The amazing team at Next Step Service Dogs in Escondido donated a fully trained Crisis Support Canine to the San Diego Fire Department and I was blessed to be her Chaplain Handler. Kassie is a highly trained Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever mix that supports the first responders as the department. She makes numerous visits to the various fire stations to love on the firefighters, attends dozens of community events on behalf of the fire department, and responds to the scene of major events where she can be a comfort to first responders and impacted citizens. She is able to identify those undergoing extreme stress and then proceed with a number of behaviors that alleviate the stress. She is one of four canines trained and donated by Next Step Service Dogs and I can honestly state that the benefit of having these dogs is beyond measure. Thank you Next Step for your generous support of our program and the San Diego Fire Department - Chaplain Kevin Johnstone
We are so proud of the work that Next Step Service Dogs (NSSD) does! As a handler, NSSD not only trains you and your canine partner to work together, but they go the extra mile with continued support and a sense of community! The teams work together at different trainings and the staff is always there to help out. They provide 1st Class training and service to veterans and first responders for their service dogs as well as provide amazing facility dogs to organizations, to help others. The mix of community and compassion is superb. Highly recommend the services of NSSD.
Our family loves NSSD. Many years ago, my spouse got their SD trained through NSSD and we had a great experience. We have maintained communication with the org ever since and have kept in touch about our SD’s needs as she has aged. I appreciate that NSSD has been an organization of both service and education. We have never had a single issue with our dog in public, and my spouse has benefitted greatly from having a SD. Thank you NSSD!
Next Step Service Dogs is a wonderful nonprofit that helps Veterans and First Responders TREMENDOUSLY. I have witnessed this nonprofit in action and am continuously impressed with the work they do. It is because of nonprofits like NSSD that I love the work that I do -the amount of devotion to improving others lives is heartwarming and so apparent. Thank you for everything you do, NSSD!!!!! Keep up the great work!