Labs For Liberty

Labs 4 Liberty has been a game changer for my family!! We love this organization and the incredible service they provide for veterans. The service dogs trained by L4L and helping veterans heal from combat and other trauma , bringing joy to individuals and families, and improving lives. We were blessed to add Scout to our lives 3.5 years ago and the positive impact to all 4 us has been beyond measure.
We are currently working with the organization on training our second dog and the benefits continue to multiply!!

I was introduced to Joan and L4L through a friend from the Army after a series of debilitating events in my life. To say that our paths crossing was something required for my quality of life to begin improving is an absolute understatement. The organization holds values rarely seen anymore in the world we live in, they truly believe that everyone deserves a second chance, whether human or canine. Both my pup, JD, and I have been given opportunities to be something positive in each other's lives. Joan and her husband Roger have a passion for seeing those affected by their call to duty, to have the opportunity to move past the fear, through the cloud of depression, and build the lives we all deserve to live. The experience with L4L from the very beginning is first class, Joan understands the war-fighter mindset and has a true ear for where they are in their journey when selecting the right companion. The time spend during the pairing process is more akin to visiting with family you haven't seen in a while than meeting with strangers who push hoards of service members through a substandard process to justify their status. At the end of the day, knowing what I do and having the experience I have had with L4L, I can say without hesitation that they are truly one of the best organizations you could ask for when working to heal the invisible scars.

-Dave

I’ve been a foster/volunteer with L4L for 4 years now and it’s changed my life and I’ve been able to see some pretty amazing things happen. I’ve personally trained 6 dogs for veterans and I’ve seen each dog save their veteran’s life. This organization not only saves lives, but brings so many people joy and happiness they may have never found again without Labs For Liberty. I hope to continue training dogs for this program for a very long time as it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Joan, Roger, and Jacob have done something very special.

2021 is here and I look forward to what lies ahead. However, I do know that the bright spot for me in 2020 was the addition of JD to our family and of course, my daughters wedding. Labs for Liberty (L4L) trained JD for nearly 14 months and I couldn't have imagined a better pup. This top notch organization brought us to Morgan, UT. to acclimate both myself and my wife to JD. They put us up in the outpost for a week and treated us like family. JD went everywhere we went and quickly became very loyal to me. The training program that L4L established is well thought out, and best of all, it works! Joan and Roger are truly people with a heart and are doing their part to support Veterans and Law Enforcement that have a need for a service dog.
I write this quick note with gratitude and ease because of this organization. This is not something I normally do, but felt that since it was so easy, I would give it a try. After all, we all look for the easy way out. bahaha. In all seriousness, I researched several service dog non-profits before I reached out to Labs for Liberty. And, they too, researched me and also required a recommendation from someone that already had a pup from L4L. L4L is a well put together organization that knows the importance of what they are doing and knows that resources are not easy to come by. I cannot thank L4L enough for what they have done for me!!

I have had the privilege of fostering for Labs 4 Liberty for 5 years . The dedication the Nold’s have to the families they work with is amazing. These dogs are chosen and trained specifically for the needs of their Veterans , their family and their lifestyles.
All of the care and training needed is at no cost to the Veteran .
Labs 4 Liberty is providing a priceless service for our well deserved Veterans and their families.

I was connected with L4L through a donation made to them. One of the labs 'Lyon' was donated in honor of my brother Marine Corps SSgt David Lyon, who died from his injuries sustained in Afghanistan. David had a service dog from the VA after loosing his legs, so I already had seen first hand how much help could be given by a service animal. L4L contacted me sometime later, one of my sisters reached out to them in hopes to help me deal with problems from my own time in the Corps. I was hesitant at the beginning but after meeting with another veteran and his dog, asking a thousand questions, and seeing his dog work for him, I could tell it was only going to make things better.

