They came from different worlds but had much in common. Adam was a Marine veteran diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He lost his purpose after discharge, found it tough leaving his home and attempted suicide.
Bash, a shepherd mix, was 18 months old and losing hope while confined in a shelter with a high rate of euthanasia.
A dog rescue organization brought Bash to Shelter to Soldier in Oceanside thinking he might be accepted for service dog training based upon its criteria. He was.
Meanwhile, with much encouragement, Adam applied for a service dog at Shelter to Soldier.
In 2019, the two met at a “speed date,” where trained service dogs and recipients look for potential matches.
“It was love at first sight,” said Graham Bloem, co-founder of Shelter to Soldier. “There was much petting and licking, then Bash flipped over so Adam could rub his belly. They looked at each other and Adam said, ‘This is my dog.’
“I had tears in my eyes as did our staff and Adam.”
Nearly six years later, Adam and Bash remain inseparable.
“Having [Bash] with me through thick and thin is priceless,” said Adam, adding that Bash helped him see “a glimpse of light” and likely saved his life.
Founded in 2012, Shelter to Soldier rescues shelter dogs, trains them to be service or emotional support companions and provides them free to veterans. The difference between service and emotional support dogs is that the former engage in extensive training to perform a variety of tasks, and the latter are trained as sensitive companions.
The organization began with three volunteers. Today it has 17 employees and 50 volunteers, training 34 dogs at a time. It has been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Red Cross Real Heroes Award.
Bloem, a professional trainer, co-founded Shelter to Soldier after volunteering to train dogs that soldiers brought back with them from Iraq and Afghanistan. The soldiers, dogs and Bloem received national media attention, and several books were written.
“I was motivated to do something more to help our veterans deal with a mental health crisis,” he said, pointing out that on average each day 22 veterans commit suicide and 3,200 dogs are euthanized.
Shelter to Soldier helps veterans in need and dogs held in shelters, particularly those in “high kill” shelters.
The organization’s motto is “Saving lives, two at a time.”
Bloem believes in the healing powers of dogs.
“Dogs are one of my passions in life because of their unconditional love. I don’t know where I would be without dogs.”
Born in South Africa in 1980, Bloem has always been attracted to animals. He recalls playing with lion cubs and being chased by elephants at an early age.
His family moved to Canada and then California, where Bloem faced what he called a “dark path.”
“I made some bad choices with groups of friends and got on a dark path during high school,” he said. “I skipped school and lost my way. If I continued on that path I wouldn’t be here.”
One bright spot during that period was his dog, which helped keep him somewhat grounded and motivated him to come home each day.
After he graduated high school in 1998, the family moved to San Diego, where Bloem, away from distractions, was determined to pursue a career training dogs. He earned a dog training certification from Animal Behavior College and worked as a trainer, eventually opening his own business, Specialty Dog Training in Oceanside. The business has attracted clients nationally, including celebrities.
“My family and dogs are my world,” said Bloem, who resides in Ramona with his wife, Kyrie, one of the original volunteers helping to form Shelter to Soldier. The couple has four children.
“There are many stories like Adam and Bash that stick with me and show that what we are doing at Shelter to Soldier matters.”
As for the future, Bloem plans to acquire large enough facilities to double the number of dogs trained and save more lives… “two at a time.”
About this series
Goldsmith is a Union-Tribune contributing columnist.
We welcome reader suggestions of people who have done something extraordinary or otherwise educational, inspiring or interesting and who have not received much previous media. Please send suggestions to Jan Goldsmith at jgsandiego@yahoo.com
