Blue Star Service Dogs

Blue Star Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of Veterans and First Responders by providing them with highly trained service dogs, at no cost. Our mission is to help those who have selflessly served our country and communities regain their independence, improve their mental health, and live fuller, more confident lives. We rescue dogs from shelters and train them to become service dogs that assist veterans and first responders with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, and mobility challenges.

Our training process is personalized for each dog and handler team, focusing on the specific needs of the Veteran or First Responder. The dogs undergo extensive training to perform critical tasks like guiding, providing deep pressure stimulation, alerting to medical conditions, and offering emotional support. This hands-on training ensures that each dog is capable of providing life-changing support for its handler.

"Rescuing one to heal another" is at the heart of everything we do. By rescuing shelter dogs, we provide them with a chance to heal and transform into life-saving companions. We also work in partnership with Michigan correctional facilities, where incarcerated individuals assist in training these dogs. This partnership creates a mutually beneficial relationship: the dogs receive the training they need, and the incarcerated individuals gain valuable skills that help them reintegrate into society. This innovative model of training benefits everyone involved and creates a deep bond between the dogs and their future handlers.

Once the dogs graduate from the prison program, we continue to work with the Veteran or First Responder on a weekly basis for a year before they graduate as a team. We offer continued training and support to ensure the dog and handler become a confident, capable team. This ongoing support is critical in ensuring the long-term success of the service dog team and helps build a strong bond between the dog and its handler.

We currently have sponsorship and donation opportunities to help make this event a success.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to gain visibility in the community or a passionate animal lover wanting to make a direct impact, there are many ways to get involved:

Become an Event Sponsor – Gain recognition and show your commitment to local animal welfare
Donate Items or Services – Great for silent auctions, raffles, or giveaways
Make a Monetary Donation – Every dollar helps save lives

Together, we can change lives—four paws at a time.