Liberty Dogs™ has held its inaugural graduation ceremony for four U.S. Veteran and Service Dog teams, each beginning life together after training and placement. The Reno-based nonprofit serves U.S. military Veterans living with PTSD and hosted the ceremony on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Its first class included Veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, paired with purpose-bred Service Dogs. The ceremony took place at Liberty Dogs’ flagship 27-acre campus in Reno.
A First Graduating Class
Each team completed the organization’s Training & Placement Program, which begins with an online application, interviews and assessments. Liberty Dogs considers each Veteran’s lifestyle, needs, personality and goals alongside a dog’s temperament and skills. The Service Dogs receive months of advanced obedience, public access and task training on campus before being matched.
Retired Maj. Gen. Ondra L. Berry, CEO at Liberty Dogs, said:
“These Veterans spent their careers looking out for others. On Friday, each of them left with a partner trained to look out for them. Healing from post-traumatic stress doesn’t happen in a single moment, and it shouldn’t happen alone. Everything we’ve built at Liberty Dogs has pointed to this day, from the dogs that were chosen and trained to the volunteers, fosters, and partners who share in the pride and purpose of helping Veterans heal. What begins as one bond will continue to grow into something far greater, strengthening everyone it touches.”
Four New Partnerships
Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Marc O. Allen was paired with Daisy, who joined the program as a puppy and showed a determined streak. Allen came to Liberty Dogs seeking support in feeling more at ease in everyday life, and says Daisy is already making a difference in his confidence, comfort and sense of connection.
Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jarrid Jones was paired with Libby, a small black Labrador known during training as “dark horse” for her perseverance and determination. Libby will accompany Jones to work on his ranch. Navy Veteran Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Harrell was paired with Maddie, a 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever and Liberty Dogs’ first dog, who will join him while he reads, plays video games, kayaks, fishes and hikes.
Army Veteran Sgt. Rich Earl was paired with Reagan, a 2-year-old black Labrador retriever. Earl, who served in the military police, enjoys fitness, travel and time with his family, while Reagan will bring her calm and gentle nature to his home in Las Vegas.
Support Beyond Graduation
Once matched, each Veteran and Service Dog team spends two weeks at the Liberty Dogs campus learning to work together. Housing, meals and around-the-clock support are provided at no cost. Liberty Dogs opened its campus in summer 2026 and says additional classes will follow as it works to pair more Veterans with Service Dogs each year.
Laura Edwards, Chief Canine Officer at Liberty Dogs, said:
“Graduation isn’t the end of our commitment. Every match starts with the Veteran: their routines, their goals and what a hard day looks like for them. Then we find the dog whose temperament and training fit that life. That care is what gives each partnership the best chance. Each Veteran goes home with a plan built around their life and a team that stays with them, because a Service Dog partnership requires ongoing support, which is what we’re here to offer.”
Graduates leave with a lifelong companion, a personalized plan for life at home and a team that stays in their corner.