Labs for Liberty has truly changed my life. My boys and I have felt the positive impact of my lab since the moment we met Moose at the start of his training. We were able to be involved from the beginning; seeing updates on education and growth, as well as meeting with our selfless trainers (Chris and Nichole) to talk about everything I needed Moose to do. It astonishes me still that there are volunteers that dedicate themselves to the selection, care, and training of these dogs just for us. L4L is family now and the more time I spent with the foundation the more I met person after person who's life had been changed by the Nold family/professionals at L4L, and the Dogs they trained.

As the wife of a newly retired Air Force MSgt, our family has a special place in our hearts for military veterans. When we heard about Labs for Liberty, we couldn't wait to get involved!

Labs for Liberty is so much more than "providing service dogs." I'm constantly in awe at how much heart and soul this organization puts into their work. From matching dogs, to months of partner specific skilled training, to the communication and updates given to all involved. Everything is handled with such an incredible love and respect for what they do.

We have recently had the honor of spending time with one of the dogs currently in training, and our love for this organization has grown even more since. Way to go Labs for Liberty. You truly inspire us!

We are a military family and our youngest son has autism/seizure disorders. We had a service dog named Max, who we thought we had more time with. He was a rescued pitbull mix from las vegas that turn service dog. Max and our son were a team. January 5, 2020 Max passed suddenly, and our son's world came to a stop. To be honest, all of our lives were turned upside down. I called over 30 companies to inquire about a new dog. We were either told no they didn't support autism or the wait list was over 2 years long. I contacted Labs for Liberty, after being told no so many times I was expecting the worst. Ms. Joan called me back later that evening and asked me about my son and max. I told her their story. After hearing the story, She said she could help. I was shocked and relieved all at the same time.
Our first meeting was with Mr. Mike and Clifford (puppy in training). As soon as we met them, Clifford focused on our son and I was like how does clifford know who to help. Mr. Mike was like he is trained. That meeting took place in February. Around April we scheduled once a month sleepovers with Clifford. My son and Clifford bonded instantly. In august Clifford became "our's for real" as my son says. These two are best buddies. The bond they have is amazing. Clifford is helping our son stay calm in public places and is alerting to his silent seizures which is something Clifford wasn't trained to do. We cannot thank Labs for Liberty enough. They have given my son his smile back and a new best buddy.

Such an honor to hunt with this group of military and law enforcement veterans. These individuals are supported by service dogs gifted to them thru non-profit LABS FOR LIBERTY. Each dog specifically chosen for the serviceman keeping in mind the triggers pertaining to their PTSD as well as their physical needs. The pups too are worked with their hunt drive if the Veterans interest takes him there. Huge thank you to Joan and her husband Roger -founders of Labs for Liberty- for pulling together Such an event for these veterans.

As one veteran said to me “ it fuels ones soul”. ������������

Labs For Liberty has become a part of our family since we first called them. Multiple members of the organization have gone above and beyond to support our family and others in our community. The amount of time, work, and love that goes into each dog and pairing is beyond what I ever would have imagined.

From the day our dog was born, through his training, and even after his pairing, there has been support every step of the way. Labs For Liberty has worked so hard to ensure that our dog meets the needs of not only our service member, but our family. They have welcomed us into their lives and their homes and we are forever grateful.

Labs For Liberty is an absolutely amazing organization, run by some of the most caring individuals, and we are so fortunate to have them in our lives. We could never thank them enough for everything they have done for us.

Labs for Liberty was extremely helpful in getting me a service dog. I nearly took my life before getting out of the Army and spent two years in a deep depression trying to figure out how to live again.

When I contacted L4L, they matched me up with a chocolate lab named Remington. They invited me to their home for a week to to bond with him.

I am so grateful for their hospitality. They took us out to eat everyday and made us go into places that I avoid to build our confidence together. It definitely wasn’t easy but without that training and team building. I wouldn’t have the courage to keep going out and live life like I should be.

Joan, Roger and their team are huge a reason I’m still alive today.

Labs for Liberty is an amazing organization ran by some very loving people. They work very hard to pair the right dog with the handler, and I can say they hit the mark and then some with Dash and I. Dash is exactly what I needed and he is the perfect fit for my family and I. I couldn’t be happier with him. He is the most intelligent dog I have worked with (former dog handler), he’s loyal, he’s loving, and he’s very attentive. Thank you to all who were involved in our process. You have made a tremendous impact on my family and I. God Bless.

