Puppy Raising

Puppy Raiser Stories

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  David Rhodes

  Raising Smokey, Raising Hope

  

  David Rhodes

  Raising Smokey, Raising Hope

  Born and raised in Reno, David Rhodes has watched his hometown grow and evolve over the years. When he first toured the Liberty Dogs™ campus more than a year ago, he saw something that felt different. Visionary. Innovative. Inspiring. He did not just see a facility. He saw a movement taking shape and knew he wanted to be part of it.

  David first considered becoming a puppy raiser during that campus visit. Seeing the scale of the organization’s mission, from on-site housing for Veterans to hands-on training to holistic support, made the opportunity feel real. After talking it over with his significant other and learning more about the comprehensive training and cost coverage provided by Liberty Dogs™, the decision became clear. He would raise a puppy and help change a Veteran’s life.

  That puppy is Smokey.

  Although David had never raised a Service Dog in training before, he quickly embraced the responsibility. The structured support system gave him confidence. Weekly group and one-on-one training, consistent communication and access to veterinary care, ensured he was never navigating the journey alone.

  Now, Smokey is fully integrated into David’s life at home and at work. She has her own room in the house and even earned a place at the office, where colleagues look forward to seeing her each day. Their mornings begin with a steady routine: out of the kennel, greetings with Roman the cat, breakfast and gearing up in her vest before heading to work. Throughout the day, David incorporates small but intentional training moments that add up to about an hour of focused work. Consistency is key. Every interaction is a chance to reinforce discipline, patience and trust.

  The transformation has been remarkable. David has watched Smokey grow from a mischievous puppy who chewed everything in sight into a calm, attentive companion who can lie quietly at his feet. One of his proudest moments came during Smokey’s first major evaluation. As one of the earliest puppies in the program to take the test, she performed with confidence, needing to make only a few minor adjustments. For David, it was confirmation that the daily commitment was paying off.

  The experience has also strengthened bonds beyond the training sessions. His niece has taken a special interest in Smokey, eager to learn commands and be part of the process. At work, Smokey has become a beloved ambassador, sparking conversations and raising awareness about Liberty Dogs™ and its purpose.

  When David talks to others about the program, he emphasizes both the long-term vision and the support. Liberty Dogs™ is not simply training Service Dogs. It is creating a comprehensive path forward for Veterans. He often shares that while raising a puppy requires dedication, the organization provides the structure, resources and community access to make everything achievable, even for first-time puppy raisers.

  For David, being a volunteer is about more than loving a dog. It is about intentional training, shared responsibility and contributing to something larger than himself. He would gladly do it again and remains committed to supporting Liberty Dogs™ in any way he can, whether raising another puppy, fostering or volunteering on campus.

  Through Smokey, David is helping build confidence and stability for a Veteran he may never fully know. And in the process, he has discovered that meaningful change often begins with small, consistent steps taken every day.

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  Eryn Redmon

  Purpose After Service

  

  Eryn Redmon

  Purpose After Service

  After 26 years in the military, Eryn Redmon Steed retired in 2024 and moved to Reno, stepping into a new season of life. Like many service members transitioning out of uniform, she missed the structure, accountability and deep sense of belonging that came with serving something larger than herself.

  She did not expect to find it again while asking about a military discount.

  During a visit to Liberty Dogs™, Eryn learned about the puppy raiser volunteer program. The organization was still new, and the opportunity felt like a low-risk way to explore what post-service purpose might look like. She had always been more of a cat person. If it did not work out, she reasoned, the puppy could simply return to the program.

  In March 2025, she brought home Annie at just eight weeks old.

  At the time, Eryn was working long hours, and her spouse took on much of the early potty training. Annie quickly proved to be intuitive, calm and eager to bond. By four to five months old, she transitioned into weekly group training classes at Liberty Dogs™. The expectations were clear and reassuring. Volunteers were not supposed to be professional trainers. Their role is to socialize, love and guide the puppy through foundational obedience until they are ready for advanced training.

  Once a week, for about an hour, Eryn joins other puppy raisers for basic obedience work and open conversation with trainers. Questions are welcomed. Support is constant. Liberty Dogs™ provides everything from kennels to grooming tools and veterinary care. When Eryn felt nervous about clipping Annie’s nails, she simply brought her in. No pressure or judgment. Just help.

  What began as a trial quickly became something more profound.

  Annie goes nearly everywhere with Eryn, including local outings and trips to Virginia City. She recently turned one, and while still very much a puppy, has settled into her personality. She does not bark or show negative behaviors. She is steady and easy to work with.

  More than once, Annie has sensed when Eryn was having a difficult day. She will nudge her toward a walk, lean in for comfort or simply sit close. In those moments, the impact feels personal and immediate. Eryn realized Annie was born to do this work.

  Through the Liberty Dogs™ wellness classes, Eryn also connected with other Veterans navigating similar transitions. Sitting in a circle with Annie quietly between them, she recognized something powerful. She was not alone in her struggles. The shared understanding, the openness and the presence of these dogs created space for healing and connection.

  Eventually, Eryn made another significant decision. She left her job to become more involved with Liberty Dogs™, volunteering at community events and investing further in the mission. The organization’s philosophy resonates deeply with her military training. In officer school, she learned that service is about others. One of her guiding statements now is simple and clear: “I serve so that others can thrive.”

  Raising Annie is an extension of that belief.

  Eryn knows she will not keep Annie. Letting her go will not be easy. But she has her “why.” Annie may one day restore independence, confidence or even save a Veteran’s life. That purpose outweighs the heartbreak.

  Liberty Dogs™ has given Eryn a new kind of post-service mission. It’s one grounded in compassion, community and steady commitment. The expectations are not perfection. The goal is growth, love and readiness. Retirement did not end Eryn’s service. It reshaped it into something just as meaningful.