Give Hope, Change a Life, Win the War at Home
Every donation brings us closer to transforming lives — be part of this life-changing journey today! We are a 501(c)3
About us
Our Mission
Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to training elite German Shepherd service dogs for 100% disabled U.S. veterans— at no cost to them. Our mission is to empower, heal, and provide unwavering support through the loyalty and dedication of these incredible dogs.
G.S.S.D FAMILY
Your follow isn’t just a click, it helps us reach more veterans who need support, connect with families, share success stories, and grow a community that truly makes a difference. Every like, share, and comment expands our mission and helps us continue providing trained service dogs to those living with PTSD and other
Meet the G.s.s.d. team
Andrew Garner - Founder
Dan Raetz - Vice President
Dan Raetz - Vice President
From 2011 to 2017, Andrew served as an Army Infantryman with both the 10th Mountain Division and the 4th Infantry Division. During those years, Andrew was exposed to the hardships and challenges that come with military service, which eventually led to a medically retired status. Like many veterans, the transition back to civilian life wa
From 2011 to 2017, Andrew served as an Army Infantryman with both the 10th Mountain Division and the 4th Infantry Division. During those years, Andrew was exposed to the hardships and challenges that come with military service, which eventually led to a medically retired status. Like many veterans, the transition back to civilian life was difficult and filled with mental and emotional struggles.
In 2024, after facing personal battles, including two suicide attempts, Andrew received a service dog named Kona, a companion that would ultimately change the course of life. With unwavering support, loyalty, and love, the service dog not only provided emotional relief but also gave Andrew a sense of purpose again. Allowing him to focus on his 2 children Grayson and Emberlynn. It was through this transformative experience that the vision for Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs was born.
“ I want to help people like me, the ones who have tried several medications from the VA the failed therapy sessions from them” I want to help the “Knuckle draggers the ones who have been searching for help and feel it’s the end of the road, or that its not coming” -Andrew Garner
Through this nonprofit, Andrew is dedicated to helping other veterans who are experiencing similar struggles. The goal is to provide them with the support they need through highly trained service dogs, allowing them to reclaim their lives, find hope, and regain independence.
Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs is not just about pairing dogs with veterans — it’s about creating a lasting bond that supports mental well-being, recovery, and healing. As the founder, Andrew understands firsthand how vital this connection is, and it is their commitment to share that hope and healing with as many veterans as possible.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the life-changing support of a service dog, or if you want to get involved with this mission, please reach out. Together, we can help our heroes heal, one paw at a time.
Dan Raetz - Vice President
Dan Raetz - Vice President
Dan Raetz - Vice President
I grew up around the GSD breed my entire life, whether it be my parents dogs, my dogs, or with the working K9’s and their handlers while working at the Rapid City Police Department. I’ve loved the breed and have always enjoyed getting to work with or training my current dog, Chaos. I’m an avid outdoorsman and adventurer and enjoy as much
I grew up around the GSD breed my entire life, whether it be my parents dogs, my dogs, or with the working K9’s and their handlers while working at the Rapid City Police Department. I’ve loved the breed and have always enjoyed getting to work with or training my current dog, Chaos. I’m an avid outdoorsman and adventurer and enjoy as much time as I can outdoors in the Black Hills and around the nation hiking, camping, and climbing.
Robin England - Secretary
Dan Raetz - Vice President
Jay Almond - Board Member
Robin is a functional & rehabilitative massage therapist and stretch therapist at Black Hills Bodywork and is dedicated to helping others, whether through the healing touch of massage or supporting causes she believes in.
"I grew up in Spearfish in a family that was always immersed in the outdoors and loved our 4-legged family members. I
Robin is a functional & rehabilitative massage therapist and stretch therapist at Black Hills Bodywork and is dedicated to helping others, whether through the healing touch of massage or supporting causes she believes in.
"I grew up in Spearfish in a family that was always immersed in the outdoors and loved our 4-legged family members. I can't remember a time we didn't have a dog! I have also always been a big supporter of our military. Although I never enlisted, I enjoyed the kid experience through Civil Air Patrol, which gave me some amazing guidance through my high school years. I'm proud to be able to do what I can for our veterans as this is a great need in our community, and hopefully, we can expand to help many more!".
Jay Almond - Board Member
Dan Raetz - Vice President
Jay Almond - Board Member
Jay is a lifetime German Shepherd owner and currently works in the heavy equipment industry to feed his 130-pound,4-legged baby! He spends his weekends hiking the Badlands with his pups and girlfriend. When Jay was asked to be on the board, he never hesitated. He keeps us level-headed, and we could not be happier to have him with us!
Meet the G.s.s.d. team
Jaysen Dugan
Jaysen Dugan, 30, was born in Rapid City and forged in the quiet grit of Vermillion, South Dakota, a place where work ethic isn’t taught, it’s inherited. He cut his teeth at Mead Lumber, where he’s spent four years driving revenue as a Sales Representative and Estimator, building homes on paper while quietly architecting his own future.
