This is a picture of what was said to veterans when they chose not to share their stories on this platform. It is unspoken rule in our society that if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all. We were forced to say something the implication of not posting a positive review would be losing our life line. This behavior from the head of the organization is very scary behavior. This was posted and then the reviews on this site came flooding in. They have also required positive reviews by threat on other platforms as well.
This non profit is a double edged sword.
The service dog I received is amazing. The dog improves my life in many ways and the training is great.
HOWEVER, the administration of the organization has caused me a lot of mental anguish.
When few veterans finished a review on this page, those who didn't were called ungrateful and were told that apparently dogs were being giving to people who are undeserving.
All because they didn't jump and come write a glowing review.
There are many other things, but I don't believe this is the correct forum for that.
Before anyone assumes that I am just disgruntled, I will say that I am in good standing with my dog and the board. I actually believe that many would be very surprised to find out who actually wrote this review.
I will never suggest anyone receive a dog from SPW again.
This has taken a significant mental toll on me, stay far far away. There are better places to donate your money.
Service Peace Warriors has changed my life profoundly. Being paired with SPW Eve allowed me to breathe again in a way I hadn’t in years. When I first met Eve and began training, I was told that she would help me in more than one way, and that was an understatement. She was my lifeline, keying in to issues and behaviors I hadn’t even picked up on.
These dogs are healthy and the best trained service animals I’ve ever come across. If you’re wondering if your donation will go to a good cause with SPW, I can assure you that every penny is used to improve and save the lives of deserving veterans and first responders.
The best dogs trained by the best staff around.
Service Peace Warriors is truly a 100% Non-profit Organization that helps Veterans when we feel like we are at the end of our world.
I received SPW Wesson when he was about a year and half old. SPW Wesson is currently 4 years old. These last 3 years he has been a life saver for me.
I was in a very dark place, with PTSD, Major Depression, and Suicide intention. I wouldn't leave my house for days with all my symptoms. I wouldn't even talk to my wife or son for days. My wife, was so scared that she would come home from work and find me dead.
Then I found Service Peace Warriors, who provided me with a
professionally trained service dog for my specific medical issues for free. If it wasn't for SPW Wesson I would either be dead or still stuck in the house. Now I am able to go out and do things and don't feel so trapped.
SPW Wesson is an amazing companion and helps me in so many ways I never imagined.. My wife could tell when I would have a bad night because SPW Wesson would get on the bed and lay on my legs. We would be watching a movie on tv and he will want to get in the recliner with me and just lay there. At first I was like no your to big but then I realized he was telling me I needed it. I always feel better with my connection with Wesson. Wesson love to play ball. He has a old basketball so we will go out and play kick ball. He gets it and brings it back for more. He also love to play in water. We go see grandma and first thing is he wants to get in the ditch. I would be lost without SPW Wesson in my life.
I thank Service Peace Warriors everyday for giving me my life back. If it wasn't for this Non-profit Organization Veterans like me would still be suffering for their medical issues.
Service Peace Warriors provided my husband with a service dog. He was trained by the best in Eltopia, WA. He is devoted and so mannerly. Our entire family feels blessed to have him as part of our family.
SPW took Bodhi a little after a year old and trained him to be my service dog. As a veteran with severe PTSD I don’t notice the difference having a service dog, but my wife tells me he does help me. Bodhi always knows when I am anxious and having an attack, which for me is always when around people. SPW is providing a great service by training dogs for veterans like myself that have a hard time leaving the house and without the help of the community they wouldn’t be able to help us veterans. We rely on SPW training our service dogs and all future service dogs, so please consider donating and volunteering so they can continue doing what they do day in and day out.
I don't really like talking about what I go through each day or whatever I have gone through in the past but I will do so because this organization is one like no other. SPW Ranger has changed my life for the better. He is incredibly well trained and people notice it. I get comments all the time about how well trained he is and how you can tell he is a REAL service dog. The work SPW does is beyond compare. I don't like to go places, I don't feel comfortable in large crowds and I don't like standing still. All of which SPW Ranger has helped me with. While I may never really like doing any of those things, I manage much better than I did before being gifted SPW Ranger. The gift that SPW gave me has not only helped me, it has helped my entire family. What you see if what you get when it comes to this organization. They care about the dogs and the vets, period.
