Officially designated as a FIDO (Fleet Integrated Dog Operator), Raider will support more than 2,500 Sailors and Marines during deployment
San Diego, CA — Shelter to Soldier’s Morale Dog, Raider, has officially deployed aboard the USS Makin Island, beginning a new chapter in his journey from a rescued dog to a four-legged member of the U.S. Navy community.
Raider is now officially designated as a FIDO (Fleet Integrated Dog Operator) aboard the USS Makin Island, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. During deployment, he will support more than 2,500 Sailors and Marines, providing companionship, connection and a welcome sense of comfort and morale while the crew is deployed far from home.
“Raider’s deployment represents so much more than the remarkable journey of one rescue dog – it reflects our deep belief in the power of the human-animal bond to support the wellbeing of the brave men and women who serve our country,” said Graham Bloem, President and Co-founder of Shelter to Soldier. “Our Morale Dog Program is a natural extension of Shelter to Soldier’s longstanding commitment to our military community, offering service members a source of comfort, familiarity, and connection during the challenges of deployment. To see Raider go from a dog in need of a second chance to a highly trained Morale Dog now serving alongside thousands at sea is an extraordinary example of what can happen when a rescue dog is given purpose. We are immensely proud of him and deeply grateful to everyone who helped make his journey possible.”
As a FIDO, Raider will be a consistent presence for the crew throughout deployment, offering companionship and connection during the demands of life at sea. The Labrador mix was adopted from Labs & More Rescue and joined Shelter to Soldier through their Morale Dog Program, where he underwent specialized training to develop the skills needed for his role aboard a Navy vessel. His work aboard the Makin Island builds on Shelter to Soldier’s broader mission of connecting rescue dogs with life-changing work in service to active-duty military personnel, veterans and first responders.
Raider’s journey through the Shelter to Soldier program was generously sponsored by Karen and Jeff Shabel, whose support helped make his specialized training and placement possible.
About Shelter to Soldier: Shelter to Soldier is dedicated to Saving Lives, Two at a Time by rescuing dogs from local shelters and preparing them for lives of purpose, service, and companionship. Through our flagship Psychiatric Service Dog Program, we pair highly trained rescue dogs with post-9/11 veterans facing the challenges of invisible wounds. Our Emotional Support Animal Program, Canine Ambassadors Therapy Dog Team, Morale Dog Program, community outreach initiatives, and educational services further extend the healing power of the human-animal bond throughout military and first responder communities. Together, these programs create meaningful connections that foster resilience, improve quality of life, strengthen families, and provide renewed purpose for both the people and dogs we serve. For more information, please visit https://www.sheltertosoldier.org/.