A
Jaysen Dugan, 30, was born in Rapid City and forged in the quiet grit of Vermillion, South Dakota, a place where work ethic isn’t taught, it’s inherited. He cut his teeth at Mead Lumber, where he’s spent four years driving revenue as a Sales Representative and Estimator, building homes on paper while quietly architecting his own future.
At home, Jaysen is grounded by his partner Brittany, their three incredible kids Skylah, Korbin, and Karson, and a three-dog squad: Kona the German Shepherd, Kevin the toy poodle–shih tzu wildcard, and Max the corgi with main-character energy. Together, they form the fuel behind everything he builds.
When the clock stops, Jaysen doesn’t. He dives headfirst into his passions obsessing over sneakers, crafting new ideas into physical form, disappearing into fishing spots, or chasing a trailhead just to see what’s on the other side. He’s jumped out of planes, roamed music festivals across the map, and earned a Seminary degree along the way, grounding him in a faith-first philosophy: God, family, country—always in that order.
Today, Jaysen is channeling every mile of his journey into DIRT by Jaysen, a rising brand with the ambition to disrupt streetwear through authenticity, grit, and unapologetic storytelling. What he builds isn’t just clothing it’s conviction stitched into fabric On that Journey He is here to Support amazing Veterans and helping them fight the war at home!
He’s not here to fit into the industry.
He’s here to move it.
Meet g.s.s.d. k9 trainers
Hannah England
Hannah England
Hannah England
Hello! I’m Hannah England, Owner and Trainer at K9 Tactics, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and passion for working with dogs. Born and raised in the picturesque town of Spearfish, South Dakota, I have always had a deep connection with animals, particularly our four-legged friends. Growing up in such a beautiful environm
Hello! I’m Hannah England, Owner and Trainer at K9 Tactics, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and passion for working with dogs. Born and raised in the picturesque town of Spearfish, South Dakota, I have always had a deep connection with animals, particularly our four-legged friends. Growing up in such a beautiful environment allowed me to cultivate my love for nature and animals, shaping the foundation of my career.
My journey into dog training began as a personal endeavor. I vividly remember the joy and fulfillment I felt when I trained my first dog. It sparked a passion that fueled my desire to understand canine behavior and the unique bond humans can share with their pets. I pursued formal education and certification in canine training to deepen my knowledge and skills. This journey has not only enriched my life but also equipped me with the tools necessary to help others forge meaningful relationships with their dogs.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the transformation that occurs when dogs and their owners embrace training together. It’s incredible to see the bond strengthen as they learn and grow as a team. I am committed to empowering each client to develop patience and consistency, which are key to successful training. I find immense joy in being a part of this journey, and I take great pride in the success stories that emerge from my programs.
When I’m not training dogs, you can often find me exploring the beautiful Black Hills, hiking with my own dogs, or playing Animal Crossing. I believe that every dog deserves a loving home and a second chance, and I’m passionate about advocating for animal welfare.
I'm beyond excited to be apart of this amazing mission to help give veterans their peace and independence back, through the bond of man and dog.
Tori Blair
Hannah England
Hannah England
Hi friends! I’m Tori, one of the trainers here at Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs and I couldn’t be more excited to share a little bit about myself.
I am born and raised here in the amazing Black Hills of South Dakota.
I’ve always loved animals — especially dogs. My “soul dog” was the one who truly sparked my passion for training. Once we h
Hi friends! I’m Tori, one of the trainers here at Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs and I couldn’t be more excited to share a little bit about myself.
I am born and raised here in the amazing Black Hills of South Dakota.
I’ve always loved animals — especially dogs. My “soul dog” was the one who truly sparked my passion for training. Once we had gone through all the basics, I found myself getting creative, task training him just to keep challenging his mind and mine. That experience ended up becoming my specialty and my favorite part of training.
When I lost him two years ago, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. But I also knew I couldn’t let the drive and passion he gave me fade away. I wanted to honor him by continuing to train, to pour that energy into helping other dogs grow into their fullest potential.
At home, I’m lucky enough to share my life with three family German Shepherds, plus one very special German Shepherd pup who is in training to be my own service dog. They keep me on my toes and constantly remind me why I love what I do.
Now, being able to train service dogs for Veterans is both an honor and a dream come true. These dogs aren’t just learning commands — they’re learning how to become reliable partners, providing comfort, support, and independence for the heroes who need them most.
I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you all — from the silly moments to the big breakthroughs. Thanks for being here to support not only our incredible dogs, but also the Veterans whose lives they’ll change forever.
Wear the mission. Share the mission.
G.s.s.d. merchandise
When you rep Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs, you’re doing more than wearing a hoodie or slapping on a decal, you’re helping change a veteran’s life. Every purchase directly supports our mission to train reliable, life-saving service dogs for veterans in need.
A Huge thank you to Our Partners
