{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/pets/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/pets/", "feed_url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/tag/pets/feed/json/", "title": "American Lifestyle Magazine", "description": "Entertainment that Inspires and Motivates", "items": [ { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/helpful-hounds-for-heroes/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/helpful-hounds-for-heroes/", "title": "Helpful Hounds for Heroes", "content_html": "
Photos courtesy of: freedom service dogs of america
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Kendle Frank, content coordinator at Freedom Service Dogs of America, shares the paw-some story of the Colorado nonprofit\u2019s work matching assistance dogs with service members and others in need.

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Would you share the origins of your organization and its purpose?
\nFreedom Service Dogs of America was founded in 1987 by PJ and Michael Roche, and since then, we\u2019ve grown from a two-person effort to one of the country\u2019s largest assistance dog organizations. We are accredited by Assistance Dogs International, a worldwide accreditation coalition that sets high standards for care, health, and training of assistance dogs all over the world.

\n

Our mission is to custom-train and purpose-breed service, professional therapy, facility, and skilled companion dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. We also serve adults with autism or mobility challenges, as well as professionals providing mental health and crisis-support services. Recipients get their own assistance dogs and lifetime support services at no cost to them, thanks to our community of supporters.

\n

 

\n
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\n

 

\n

How and where do the service animals undergo training?
\nMost of our service dogs-in-training\u2014Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and mixes of the two\u2014are a result of our in-house purpose breeding program here in Colorado. They are born on-site and spend their first few weeks of life in our nursery, where they undergo socialization and enrichment from our staff and volunteers.

\n

They then receive their first formal training with our prison puppy-training program partners before being matched with a volunteer puppy raiser, who provides ongoing socialization and basic training until they reach adulthood. During that time, FSD covers the cost of their veterinary care, food, and supplies.

\n

At about fourteen months old, our dogs return to the FSD facility for formal training, where they start working on advanced service dog cues and begin their custom training process. Our dogs learn to perform up to forty unique tasks that are directly related to an individual\u2019s particular needs. For example, if someone living with mobility challenges has a hard time bending over, we can train a dog to do tasks such as pressing automatic door buttons and pulling laundry out of the dryer.

\n

When we have a dog who we believe may be a candidate for someone on our wait list based on their skills and temperament, the individual comes to our facility to make sure the dog is a good fit. Once a match is made, the person returns for a two-week placement class, where they practice the custom cues their dog learned and go on outings with our trainers and the other teams to learn how to navigate public spaces.

\n

At the end of the placement class, we hold a graduation celebration for the team and they officially begin their life together. They\u2019ll continue receiving ongoing support services, including additional training and guidance. When an assistance dog retires at around age eight or nine, the recipient will have the opportunity to receive a successor dog to fill their place.

\n

 

\n
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Would you break down the types of services your dogs provide?
\nOur service dogs can learn to perform life-changing tasks such as creating space in crowds, retrieving dropped items or medication, performing deep-pressure therapy, and more. Our PTSD assist dogs can also be trained to do things like recognize and interrupt anxious behaviors and flashbacks and awaken veterans and first responders from nightmares.

\n

In addition, our professional therapy dogs and facility dogs are placed with professionals who provide mental health or crisis support services, including clinical therapists and members of law enforcement. Their main role is to provide joy, comfort, and stress relief to the public and specific populations, such as those within hospitals, schools, fire stations, and police departments.

\n

Finally, our skilled companion dogs are partnered with first responders, veterans, active-duty military members and their families, and Gold Star families. While these pups aren\u2019t trained to perform specialized tasks and don\u2019t have public access rights like service dogs, they are skilled at providing loving comfort, and their main purpose is to bring joy to service members and their families.

\n

 

\n
\"\"
\n

 

\n

What kind of impact does Freedom Service Dogs of America make?
\nWe take great care to ensure that each dog in our program is placed with the person or situation where they\u2019ll have the greatest impact. If a dog is not meeting our high standards of health or temperament required to graduate as an assistance dog, they may find an alternative career as an FSD skilled companion dog or be placed as a pet with a loving member of our community.

\n

Our work is truly life-changing for both humans and dogs alike. Our dogs love their roles as assistance animals. We like to say our dogs wag while they work. And with an FSD dog by their side, individuals can go from being isolated to living a life filled with joy, hope, and independence.