Labs 4 Liberty is an AMAZING organization and I don't think that 5 stars is enough for what they have done for my family. I believe that both Joan and Roger (and all their wonderful volunteers!) genuinely care about supporting veterans, training specific pups for specific veteran needs, and making everyone they encounter feel like a part of their family. If you're a veteran and in need of a service dog, I highly suggest Labs 4 Liberty.

We are both allergic to dog fur and they specifically brought in a Portuguese Water Dog for us (Ronin!), making us both feel like they always have the veteran and the veterans family in mind when pairing up a pup with the veteran. Labs 4 Liberty handpicked a pup that would benefit my husband’s disabilities, his size, and our family needs. I especially loved that they didn’t just fly my husband to them for their weeklong training but asked me to come out and train with Ronin also! It eased my mind to watch the interaction between Ronin and my husband, and then be able to have the same interaction, it really helped me understand the do’s and don’ts. Having Ronin has allowed my husband more freedom in going out into large crowds, meeting new friends and veterans, and made it easier to speak with everyone and anyone. Labs 4 Liberty also made it a point to train Ronin to be able to travel on flights as my husband travels alot, bringing Ronin along with them on numerous trips to California, allowing us to spend more time with him and really get to know him.

Joan, Roger, Paige, Ann, Mike, and numerous other volunteers working with Labs for Liberty, we cannot thank you all enough for the wonderful gift of Ronin!

From the first moment that I came in contact with Labs 4 Liberty, I felt respected, loved and appreciated. Joan and Roger devote every ounce of their being into helping veterans and law-enforcement officers. You will not find another organization that is more family oriented than L4L. They don’t just train a service dog and hand it over to you, they pledge a lifelong commitment to your well-being. Since becoming a member of the L4L family, Joan and Roger have checked in on me more than my own relatives, proving how much they care. They don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. I am proud to offer them my highest recommendation.

The warmth and love from this organization far exceeds anything I have ever encountered, outside of my own family. From the very first step of being selected to actually pairing with your dog, Labs for Liberty welcomes you into their ever growing family. As if the Labs for Liberty staff was not enticing enough, the dogs they produce are absolutely incredible. Each one of these animals is specifically trained to compliment his or her veteran in the best way possible. Not only do these animals love to “work”, but they are also the warmest and charismatic dogs you could ever ask for. All in all, not only have I received an extremely well trained service dog (free of all charges), but I have also made life long friends/connections.

The personnel at Labs for Liberty have spent more time and effort benefitting the veterans' communities around the country than any other organization I am aware of. Their effort in training the service dogs and delivering them around the country has saved numerous lives, and it shows in the love they share with all of us! De Opresso Liber

I was paired with my service dog, Barnabas, 5 months ago from Labs 4 Liberty and my life has changed for the better dramatically. The process for applying in the program is smooth and accommodating to the veterans. Once accepted into the program, I was in constant communication with my service dog training team to ensure that my needs and a few wants were addressed over the course of the year.

Just prior to pairing, L4L president Joan Nold went above and beyond to ensure that my employer would provide reasonable accommodation and education on service dogs to the medical device company I'm currently employed with. I have nothing but praise for this non-profit, its founding family and all the volunteers that made this life change possible. Forever grateful.

Labs 4 Liberty is a fantastic organization to be apart of!
We are given the best equipment and most up to date information that allow us to properly train AMAZING Service Dogs for the Men and Women of our Armed Services. In order to provide maximum benefits, each pup is specifically tailored to their Veteran. The bond between the dog and their veteran is absolutely life changing...
This organization and its team of volunteers truly do care about our Nations Veterans and strive to provide the very best Service Dogs around. For those who have fought for us... We are here fighting for you! After 2.5 years and 4+ dogs trained it truly has been an honor. As a Trainer for L4L Thank You for everything you do!!!

