Oct 5, 2025 · 34 min
Healing Heroes: How Soldier's Best Friend is Saving Lives with Service Dogs In this episode of Ruck Up Buttercup, we spotlight Soldier's Best Friend, an Arizona-based nonprofit that pairs veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury (TBI) with rescue dogs trained to be service dogs. Executive Director Mik Milem shares his passion for the organization and its mission, explaining the selection and training process for the dogs. We discuss the transformative impact these service dogs have on veterans' lives, reinstating their sense of purpose and community. The conversation also touches on the organization's unique prison dog training program and various ways listeners can get involved, including fostering dogs and donating. Mick underscores the importance of referring veterans in need and assures listeners that similar programs are available across the country. The episode provides valuable insights into how these loyal companions help save lives and highlights the organization's commitment to expanding its reach and facilities. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:00 Mission of Soldier's Best Friend 01:41 Training Process and Dog Selection 03:14 Impact on Veterans and Families 12:18 Eligibility and Referrals 15:34 Nonprofit Operations and Funding 16:16 Program Costs and Community Support 17:50 The Importance of Community for Veterans 19:10 Statewide Training Facilities 20:28 Expansion Plans and Prison Dog Training Program 24:40 Success Stories and Impact 30:12 How to Get Involved and Final Thoughts Find more information about Soldier’s Best Friend Here: https://soldiersbestfriend.org/ Find us or reach out here: Website: www.deployedlove.org/podcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/ruckupbuttercup Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruckupbuttercuppodcast Email: sabrinajohannes@deployedlove.org