Celebrating 20 Years of Hope & Healing: Freedom Dogs’ 20th Anniversary at SeaWorld San Diego

Megan Oxford
Jul 23
2 min read

Updated: Aug 4

For two decades, Freedom Dogs has proudly stood beside our nation’s wounded warriors, active-duty service members, and veterans who carry the invisible wounds of war. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other combat-related challenges. Founded in 2006 by Beth Russell, RN, our mission has remained clear: to speed recovery and enhance the lives of these heroes with specially trained service dogs.

Our Unique Partnership

We are the only organization with a formal, ongoing partnership with the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton. Through our Partner Program and Partner for Life Program, we provide custom-trained service dogs completely free of charge. These loyal companions offer the necessary support to help warriors reclaim independence, purpose, and hope.

Join Us for a Special Celebration

On Saturday, November 14, 2026,, we invite you to celebrate Freedom Dogs' 20th Anniversary. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Nautilus Pavilion at SeaWorld San Diego (500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109), we will gather with the Freedom Dogs team, our participants, their devoted service dogs, and the community that makes this work possible.

The evening will be filled with meaningful moments. You will have the chance to get up close with animals in a setting that honors the natural world. Enjoy a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and—most importantly—inspiring stories of stepping out of the darkness and back into the light. These stories belong to warriors who have found a path forward and to the dedicated trainers, puppy raisers, volunteers, and supporters who believe that every hero deserves a team who will always have their back.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities begin at $4,000, and individual tickets start at $350 (tables of ten available at $3,000). Every contribution helps ensure that the next generation of Freedom Dogs can continue this vital mission for another 20 years and beyond. Your generosity directly supports the training, care, and lifelong partnership that restores hope to those who have given so much in service to our country.

The Heart of Our Mission

We hold deep respect for the men and women of the U.S. military. Their quiet courage in confronting mental health struggles and invisible wounds is inspiring. We also honor the remarkable service dogs whose welfare, training, and well-being remain central to everything we do. These dogs are not just necessary tools—they are partners, healers, and members of the family.

Please mark your calendars and join us as we honor two decades of “Heroes for our Heroes.” RSVP and learn more about tickets and sponsorships at freedomdogs.org. Together, we continue the work of hope, healing, and unwavering loyalty—one warrior and one dog at a time.

Freedom Dogs

Oceanside, California

Tax ID # 43-2106405

(760) 696-3076 | info@freedomdogs.org