I have been involved with Labs for Liberty for close to 2 years now. A close friend of mine, Jake Tshirhart, was the president of the University of Utah foster program. After moving in with Jake, I started as a foster for Labs for Liberty. I was blown away at the caliber of training these dogs were receiving and expressed interest in learning more about training service dogs. I was immediately given the opportunity to shadow the current trainers. I am now one of the lead trainers for the dogs starting out in the program.

I have seen first hand what Labs for Liberty does for our veterans. They find the veterans who are in serious need of a service dog and companion. Each dog is tailored specifically for that veteran, from as early as 12 weeks old. The veteran names their dog, and from that moment on Labs for Liberty prepares that dog for the service it will provide.

Joan, and all of the fosters involved with Labs for Liberty, sincerely care about the well being of our veterans.

I have been involved with Labs for Liberty going on three years now. I cannot express enough the admiration I have for this organization and the needed service it offers to our service men and women. I have witnessed the life-changing impact these service dogs have on their veterans, giving them a new-found hope at an improved quality of life. L4L ensures that each dog is assigned and trained to perform tasks specific to their veteran's needs. They are diligent in providing the tools and resources needed to successfully pair the veteran with their dog. The most unique aspect surrounding the organization is their deeply rooted sense of community. Near or far, Joan (Co-Founder/President), is always available to offer help and support whenever needed.

Every so often you find that rare volunteer opportunity that enhances your own life immeasurably, while having life-changing potential for those served by its mission. That is the Labs For Liberty (L4L) experience. We are now fostering our fourth L4L dog and cannot recommend this nonprofit highly enough. The time spent with each puppy is, of course, fun but also fulfilling, as these young dogs are socialized and nurtured for proficiency in customized skill sets and task-training. This all leads up to the gratification of when the dog is successfully paired with his/her veteran. It’s a feeling like no other, being part of the Labs For Liberty mission—that of making a positive difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

I have had the privilege of volunteering as a foster and trainer with this wonderful foundation for 3 years. Their dedication and passion for their cause is incredible. I have personally witnessed the difference these service dogs make in the lives of the veteran they are individually trained for and they continue to be available to the veteran and their family after the pairing is complete. Labs 4 Liberty truly gives their heart and soul to their foundation.

I was referred to Labs for Liberty through friends familiar with my military background. In their role as active volunteers with L4L, they believed a service dog would have a positive effect in helping me continue to cope with my PTSD. Although skeptical at first, meeting and bonding with Duke proved to be more fulfilling than I anticipated. By allowing me to spend ample time at The Outpost with Duke, Joan gave me the training and confidence in what services he could provide me. I am able to be more comfortable in public spaces, isolate less, and lessen my anxiety because I know Duke is watching my back and working hard for my benefit. I cannot thank Joan, the Nold family, and the numerous volunteers working for Labs for Liberty enough for giving back to the veteran community.

There are not enough words in the dictionary to express how grateful I am to Labs For Liberty and what they have done for my family and I. I brought Jericho home in July after spending two weeks at the Outpost with the Nold’s, and all the L4L workers learning everything I need to know. They took me in their home and made me feel like one of the family. As a veteran who suffers from extreme PTSD I realized soon how important Jericho would to me. Joan is always a phone call or text away if I need her and with Jericho and Labs For Liberty my Kids are getting their Mom back and I am realizing who I am again. This organization is amazing.

Labs for Liberty is by far one of the best non profit organizations out there, with so many non profits around its hard to come by people so selfless and caring like the Nolds and their volunteers. They really care about tailoring a dog to your specific needs and your lifestyle and i have to say without my service dog, Sabo life wouldnt be the same he has gave me so much happiness and joy i cant even explain it. From the first time i met Sabo all the way up to my week of training with them in Utah they kept me in the loop with pictures and updates of his training and i really cant thank them enough or ever repay them for everything they have done for me. I really hope they can keep going with everything they are doing because they are truly changing the lives of every veteran for the better with these dogs.

