About Us

OUR Mission

TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED SERVICE DOGS TO DISABLED VETERANS AND 1ST RESPONDERS.

PROVIDED AT NO COST TO THE SERVICE MEMBER:

THE DOG & THE DOG’S PROFESSIONAL SERVICE TRAINING

ALL AMENITIES THE DOG NEEDS FOR TRAINING

THE DOG’S CERTIFICATION AND 3 DAY TRAINING PERIOD FOR THE RECIPIENT AND DOG WITH THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINER

SOP

SHEPHERDS FOR SHEEPDOGS INC. SERVES SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN IN TWO UNIQUE WAYS: APPLICANTS CAN APPLY FOR A DOG OR THEY CAN TRAIN THEIR OWN.

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE A DOG.

CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR CURRENT DOG TRAINED.

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH FORTIFIED K9

Shepherds for Sheepdogs Inc. is proud to partner with Fortified K9, located just outside of Murfreesboro, TN. Owned and operated by former K9 officer Steve Massey, Fortified K9 is known for producing top-tier professional working dogs. Steve specializes in training protection and detection dogs that demonstrate both exceptional behavior and drive. Not all dogs are alike—while some excel in task-driven roles, others naturally develop a higher level of emotional intelligence and connection with people. Dogs with strong task drive are often contracted for government work, while those with greater emotional sensitivity are ideal candidates for service animal training. In addition to professionally bred dogs, Shepherds for Sheepdogs also considers applicants who already have a strong bond with their own dog. These previously owned dogs are carefully evaluated for health, behavior, and cognitive ability to determine their suitability for service work. If the dog meets the necessary criteria, they are accepted into the program and trained specifically to meet their handler’s needs. As a former first responder himself, Steve understands the growing need for service dogs among service members. He thoughtfully separates each litter of dogs, designating some for government work and others for personal use. Steve generously offers Shepherds for Sheepdogs access to his service dogs at a discounted rate and donates his time to work one-on-one with recipients, providing hands-on training to ensure proper dog handling. Each dog accepted into the program will receive customized training based on the individual needs and disabilities of the applicant. The dog, all training, necessary supplies during training, and a 3-day in-person training period with the recipient are provided at no cost to the veteran or first responder.

more about Fortified K9

WHAT TO EXPECT

APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED AS EACH STEP OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS COMPLETED, AS EACH SUBMISSION DETERMINES ELIGIBILITY. AFTER AN APPLICANT IS SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM A DATE WILL BE SELECTED FOR THE RECIPIENT TO TRAVEL TO THE TRAINING FACILITY IN TN TO EITHER INTERACT WITH STEVE’S DOGS AND SELECT THE ONE THEY LIKE OR DELIVER THEIR DOG TO STEVE FOR TRAINING.THE 3 DAY TRAINING PERIOD BETWEEN THE RECIPIENT AND DOG WILL OCCUR SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 2-4 MONTHS AFTER THE ORIGINAL VISIT OR DROP OFF. THIS TIME IS BASED ON THE TYPE OF DISABILITY AND SKILLS THE DOG IS REQUIRED TO LEARN.

TRAVEL/LODGING EXPENSES ARE NOT COVERED BY S4S.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

US VETERAN OR FIRST RESPONDER WITH A SERVICE RELATED DISABILITY

SUBMISSION OF S4S APPLICATION, INCLUDING: DD214, DISABILITY RATING FROM THE VA (FOR VETERANS) OR A DIAGNOSED DISABILITY FROM A PHYSICIAN (FOR FIRST RESPONDER), AND 3 REFERENCES (2 PERSONAL, 1 PROFESSIONAL).

SUBMISSION OF BACKGROUND CHECK ($60.00 NON-REFUNDABLE)

FOR APPLICANTS USING THEIR OWN DOGS ONLY:

HEALTH SCREENING FROM LOCAL VET

DOG BEHAVIORAL SCREENING APPOINTMENT (TBD)

MEET OUR BOARD

SHEPHERDS FOR SHEEPDOGS INC WAS CREATED BY A GROUP OF PATRIOTS - SOME VETERANS, SOME LAW ENFORCEMENT - ALL SERVANTS. OUR INDIVIDUAL AND UNIQUE BACKGROUNDS GIVES US EACH EXPERIENCE IN HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED OF HELP, BUT OUR GOD-GIVEN IDENTITIES GIVES US HEARTS AND COMPASSION FOR THOSE WE CAN HELP.

JUST AS A SHEEPDOG PROTECTS THE FLOCK, A SHEPHERD PROVIDES PROVISION, PROTECTION, AND DIRECTION TO THE SHEEPDOG.

At Shepherds for Sheepdogs Inc, our program pairs trained canine shepherds with the human sheepdogs — the veterans, first responders, and protectors — who have stood in the gap between civilians and danger. These individuals have served selflessly, often without recognition, keeping us safe even when we didn’t know we needed it.

But there is another Shepherd — the Good Shepherd — who offers something even greater: Unlimited provision. Ultimate protection. True and lasting peace.

OUR FOUNDATION IS BUILT ON PSALM 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

If you — civilian or hero alike — are seeking to know the Good Shepherd personally, we invite you to reach out through our contact page. We would be honored to walk alongside you on that journey.