pawprints?) with his eagerness to learn, friendly disposition, and confidence.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Willy

Willy is a yellow male Labrador Retriever.  He joined Freedom Dogs in July 2018.  Willy is named in honor of Col. Willard Buhl, who led the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines “The Thundering Third” in Iraq, where they cleared the city of Fallujah in November 2004. Willy is very calm and relaxed and seems to prefer people over food. His confident nature and ability to not be bothered by much makes it easy to teach him new behaviors.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Murphy

Murphy is a black male Labrador Retriever. He is named in honor of Lt. Michael Patrick “Murph” Murphy, USN. 

Lt. Murphy was a Navy SEAL officer who was awarded the U.S. military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the War in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the award since the Vietnam War.

Breeders: Tiffany Ginkel of Cedar Ranch Labradors

Russell

Russell is a black male Labrador Retriever who also joined Freedom Dogs in May of 2015. Russell was named in honor of SSgt. Russell Klika, an award-winning US military combat photographer/ photojournalist. SSgt. Klika was awarded the Army Special Forces Bronze star in 2009. Russell now lives with his Marine in Florida.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Tank

Tank, a black male Labrador Retriever is a littermate of Angie and joined us in May of 2017. Fitting his name, Tank is truly a gentle giant. Like his sister, he looks forward to training and has raised the standards for puppies.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Tobin

Tobin is a black male Labrador Retriever who joined Freedom Dogs in May of 2016. Tobin is named in honor of a Vietnam FMF Corpsman who was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Combat Valor. Tobin is currently living and working with his Marine in North Carolina. He was amazed and happy when he saw and played in his first snow.

Breeders: Jeff and Mary Little in Centralia, Washington.

Abe

Abe, a black male Labrador Retriever, joined Freedom Dogs in February 2018. Abe was named for the Abrams Tank. He has a laid back personality and is extremely charming and willing to “go with the flow.”  His ability to work with anyone and do whatever is asked of him makes working with him a delight.

Breeders: Sharon and Jody Root.

Angie

Angie, a black female Labrador Retriever, joined Freedom Dogs in May of 2017. With her “can do” attitude and love of training, Angie has excelled in all her puppy requirements. She is now beginning behaviors that will help her in her new stages of service dog training.

Breeders: Peggy Poore of Alpine Labradors.

Career Change Dogs

Eli

Eli, a black male Labrador Retriever, is now living with his new family in Seattle, WA.

Convoy

Convoy, a chocolate male Labrador Retriever, is now living with his new family in Costa Mesa, CA.

Gracie

Gracie (Amazing Grace), a yellow female Labrador Retriever, is now living with her new family in Southern California.

Ky

Ky, a black male Labrador Retriever, is named in honor of Captain Kyleanne Hunter, a combat Marine Cobra pilot. He currently lives with his family in Ohio.

Tori

Tori, (No”Tori”ous) is a black female Labrador Retriever. She is now living with her new family in Norco, CA.

Retired Dogs

Gonzo

Gonzo, a black male Labrador Retriever, joined Freedom Dogs in August 2013. He is the brother of fellow Freedom Dog, JJ. He is showing the group that he is adaptable to various situations and capable of working with an array of trainers. With each new skill conquered, Gonzo is developing into a steady and reliable service dog in training.

Breeders: Susan and Wayne Martin of Wynmar Labradors.

Honor

Honor is a yellow female Labrador Retriever. She and her Marine live in Iowa.

Breeder: James Burnham of Stormridge Labradors.

Monty

Monty is a black, male Labrador Retriever. One of his greatest joys is problem-solving – whether we want him to or not. Monty lives with his Marine in the Oceanside area. They consider themselves best friends.

Breeders: Kathy and Robert Besser, and Susan Eberhardt of Saddlehill Labradors.

Logan

Logan, a yellow male Labrador Retriever, is currently living and working full time with his Marine. He, his Marine, and their family live in Oswego, IL.

Breeders: Chris and Gina White.

Deceased Dogs

Jobie

Jobie, a black female Labrador Retriever, passed away from splenic cancer in 2019. She helped multiple Marines through some hard times and was an excellent representative of Freedom Dogs.

Breeders: Susan and Wayne Martin of Wynmar Labradors.

Ziva

Ziva, a liver and white female German Shorthair Pointer, retired in 2014.

Owner: Alexandra Schneider.