Labs for Liberty is making a difference in veteran's lives everyday. Denali and I were paired about 6 months ago and from the first day I knew how much life would be changing for the better. Throughout the process Labs for Liberty took care to hand pick a dog and tailor their training to fit the needs of my specific situation. Our foster volunteer, Grant, was great. He provided updates on Denali's training, with plenty of pictures throughout her growth and education. We knew when we received Denali she was loved and some many people in the L4L community came together to love and train Denali. The Liberty Outpost and hospitality the Nolds and the rest of the L4L volunteers gave during the pairing processes was top-notch. I can't overstate how much of a positive impact this organization and Denali have made in my life and that of my family.

I first learned about Labs for Liberty when I met one of the veterans and his service dog. In all honesty, I was completely blown away by the organization that had gifted this man his dog, the impact it had had on him, and just how well trained his pup was. I wanted to get involved with Labs for Liberty in any way I could. I've since had the privilege to work with many of their dogs and veterans and it's changed my life. We teach these dogs how to be service dogs, but they teach us far more about love, compassion, and patience. One of the most profound things I've witnessed is the bond between a dog and their veteran. Seeing the difference these dogs make in their veterans' lives is stunning. This organization is truly an honor to be a part of it.

I received a service dog from Labs for Liberty toward the end of 2017. This organization has served two unique and life changing purposes. Firstly, Porter my service dog has already been life changing and empowering in the 6 months which I have had him, he has enabled me to live daily life to a full and positive extent. He makes busy public settings less stressful and enables me to maintain focus during challenging triggering situations. It has enabled me to successfully plan and work towards the next phase of life, which previously had seemed like an impossible feat. Secondly, Labs for Liberty has become a family network on which I can steadfastly rely on for support, advice and help. The relationship forged during the pairing process far extends to all aspects of life, the veterans who have been touched by this organization have a network on which to lean on during each of their own unique situations. This family along with service dogs like Porter, empowers veterans to accomplish endless possibilities. - James USMC

I first came in contact with Labs for Liberty on campus. I saw veterans and volunteers handling these amazing dogs. After seeing the services these dogs provide, I wanted to do everything I could to give back to those that have served. These dogs save lives and offer a service no human can. It truly is amazing to see Labs for Liberty trainers and volunteers come together to ensure a veteran has a custom trained dog. I’m proud to be a part of Labs for Liberty and I don’t know of a better organization to be involved with.

Just over a year ago Labs for Liberty paired me with a male black lab named Carbon. I'm an Army veteran who suffers from extreme social anxiety and post traumatic stress as well as a brain injury. Carbon has allowed me to go out in public places, he keeps a bubble around me in place, alerts me to people coming up behind me and allows me to have personal contact with people without the stress of always watching my back! Labs for Liberty has changed my life and given me a second chance at having a social life!

Labs 4 Liberty is an amazing organization. They have helped my husband and our family in ways we could not have imagined. My husband returned from Iraq with PTSD and possible TBI. It was almost 10 years after his departure from the Marine Corps that the talk of a service dog was brought up. After having our sweet Gunner for about a year, we could have never imagined the difference that sweet 4-legged friend could really have made! We are truly blessed to be apart of this wonderful family-because that's what you become with L4L, family.

From start to finish Labs for Liberty was absolutely wonderful to work with. From before I even got my Service dog and was just filling out the application process they helped walk me through everything step by step. The day I found out I was getting my Service dog Sarge was one of the best days. They kept me updated on his progress the whole way through. They also made sure that he was tailored to my needs. As a Veteran you are sometimes limited on the resources you can get. With Labs For Liberty being 100% nonprofit this exceeded my expectations in all ways possiple. It blew my mind how willing and loving they are towards Veterans to help save our lives. When I went to Labs for Liberty to meet Sarge for the first time I felt very comfortable and they did an excellent job in preparing me to go home with Sarge. Thanks to Labs For Liberty I now not only have a best friend, but also a new reason for living. I cannot say how grateful I am to this selfless organization.