\n

For more info, freedomservicedogs.org

\n

The post Helpful Hounds for Heroes appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "Photos courtesy of: freedom service dogs of america\nKendle Frank, content coordinator at Freedom Service Dogs of America, shares the paw-some story of the Colorado nonprofit\u2019s work matching assistance dogs with service members and others in need.\nWould you share the origins of your organization and its purpose?\nFreedom Service Dogs of America was founded in 1987 by PJ and Michael Roche, and since then, we\u2019ve grown from a two-person effort to one of the country\u2019s largest assistance dog organizations. We are accredited by Assistance Dogs International, a worldwide accreditation coalition that sets high standards for care, health, and training of assistance dogs all over the world.\nOur mission is to custom-train and purpose-breed service, professional therapy, facility, and skilled companion dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. We also serve adults with autism or mobility challenges, as well as professionals providing mental health and crisis-support services. Recipients get their own assistance dogs and lifetime support services at no cost to them, thanks to our community of supporters.\n \n\n \nHow and where do the service animals undergo training?\nMost of our service dogs-in-training\u2014Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, and mixes of the two\u2014are a result of our in-house purpose breeding program here in Colorado. They are born on-site and spend their first few weeks of life in our nursery, where they undergo socialization and enrichment from our staff and volunteers.\nThey then receive their first formal training with our prison puppy-training program partners before being matched with a volunteer puppy raiser, who provides ongoing socialization and basic training until they reach adulthood. During that time, FSD covers the cost of their veterinary care, food, and supplies.\nAt about fourteen months old, our dogs return to the FSD facility for formal training, where they start working on advanced service dog cues and begin their custom training process. Our dogs learn to perform up to forty unique tasks that are directly related to an individual\u2019s particular needs. For example, if someone living with mobility challenges has a hard time bending over, we can train a dog to do tasks such as pressing automatic door buttons and pulling laundry out of the dryer.\nWhen we have a dog who we believe may be a candidate for someone on our wait list based on their skills and temperament, the individual comes to our facility to make sure the dog is a good fit. Once a match is made, the person returns for a two-week placement class, where they practice the custom cues their dog learned and go on outings with our trainers and the other teams to learn how to navigate public spaces.\nAt the end of the placement class, we hold a graduation celebration for the team and they officially begin their life together. They\u2019ll continue receiving ongoing support services, including additional training and guidance. When an assistance dog retires at around age eight or nine, the recipient will have the opportunity to receive a successor dog to fill their place.\n \n\n \nWould you break down the types of services your dogs provide?\nOur service dogs can learn to perform life-changing tasks such as creating space in crowds, retrieving dropped items or medication, performing deep-pressure therapy, and more. Our PTSD assist dogs can also be trained to do things like recognize and interrupt anxious behaviors and flashbacks and awaken veterans and first responders from nightmares.\nIn addition, our professional therapy dogs and facility dogs are placed with professionals who provide mental health or crisis support services, including clinical therapists and members of law enforcement. Their main role is to provide joy, comfort, and stress relief to the public and specific populations, such as those within hospitals, schools, fire stations, and police departments.\nFinally, our skilled companion dogs are partnered with first responders, veterans, active-duty military members and their families, and Gold Star families. While these pups aren\u2019t trained to perform specialized tasks and don\u2019t have public access rights like service dogs, they are skilled at providing loving comfort, and their main purpose is to bring joy to service members and their families.\n \n\n \nWhat kind of impact does Freedom Service Dogs of America make?\nWe take great care to ensure that each dog in our program is placed with the person or situation where they\u2019ll have the greatest impact. If a dog is not meeting our high standards of health or temperament required to graduate as an assistance dog, they may find an alternative career as an FSD skilled companion dog or be placed as a pet with a loving member of our community.\nOur work is truly life-changing for both humans and dogs alike. Our dogs love their roles as assistance animals. We like to say our dogs wag while they work. And with an FSD dog by their side, individuals can go from being isolated to living a life filled with joy, hope, and independence.\nFor more info, freedomservicedogs.org\nThe post Helpful Hounds for Heroes appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2026-08-19T08:00:54-04:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-05T17:46:32-04:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hounds-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Charity", "Dogs", "First Responder", "Nonprofit", "Pets", "Service Animals", "Veterans", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Get a glimpse into Freedom Service Dogs of America\u2019s work matching assistance animals with people in need." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/a-sit-down-with-a-dog-photographer/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/a-sit-down-with-a-dog-photographer/", "title": "A Sit-Down with a Dog Photographer", "content_html": "

The post A Sit-Down with a Dog Photographer appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post A Sit-Down with a Dog Photographer appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2025-06-17T08:00:07-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-16T11:02:56-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Dogs", "Pets", "Photographer", "Photography", "Family & Pets" ], "summary": "A professional lets us inside her world, including her secrets for getting pooches to behave and her job\u2019s greater good. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/a-fetching-museum/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/a-fetching-museum/", "title": "A Fetching Museum", "content_html": "

The post A Fetching Museum appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post A Fetching Museum appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2025-06-11T08:00:13-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-16T12:05:53-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Art", "Cultural", "Culture", "Dog", "Dogs", "History", "Museum", "Pets", "Family & Pets" ], "summary": "Step inside an amazing New York institution dedicated to man\u2019s best friend." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/the-healing-power-of-pets/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/the-healing-power-of-pets/", "title": "The Healing Power of Pets", "content_html": "

The post The Healing Power of Pets appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Healing Power of Pets appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2025-05-14T08:00:52-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-04-16T09:21:42-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Charitable", "Charity", "Pennsylvania", "Pets", "Well Being", "Family & Pets" ], "summary": "Discover how animals are being used in volunteer settings for therapeutic care." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/curl-up-at-these-cat-cafes/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/curl-up-at-these-cat-cafes/", "title": "Curl Up at These Cat Caf\u00e9s", "content_html": "

