Puppy Jake Foundation

10/14/2026

Using a puzzle feeder encourages dogs to slow down, sniff, think, and work for their food. It can provide valuable mental enrichment, encourage problem-solving skills, and give dogs an appropriate outlet for natural foraging behaviors.

For our Puppy Jake dogs, enrichment like this is also another opportunity to build confidence, independence, and focus.

And the best part? Your dog gets to have fun while doing it!

10/13/2026

Today, Puppy Jake Foundation proudly celebrates the birthday of the U.S. Navy and honors the sailors who have served and continue to serve our country.

From the seas to communities around the world, we’re grateful for the dedication, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who wear the Navy uniform.

To all our Navy veterans and active-duty sailors: thank you for your service. Happy Birthday, Navy!

10/12/2026

Today, Puppy Jake Foundation recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day and honors the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

As an organization dedicated to serving veterans, we’re especially mindful of the many Indigenous veterans who have served in the U.S. military and continue to contribute to their communities.

Today is an opportunity to listen, learn, recognize Indigenous voices, and celebrate the enduring cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples.

10/11/2026

Miles going through his own 3 stages of grief when he realized his best friend wasn’t in her office:

1. I brought her a present. Where is she? (Denial)

2. Foster mom, I know this is YOUR fault (Blame)

3. I’ll nap and look sad until she gets here (Nap)

10/10/2026

Today is National Walk to a Park Day. We think that’s a pretty great reason to grab your favorite four-legged friend and head outside!

For our service dogs in training, walks are about so much more than getting from one place to another. They practice focus, confidence, good manners, and navigating the world alongside their handlers.

And sometimes, a walk is simply a chance to sniff, explore, and enjoy being a dog.
So, lace up those walking shoes, grab the leash, and enjoy some time outside with your best friend today!

10/09/2026

Meet Rhonda, our Assistant Lead Trainer! Rhonda has been part of the Puppy Jake Foundation team since 2023, bringing decades of experience in dog training, search and rescue, detection work, and service-dog training.

Rhonda believes in one thing above all: putting the right dog in the right job. She loves watching dogs learn, gain confidence, and discover how much they enjoy having a job to do.

Her biggest lesson from the dogs she’s worked with? Stay humble, keep learning, and remember that every day is a fresh opportunity.

We’re grateful to have Rhonda’s experience, dedication, and passion on the Puppy Jake team!

10/08/2026

Did You Nose former service-dog-in-training Betty is recareered but still serving.
When Betty was re-careered from Puppy Jake Foundation’s service dog program, we thought we knew how her story would end. We were wrong.

Betty found her perfect home with her foster, Mackenzie, and continued to show just how much she loved having a job to do. When Mackenzie noticed Betty naturally alerting to changes in her blood glucose, Puppy Jake trainers helped turn that natural ability into a reliable medical alert behavior.

Today, Betty is working through Puppy Jake’s Endorsement Program and training to become a medical alert service dog for Mackenzie.

Betty reminded us that a dog’s journey doesn’t always end when their career path changes. Sometimes, they’re just waiting to teach us something new.

Read Betty’s full story: https://puppyjakefoundation.org/the-dog-who-kept-teaching-us/

10/07/2026

A recent encounter in Chicago reminded us how quickly one uncontrolled dog can affect a service dog in training — and why putting a service vest on a pet can have consequences far beyond one moment. For legitimate service dogs and the veterans who rely on them, proper training and public access etiquette help protect their ability to do their jobs without unnecessary distractions or setbacks.

To read more, click the link below:

Service dogs aren’t pets: explore why misrepresentation harms safety and how Puppy Jake sets higher training standards.

10/06/2026

Before 4Runner, Sean felt like he was failing at nearly every relationship in his life. Therapy helped him understand why, but understanding didn’t make the patterns easier to break.

Then came 4Runner, his first Puppy Jake service dog. Loyal and unwavering, 4Runner helped Sean rebuild his confidence, relationships, and daily life. When 4Runner retired in 2025, Sean wasn’t sure he was ready for another black Lab.

Then came Chips.

“Chips is my oxygen, every day.”

Chips didn’t replace what 4Runner gave Sean. He built on it — helping Sean continue moving forward, reconnecting with life, and finding joy in the everyday moments.

Sean’s story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing bond between a person and their service dog. To read more, click the link below:

https://puppyjakefoundation.org/hear-the-birds-sing-again/

10/05/2026

From watching the action on the court to keeping an eye on the ball on the field, Buster was ready for game day!

He’s learning that being a great service dog means being comfortable in all kinds of places — even when there’s a lot of cheering, running, bouncing balls, and excitement happening around him.

Way to go, Buster!