LABS-FOR-LIBERTY is the most amazing, selfless, caring organization that I have came across in a long time. They are not about being recognized, they are about actually helping Veteran's like myself who didn't know needed help until they gifted my husband and I with a service dog that we call "Woobie", our security blanket. We are both combat war veteran's and this organization has tremendously helped us in our every day lives. They are 100% non-profit, 100% for the Veteran and have made an impact on our lives and feel like we can never fully repay them for the future they gave us with Woobie. We were welcomed into their family and pack from the beginning and are truly blessed with more ways than just the service dog. Looking for someone to donate to, this is the organization!!!

It wasn't until about six weeks after I came home with Flynn that I realized just how much Labs for Liberty had given me. I picked him up in August, and life seemed to go on just as it had, until one day it didn't go as planned and Flynn went right to work. Upon reflecting on my bad day, all I could think about was what would have happened if Flynn wasn't there. I kept circling back to how I would have never been traveling alone if I didn't have Flynn, how I would have never had the courage to be away from home or be brave enough to be navigating a city I didn't know well. Yes, Flynn did what he was trained to do, but most importantly he gave me the freedom to be "Jenna" again and he gives me the willpower to keep moving on. It took me another six weeks to be able to get back out there, all the while Flynn was my reason to get up each morning and keep moving, and the afternoon I decided that it was time to keep moving forward again, Flynn was right there and ready to keep tackling every day with me.

I got involved with Labs for Liberty my freshman year of college. I loved what they were doing and wanted to help in any way I could. I got my first dog, Max, to fully train about a year and a half ago. Max now lives in Alaska with his veteran. It's been a great experience and now I'm onto my next dog! It's amazing to see what a difference these dogs make in people's lives.

My husband and I have been foster parents to six dogs through Labs For Liberty. This program helps veterans with PTSD live the life they should live after sacrificing for our freedom.
We have seen first hand how these "battle buddies" have helped their veterans reengage in everyday life, from taking a walk to going out for a cup of coffee. These may seem like small ventures but for a veteran with PTSD these are major steps to getting back to their old selves and feeling like a productive citizen again.
Labs For Liberty has also assisted us as fosters in task training for each veterans needs. They are always available to handle any concerns or questions that we may have.
This program has saved so many veterans by pairing them with a "battle buddy". We are honored to be a part of something so wonderful and making such a difference in veterans lives. Roxi and Steve Leach

This family goes above and beyond the call of duty. They took my wife and I pheasant hunting when meeting Odin. They also flew my wife, daughter and I to Utah, round trip, and had us all stay at Liberty Outpost (A cabin on their property for individual training with your pup!). I have a specific disability and Post traumatic stress. They donated their time to train him to understand and recognize my seizures and to help me through a tough time. Odin is a great companion and friend. If you're in need of a service dog and a Veteran, I highly suggest L4L. Fantastic organization and a beautiful family.

Labs for liberty helped me when I was at an extreme low point. By pairing me with my dog Winnie my World changed. The experience for not only me but my whole family has been extremely positive.

I don't think that 5 stars is enough for Labs 4 Liberty. I originally contacted them in 2015 and within a couple days I had an interview with Joan, who is amazing! We talked over the phone and went over some of the disabilities I had to see if I would be a good fit with the organization's goals. Within a couple weeks I was at Liberty Outpost having dinner with the Nolds and talking about how Labs 4 Liberty was set up to help veterans with physical disabilities and PTSD. I was able to meet with other vets that had already received their dog, as well as a veteran that was being paired with his that week.
Labs 4 Liberty hand picked a dog that would benefit me for my physical disabilities and especially for my size. Over the next few months I was able to visit L4L at the outpost and spend time with the Nold family and meet more and more veterans that were connected with Labs 4 Liberty. When Juno ( my pup) was ready to for me to pair with her, L4L invited me to the outpost for a week to get familiar with the commands and Juno in general. They had my wife and I, completely took care of us the entire week. They completely accepted us into their family and have always been more than willing to help with any questions and any help that we need. Since Juno and I have paired we've been honored to represent L4L at a Marine Corps Birthday Ball and at the University of Utah gymnastics meet. They have also added to the organization family two new faces since we paired, that have been so great to get to know. Everyone in this organization is incredibly helpful and sincerely there for you.