The post Curl Up at These Cat Caf\u00e9s appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Curl Up at These Cat Caf\u00e9s appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2024-07-01T08:00:34-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-05-16T12:22:45-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Cafe", "Cats", "Coffee", "Pets", "Vacation", "Family & Pets", "Travel" ], "summary": "Enjoy the cutest cup of coffee ever at one of these cat caf\u00e9s." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/amazing-dog-friendly-vacation-destinations/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/travel/amazing-dog-friendly-vacation-destinations/", "title": "Amazing Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations", "content_html": "

The post Amazing Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Amazing Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2024-06-14T08:00:18-04:00", "date_modified": "2024-07-18T11:28:13-04:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Alcohol", "California", "Colorado", "Illinois", "Maryland", "New Jersey", "Pets", "Travel", "Vermont", "Family & Pets" ], "summary": "Plan a trip with your pooch to one of these locations for summer fun." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/reptile-and-amphibian-pet-care-tips/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/reptile-and-amphibian-pet-care-tips/", "title": "Reptile and Amphibian Pet Care Tips", "content_html": "

The post Reptile and Amphibian Pet Care Tips appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Reptile and Amphibian Pet Care Tips appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-06-16T12:32:41-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-16T13:14:27-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Pet Care", "Pet Health", "Pets", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "General advice for those seeking out exotic reptile or amphibian pets." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/littlest-meows/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/littlest-meows/", "title": "Littlest Meows", "content_html": "

The post Littlest Meows appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Littlest Meows appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-06-05T13:42:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-09-24T15:13:41-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Cat", "Pets", "Editorial", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Hannah Shaw devotes her life to teaching people how to rescue kittens." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/picky-eating-pets/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/picky-eating-pets/", "title": "Picky-Eating Pets", "content_html": "

The post Picky-Eating Pets appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Picky-Eating Pets appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-06-02T15:14:18-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-16T13:44:36-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Health", "Pet Health", "Pets", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Tips on what to do if your pet turns up its nose at feeding times." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/animal-friends/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/animal-friends/", "title": "Animal Friends", "content_html": "

The post Animal Friends appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Animal Friends appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2023-05-22T12:50:52-04:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-16T13:52:50-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Charity", "Pets", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture", "Travel" ], "summary": "Rescued farm animals find refuge at the Lancaster Farm Sanctuary. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/pet-travel-care/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/pet-travel-care/", "title": "How to Care for Your Pet When Traveling", "content_html": "

The post How to Care for Your Pet When Traveling appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post How to Care for Your Pet When Traveling appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2022-07-20T13:22:24-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-12-06T19:44:59-05:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Pets", "Summer", "Travel", "Editorial", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Plan ahead to keep your animals safe while you\u2019re on vacation. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/all-about-axolotls/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/all-about-axolotls/", "title": "All About Axolotls", "content_html": "

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\n", "content_text": "The post All About Axolotls appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2022-06-24T15:53:28-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-12-06T13:25:13-05:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Editorial", "Pets", "Family & Pets", "Life & Culture" ], "summary": "Learn more about these exotic, endangered, amazing amphibians." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/6-fantastic-ways-to-celebrate-national-dog-day/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/6-fantastic-ways-to-celebrate-national-dog-day/", "title": "6 Fantastic Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day", "content_html": "

The post 6 Fantastic Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post 6 Fantastic Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2021-08-16T07:00:40-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-01-03T12:01:19-05:00", "author": { "name": "nsmith", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/nsmith/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3d67ac53f12c73e61ee77b0259dda05a32dbf3ef85f5e20f24f2e7ba6515c098?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Dog", "National Dog Day", "Pets", "Family & Pets", "Holiday & Entertaining" ], "summary": "Use these ideas to celebrate your pooch on National Dog Day." }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/make-yard-pet-friendly/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/family-pets/make-yard-pet-friendly/", "title": "Make Your Yard More Pet Friendly", "content_html": "

The post Make Your Yard More Pet Friendly appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Make Your Yard More Pet Friendly appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2021-06-07T09:00:45-04:00", "date_modified": "2025-09-10T18:07:08-04:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Family", "Home", "Lawn Care", "Outdoors", "Pet", "Pet Owner", "Pet Safety", "Pets", "Yard", "Family & Pets" ], "summary": "Make sure your yard is animal-proof with these tips. " }, { "id": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/where-every-dog-has-its-day/", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/life-culture/editorial/where-every-dog-has-its-day/", "title": "Where Every Dog Has its Day", "content_html": "

The post Where Every Dog Has its Day appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.

\n", "content_text": "The post Where Every Dog Has its Day appeared first on American Lifestyle Magazine.", "date_published": "2021-06-04T07:00:54-04:00", "date_modified": "2022-12-12T20:56:44-05:00", "author": { "name": "nsmith", "url": "https://americanlifestylemag.com/author/nsmith/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3d67ac53f12c73e61ee77b0259dda05a32dbf3ef85f5e20f24f2e7ba6515c098?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Editorial", "New York", "Pets", "Road Trip", "Travel", "Vacation" ], "summary": "Canine Camp Getaway offers the ultimate dog-friendly vacation." } ] }