Training SDIT Odin on navigating an escalator

Training SDIT Odin, and Astrid on public access at the mall.

Trainers Hannah, and Tori

This week, we had the honor of introducing our first Marine veteran applicant to the puppy who may one day become his service dog. He's a confident, 18-week-old German Shepherd with all the potential in the world.

This isn’t a final pairing or a finished process. It’s the very beginning of what we hope will grow into a strong bond between a veteran and a future service dog. Right now, it’s all about early connection, trust building, and setting the foundation for the journey ahead.

Watching them meet for the first time was powerful. Two lives, each shaped by discipline and heart, starting something meaningful together.

There’s still a lot of training to come, but today was about hope and possibility. We’re proud to support them every step of the way.

Stay tuned as we follow their story from puppyhood to partnership.

Meet Astrid, Service Dog in Training and Her Veteran battle buddy Steve Lucero

Today is a milestone moment here at Guardian Shepherd Service Dogs. We are Honored to announce the pairing of Astrid, our dedicated service dog in training, with her Air Force veteran of 21 years Steve Lucero. We are so excited to see this team grow! 

From day one, Astrid has shown the heart, focus, and compassion essential for a service dog and pairing her with her veteran 

will allow us to finish her advanced training and tailor her Service Dog tasks to her Veteran. 

Why this pairing matters

Our mission is to give disabled veterans not just a dog, but a life-changing partner a canine who understands, supports, and helps navigate daily challenges. Guardian Shepherd specializes in pairing highly trained German Shepherds with veterans in need. At zero cost to them. 

The journey ahead

This pairing is just the beginning. Astrid and Steve will continue bonding together, meanwhile Astrid will be spending every day refining the skills and tasks needed for helping Steve as his service dog . Our goal is that Astrid becomes a reliable, intuitive support system ,whether it’s in public spaces, during stressful moments, or simply walking alongside Steve. He will now have a battle buddy every day reminding him he is not alone.

You can help too

Every step in training, every resource, every volunteer hour, every donation it all helps this team grow stronger. Together, we not only build a service dog program, we give veterans a partner for life.

Help us celebrate this new team by leaving them some love below — and if you want to learn how to support or get involved, message us anytime.

#GuardianShepherd #ServiceDogInTraining #VeteranSupport #WarriorStrong