I am writing this as a spouse of a PTSD Veteran. One day I walked into the groomer's lobby and saw a brochure for this organization. I had never heard of it before, even though I lived less than 30 miles away. But at that point I was desperate to find something that would help my spouse. When we went out there to check out the place, my husband spoke with the head gal for a long time. And I could tell, that he felt relief talking to someone who actually got what he was going through. This organization has changed our lives for the better. Every person we have come into contact with has been helpful, kind and passionate about what they are doing. I am so grateful that my husband was the recipient of one of SPW's dogs. The dog is so in tune with him and what he needs--having it around has helped our entire family. This is truly a fantastic nonprofit. They are transparent, diligent and never cease to advocate for veterans, the dogs and the cause. After so many years of trying to navigate the PTSD, we have found not just an organization to help, but a family--because that is what this nonprofit is.
Hello!
My name is Stefan Rose and I had the privilege on getting SPW Comet from Service Peace Warriors. If you have PTSD and you are a veteran this is the organization to go to. Shortly after graduating from the program my wife passed away. On top of dealing with my issues, this happened. Comet is a god send! I cannot thank SPW enough! Not only did they got my Comet, they checked in on me! This is such a blessing not only Comet but this organization is such a great program. Please know this is the people to use if you have that need.
I often choose not to do things, including doing things like this. I’m here to share how Service Peace Warriors has impacted my life. Since getting out of the Marines I have struggled every day, less so in the last year since I got my service dog, SPW Cadet. Having a service dog is no walk in the park, but I can’t say enough about how much good it has done for me. I have attended more events than I would have before and I find myself advocating for myself more often. I am thankful for the gift SPW gave me and if they had not given me a chance I do not know if anyone else would have. I’m hopeful and excited for the continued healing and impact that SPW Cadet will bring me.
As a Veteran, my wife and I started as Puppy Raisers for Service Peace Warriors several years ago. We have raised 2 puppies for the program and I am now paired with SPW Abram. My experience with SPW has been nothing but great. I am glad we found this program to help other vets in need. Mary, Chance and their team are the greatest and train an excellent service dog.
I was near being one of the 17, when I got my dog, Diesel. He saved me. I was one of two in the first group to get a dog from SPW. I searched for a place to get a service dog that was close to me, and found SPW, It was nice to find a place close due to the training that I got in order to get my dog.
He made a huge change in my outlook on life. I don't know what else to say except Thank you to SPW.
My name is Steve Cooper and I am the President of the SPW Board of Directors. I have accepted that role because I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of SPW and want to give back in any way possible to the organization that has saved my life.
SPW Violet and I have been paired up for nearly 6 years. The number of times that SPW Violet has saved my life cannot be counted. She brings a joy and comfort to my life and to my wife's life. I bring up my wife for the simple fact that with Violet around, my wife has a sense of security that I have the help I need for the times when my life, experiences, and memories are too much to go on.
As you can tell from the many reviews on here, Service Peace Warriors is a non-profit for Veterans with PTSD. This amazing non-profit was founded by an individual that also struggles with PTSD and understood the capabilities that a good, trained animal could provide to the many people out there struggling to survive.
Service Peace Warriors staff adopted Violet from a local rescue and started the preparation for turning this amazing animal into an incredible service animal.
I was selected by SPW Violet. Violet has been an amazing addition to the family, but mainly to me. Violet sleeps next to me and from the very first night she was in my home, she has been providing me a sense of peace and comfort.
She has woken me up as I am entering into one of my reoccurring nightmares. Because of that, I have not woken up in a panic and with a sense of failure nearly as often as before having her. Just that change alone has transformed my daily routine and kept me from straying down the rabbit hole of thinking of loss and suicide.
SPW Violet has flown with me all over the US and is a constant reminder of hope and encourages every Veteran out there struggling to seek assistance because you are all worth it!!
Mary and chance are the best trainers I have encountered. Their training program Is top notch. I have had 2 service dogs trained through service Peace Warriors which has saved my life and has let me travel the country via car and airplane. My first service dog literally saved my life. She helped me pull the gun out of my mouth on my worst day of my life. My love for this program is beyond measurable.
Crowley, my service dog, saved my life in more ways than I can count. Before he came into my world, I struggled deeply with PTSD and the weight of injuries from my military service. My home became my safe haven, but also my cage. The idea of stepping outside, even for a simple errand, was overwhelming. Crowley changed all of that.
