Shelter to Soldier is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and rescue organizations and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). “Saving Lives, Two At A Time,” the organization helps save a dog from a rescue and helps save a veteran from the perils of mental injury associated with traumatic combat experiences. Shelter to Soldier was founded in October 2012. It is estimated that 17 veterans lose their lives to suicide every day and in 2018 alone, 6317 veterans died by suicide. In the OIF/OEF veteran population that we serve, PTSD has been found to be a risk factor for suicide ideation. We know that the healing impact a highly trained service dog provides for psychological treatment in this population improves their overall quality of life, relationships, confidence and sense of security. Our service dogs help these veterans integrate back into society and find their purpose, often for the first time since their military service. Every day, it is estimated that on average, 1835 dogs are euthanized in shelters nationwide. We rescue dogs that may otherwise be overlooked, providing them a future with a purpose and a life that is fulfilled by their bond with a veteran in need. 100% of our service dog trainees come from shelters and rescue organizations in the Southern California region. All dogs that enter the Shelter to Soldier program are selected following a professional assessment and behavior evaluation.