Smoky Mountain Service Dogs

06/14/2026

Happy 251st Birthday to the U.S. Army! 🇺🇸

Thank you to the soldiers past and present who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

06/11/2026

Soon, one of these names will belong to an SMSD puppy. Volunteer Puppy Partners at is giving the community a chance to help decide which one. Head to their page and submit your vote through the link in their bio. Voting closes this Sunday at 6pm!

Our newest service puppy in training is on the way, and they need a name! 🐾 We’ve officially narrowed down all the campus suggestions to six names. The final choice is entirely up to you.

🚀HOW TO CAST YOUR BALLOT:
🗳️ STEP 1: Click the official Google Form link in our bio to cast your vote!
👥 STEP 2: Once you’ve voted, come back to this post and tag a friend in the comments to remind them to cast their vote before the deadline hits!
🚨Voting officially closes Sunday, June 14th at 6PM!

06/10/2026

Congratulations Fisher and Lindsey! These are two great dogs! ☺️

Fisher passed level 4: He is now awaiting his perfect recipient match at an advanced foster.

Lindsey passed his CGC test: This allows him to move onto more advanced training!

06/09/2026

Our hearts are completely broken as we announce the passing of our beloved SMSD Spirit.

From the day he entered our program, we knew he was destined to become an amazing service dog, and that he was. Through his loyalty, companionship, and devotion, Spirit made a lasting difference in the life of his veteran and touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

We will forever miss his tail wags, gentle nudges, and the joy he brought to those around him. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Spirit fulfilled his purpose and faithfully served the person who needed him most.

Please keep Spirit’s veteran, family, and loved ones in your prayers and send them love and comfort as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Thank you for your service, Spirit. Your vest may be retired, but your legacy never will be.

06/08/2026

Happy National Best Friend Day! ☺️

Our service dogs do more than provide life-changing support to veterans and first responders, they become best friends for life. 🐶

06/07/2026

Special delivery for Dolly!👑🦮

Thanks to pawTree's generous partnership with SMSD, every recipient receives free dog food for the life of their service dog.

Dolly was thrilled to receive her shipment! We’re so grateful for pawTree’s continued support of our recipients.

Visit the link in the comments to support pawTree and treat your own pup while you’re at it!

06/03/2026

But wait… there’s two?! 👀🐾

That’s right! Please help us welcome Bunker to the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs family!

Bunker is an English Cream Golden Retriever from Dale Hollow Goldens and happens to be Sully’s brother! He will be co-raised by Diane and Evelyn as he begins his journey toward becoming a service dog for a veteran or first responder.

We can’t wait to watch this sweet boy learn, grow, and make a difference. Welcome to the SMSD pack, Bunker! 🦮

05/29/2026

🥁🥁🥁Announcement time! 🥁🥁🥁

Everyone, meet Sully! 🐾

Please help us welcome Sully to the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs family!

A special thank you to his puppy raiser, Debbie, for opening her home and helping guide him through his early training.

We’d also like to thank Prosperity Partners Wealth Management, LLC for sponsoring Sully and Dale Hollow Goldens for generously donating him to our program.

We can’t wait to share updates as Sully grows and learns! ❤️🐾

05/29/2026

We’ve been keeping a secret, and it’s finally time to share it. 🤭🐾

Keep an eye on our SMSD social media pages this afternoon for a big announcement!

05/28/2026

Last Friday, Harley officially began his next chapter alongside his new handler, Mike, during his Passing of the Leash Ceremony. ❤️🐾

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this incredible team. Mike and his mother, Kathy, shared heartfelt speeches that left not a single dry eye in the room.

We also want to thank Harley’s puppy raiser, Michelle, for the amazing foundation she gave him, as well as his advanced fosters, Jerry and Janice Francis, for helping guide him through the final stages of his training journey.

A special thank you to Rocky Top Wine Trail in Sevierville for sponsoring Harley and helping make this partnership possible.

Congratulations to Mike and Harley! We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this team.

📸: Dick Shusha