With Crowley by my side, I found the courage to leave the house again. It started small—short walks in the neighborhood—but soon, I found myself going to stores, visiting parks, and even attending public events. He was my anchor in those moments of panic, gently leaning against me, nudging me back to the present, reminding me that I was safe. Crowley’s presence makes crowded spaces and noisy environments less intimidating; with him, I feel shielded from the storm of anxiety that used to stop me in my tracks.
Beyond helping me emotionally, Crowley has also been an incredible support for my physical needs. With lower body injuries from my service, tasks that used to be simple, like standing up from a chair or walking for longer distances, became daunting. Crowley is trained to help me with my mobility—he provides steady support when I need to get up, and he walks beside me at my pace, ready to assist whenever my legs feel weak. He’s given me the confidence to move freely again, without the constant fear of losing balance or being stranded without help.
Crowley has given me more than just mobility—he’s brought back a sense of independence I thought I'd lost. He's also my companion during those times when loneliness would creep in, late at night or on quiet days when the world felt far away. Crowley is always there, his gentle eye meeting mine, offering unconditional support without judgment.
He’s not just a service dog; he’s my lifeline, my partner, and my hope for a better tomorrow. The support I received from Service Peace Warriors has been life-changing, and I am endlessly grateful. They didn’t just train a dog—they helped me rebuild my life. Crowley is proof of what true companionship and love can do to heal both visible and invisible wounds, and I owe every step forward to him.
SPW Levi came into his human’s life six years ago. In that time, he has provided friendship, unconditional love, laughter, and a life full of adventures. Levi has changed the world around his handler simply by being present. His handler has the ability to live a fearless life where he once was crippled by trauma. Service Peace Warrior has provided Levi’s human the opportunity to not only live, but to thrive. Everyday we are grateful for SPW and the positive impact they’ve had on our family. From the bottom of our heart, we humbly thank SPW for this precious gift of life.
Service Peace Warriors pours their heart and soul into saving veterans lives one service dog at a time! Without my service dog I would be a hermit. Having a service dog gives me a new purpose that I needed for my life. Service Peace Warriors is dedicated to helping saving veteran lives. 100% non-profit organization I know
I cannot begin to describe all of the enumerable ways my life was improved since I was introduced to this organization and placed with my service dog, SPW Pursuit. Just this last May I flew on a plane to Alaska to spread a family member’s ashes - this was my first flight in over seven years - and I know I couldn’t have made the trip without SPW Pursuit. He has helped me through so many difficult situations and provided support / alerted others, in some situations even before I was aware I was in need. I am forever grateful I was able to start working with him before the fall of Afghanistan as I don’t honestly know how I would’ve managed the news without him. SPW Pursuit and Service Peace Warriors have vastly improved my life and my ability to function in situations that would’ve previously been incomprehensible. I likely wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for working with SPW Pursuit and finding this wonderful organization. I can’t thank Service Peace Warriors enough.
I’ve had SPW Victory for over a year and a half, and literally everywhere I go, people say, “Now THAT is a service dog!” She wins the hearts of so many people the moment we walk into a room, but none more than mine.
Being a veteran who’s significantly struggled with PTSD, receiving Victory has been the most active work with myself in the areas I just don’t have words for. She helps me, she listens to me, she sees me when nobody else does, and she’s always there for me. She’s changed my life, and I’m so grateful to Service Peace Warriors for working so diligently in training her (and me in handling her) so that we can have the best life possible together!
My doctor recommended Service Peace Warriors and I was so excited when my application was approved. My parents drove me to the interview, since I don’t drive long distances. I have seizures, but I’ve been seizure free for 3 years.
I don’t remember the whole interview, because there was a fluff ball in the room with us. It was a rough coat collie, just a ball of fluff. Then I heard the words, “how would you like to have Paisley (collie).” I was beside myself, of course I replied yes. I think, I laughingly said, what will I do with all that hair.
The program for a service dog through Service Peace Warriors (SPW), is 8 weekends long. I conquered my fear of driving and was present for all 8 weeks. SPW Paisley makes everything possible for me.
SPW Paisley has been with me for over a year and it has been a godsend. I have crippling depression and just getting out of bed is hard. Paisley happily gets me up every morning, she is so precious to me. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Now for her hair, I take her to a groomer.
