You’re Invited to Celebrate 20 Years of Freedom Dogs

Some of the deepest wounds never show up on an X ray. For service members coming home with PTSD or a traumatic brain injury, recovery can feel like a long and quiet road. At Camp Pendleton, some of them are walking it with a loyal dog at their side.

For those service members, that dog may come from Freedom Dogs, a nonprofit that pairs specially trained service dogs with wounded warriors in recovery. The dogs are trained right here in Oceanside, and the organization works side by side with the Wounded Warrior Battalion West at Camp Pendleton. Every program is free for the men and women who use it, and I am proud to serve on its board.

After twenty years as a Marine Corps spouse, I have known a lot of families who came home carrying something they could not put into words. A dog does not need the story explained. It shows up every morning and gives someone a reason to get out the door.

This year Freedom Dogs turns 20, and I would love for you to celebrate with us.

Saturday, November 14, 2026
6 to 10 PM
SeaWorld San Diego Nautilus Pavilion

The evening includes up close animal encounters, a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories of healing. Individual tickets start at $350, and sponsorships and tables are available too. RSVP and see ticket options HERE.

Other Ways to Help

Each dog costs about $50,000 to train, and the program runs on donations. There are three ways in:

Give https://www.freedomdogs.org/donate

Volunteer https://www.freedomdogs.org/volunteer

Or raise a puppy! https://www.freedomdogs.org/what-we-do/raise-a-puppy

If you are moving to North County on orders, you are moving into a community that takes care of its own. Freedom Dogs is one of the reasons I am glad to live and work here.

Planning a PCS move? Start with our 2026 Camp Pendleton PCS Housing Guide or schedule a call with me. I would love to hear from you!