I recently was involved in a hit and run, resulting in a total loss to the vehicle. Also, I’m purchasing a new home. Thank goodness she was at the groomers when the hit and run occurred. My new vehicle caters to her. And it’s a bright color, so no one can miss us. It’s been extremely stressful, but having SPW Paisley by my side relieved most of the stress. She always has me in her sights and she never goes very far from me.
I am forever grateful to the nonprofit group Service Peace Warriors.
I received a Wilco (Service Dog) in 2020, he has been life saving!
I don't remember the intake interview very well (triggered), but when I came back to awareness there were tears running down my cheeks, and I was greeted with a compassionate smile from the Owner. Shortly after, I was paired with Wilco and we went through our certification process. They were clear with regards to all instructions on how to care for and behave so that our dogs remain of service to us. This is assessed in their recertification process. My experience with recertifications have been; they don't waste our time, meaning it is a concise activity.
Service Peace Warrior deals with Veterans from all backgrounds, as such have to revise their policies from time to time. I have difficulty sometimes keeping up, but they have always been reasonable with regards to policy revisions.
Attached is a photo of Wilco, who took me on my first vacation in at least 10 years. He brings life back into my life.
I was in a deep dark void. I had gotten injured at work and I didn't realize anything was wrong. My wife said I needed to get some help talk to someone. I called my therapist at the local vet center and he asked if I have ever thought about a service dog. I said yes but i couldn't afford one. He said that service Peace Warriors donate them to the veterans for free who have ptsd. I got the number and called and set up a interview. I went for my interview and as I walked into the gate this service dog was up my behind and during the interview he never left my side as he laid at my feet. I have had my service dog for 3 years now and he has changed my life. I didn't like leaving the house or going anywhere. If I did I liked to sit where I could see everyone now I could kinda care less when he is with me. He has helped so much that even other people that knew me before I had him said I have changed. He has also helped my family. We will be forever grateful to service Peace Warriors for the wonderful service dog they donated to me
I am a volunteer puppy raiser for Service Peace Warriors. I was given a German Shepherd puppy to care for in my home. They gave me training and provided all vet care and grooming. I am responsible to get the puppy socialized and out in public. When the dog is old enough and ready to start his vested training, I will return him to the facility. Once he is paired with a veteran or first responder, I will get to meet them and see them working together. Service Peace Warriors provides such an important service for those who suffer from PTSD. I am proud to help by raising a puppy who will have such an important purpose. He will save someone's life! I am proud to represent Service Peace Warriors in public in our community. The puppy is so well behaved and has been like that since I had him. The dog trainers at Service Peace Warriors are so knowledgeable and train the dogs to do amazing things. All the employees at the facility put the dogs' wellbeing first. The dogs are happy and healthy. The veterans who come for training or recertification have shared so many stories of how their dogs have helped them. I am thankful to have the opportunity to work with such an important nonprofit.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this incredible program—from the donors and puppy raisers to the office team and trainers. Your collective efforts have truly been remarkable, and I cannot thank you enough.
As someone who struggles with PTSD, mobility issues, and severe chronic pain, compounded by over 22 surgeries, daily life can be overwhelming. It often feels isolating and burdensome, affecting my ability to maintain friendships, work, and even my will to live. This has placed significant strain on my marriage as well.
However, the day I was accepted into the program and paired with Cobra marked a turning point for me—a moment when hope returned to my life. From the very beginning, Cobra and I forged an immediate bond, and I am grateful to the team for making such a perfect match.
The training experience itself was surprisingly therapeutic. Being surrounded by others who truly understand what I’m going through created a sense of community that is rare and invaluable. It was heartwarming to witness the pride and joy the SPW team exudes when they match the right dog with a veteran or first responder.
Even after training concluded, the support from the team continued, offering guidance on questions, training challenges, and access issues. This experience not only gifted me a loyal companion but also provided me with a renewed sense of purpose, new friendships, and a supportive network.
Cobra has changed my life in countless ways. He wakes me from night terrors, provides comfort during painful episodes, stabilizes me when I need support, and calms me in moments of anger. His presence has been a lifeline, restoring pieces of my life that I thought were lost forever.
I am deeply thankful to the SPW team for their unwavering dedication to helping veterans and first responders. I look forward to being a part of the SPW family for many years to come, and I will always carry this experience in my heart. Thank you for everything you do.