Jeff Lamberti, a founding member of Puppy Jake Foundation, received his B.A. and M.B.A. from Drake University and J.D. from Drake University Law School. His extensive work experience has included President and Managing Shareholder at Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje P.C., President and Lead Investor of Iowa Barnstormers and Shareholder and Principle of Riverside Partners, Inc. Not only has Jeff been involved in the work place, his political experience and community activities are impressive as well. He has served as an Iowa State Senator, President of the Iowa Senate, Chair of the Iowa Appropriations Committee, Iowa State Representative of the 65th District, Chair of the Iowa House Judiciary Committee and many activities on the board of organizations.
Meet the Team
Puppy Jake Foundation's team is made up of leaders dedicated to our country and our veterans. We are animal lovers, entrepreneurs, Iowans and patriots. Meet the Puppy Jake team members and read their story.
Jeff Lamberti
Board President
Becky Beach, KPA-CTP, ABCDT
CEO and Board Vice President
Rebecca Beach (Becky) is a fundraiser, event planner and consultant. In early 2013, Becky founded Puppy Jake Foundation. Becky is from a long line of military service and patriotism. Both of Becky’s grandfathers served as doctors in WWII, her father as a doctor in the U.S. Army, and her husband as active duty in the Vietnam War. Her love of animals led her to become a Certified Trainer from the Animal Behavior College (ABC). She and her husband, Charlie, reside in Des Moines, IA with their dogs.
Becky’s wide and diverse range of clients in her political career has included Senator Charles Grassley, President George H.W. Bush, President George W. Bush, Lamberti for Congress and others. Her political career began in 1978 while serving as Personal Assistant to Barbara Bush for four years. She is currently on the Finance Committee for the George W. Bush Library Center in Dallas. After working in the Reagan and Bush administrations, Becky returned to her home state of Iowa in 1993. Becky’s current projects, in addition to Puppy Jake Foundation include Terrace Hill Restoration project, On With Life capital campaign, The Iowa Barnstormers, and Pacific Battleship Center (USS Iowa).
Her dog training professional affiliations include:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) Graduate 2015
- Karen Pryor "Puppy Start Right" course, Graduate 2015
- Animal Behavior College (ABC) graduate 2015
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), member
- National Security Roundtable (NSRT), Command and General Staff College, April, 2012
- TAGteach International Certified Primary Level Certification, 2015
- TAGteach International Certified Level 1 Certification, 2015
Dr. Rachelle LaPrade, DVM
Board Secretary
Rachelle LaPrade works at Des Moines Equine Veterinary Services, an ambulatory equine veterinary practice in Des Moines. Rachelle is a founding member of Puppy Jake Foundation. Her practice focus is performance and pleasure horses. Rachelle holds degrees from Yale University (BA, Biology) and the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). She resides in Des Moines, IA with her husband, four children, three dogs, two cats, and several laying hens.
Siobhan Harman
Board Treasurer
Siobhan Harman is a founding board member of Puppy Jake Foundation and serves as the board’s Treasurer. She also assists the board with governance, policies and procedures. She is a real estate professional with Kum & Go and an Adjunct Professor at Grand View University, teaching real estate related courses in the business school. She has been an active community volunteer for more than 25 years for many worthy organizations. She was a member of the Business Record 40 Under 40 Class of 2005 and a member of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute Class of 2003-2004. She has a BA from Boston College and an MBA from Suffolk University. Siobhan resides in Des Moines with her three daughters and West Highland Terrier.
Steve Boesen
Board Member
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Boesen entered the US Army Reserve in 1987, beginning a 25+ year career. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College with a Masters in Security Studies. He was also a distinguished military graduate of the University of Northern Iowa Reserve Officer Training Corps program where he was commissioned an infantry officer in 1992. Lieutenant Colonel Boesen entered the Active Army later in 1992. Positions include: Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Headquarters Company Executive Officer, Mechanized Rifle Company Commander and Headquarters Company Commander.
In 2001, he entered the Active, Guard and Reserve Program in the Iowa Army National Guard, serving as the Operations Officer and Officer-in Charge of the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry until 2004 where he deployed to the Sinai, Egypt. Steve later served as the Operations Officer for the 2nd Brigade Combat team, 34th Infantry Division, where he deployed as an Infantry Combat Advisor to Afghan Security Forces in eastern Afghanistan from 2007-2008. Lieutenant Colonel Boesen went on to redeploy to eastern Afghanistan from 2010-2011 as Task Force Commander for Task Force 1-168 Infantry, a 1000 Soldier civil-military unit responsible for battlespace ownership of Paktya Province and building the capacity of the Afghan security forces and government. Lieutenant Colonel Boesen retired as the Operations Officer for the Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, Johnston, Iowa and in late 2015.
Highlights of Steve’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal (2 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), the Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), The Army Achievement Medal (6 awards), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ 3 Bronze Service Stars, the Korean Defense Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral ‘3’, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Expert Infantryman's Badge, the Basic Parachutists Badge, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Order of Saint Maurice Medal-Centurion Level.
Lieutenant Colonel Boesen resides in Ankeny, Iowa with his wife, Anne, children Zach, Ally and Ben.
Dave Funk
Board Member
Dave has retired as both a US Army attack helicopter pilot and a Boeing 757 International Captain for Northwest Airlines. Dave spent most of the last few years piloting US Department of Defense special mission aircraft in the “Sandbox”. With a unique perspective on the world that comes from thousands of hours at 41,000 feet, his ability to explain complex aviation questions in simple terms has earned him guest commentator spots on most major TV and radio networks. Dave is an avid supporter of his fellow veterans in need and is a proud member of Puppy Jake Foundation Board of Directors. Dave and his wife life in Runnells, Iowa.
Simon Conway
Board Member
Simon Conway is a talk show host and broadcaster on the iconic heritage radio station, News Radio 1040 WHO - the most decorated radio station in American history. He handles Afternoon Drive from 4-7pm each weekday. In addition to that, Simon also broadcasts mornings 9-11am on News Radio 600 WMT.
Hailing from London, England, Simon has run a number of very successful businesses including a Corporate Communications Company in England and property management and real estate brokerage companies in Florida. Before any of that, he was a journalist in both Israel and England.
Simon became involved with Puppy Jake Foundation almost from the very beginning and has held a number of highly successful fund raisers as well as contributing to raising awareness of PJF.
Dee Kading
Board Member
Dee Kading is the President and CEO of the Gabus Auto Group. Dee’s career has spanned over 36 years in various positions with Gabus Auto Group. Dee is an active member of Rotary for many years, serving as President of the Johnston Club as well as the West Polk County Club. Dee and her husband reside in Polk City with their dog, Hawkeye.
Robin Lickteig
Board Member
Robin Lickteig has grown up with dogs and has years of experience in raising a puppy to be a service dog, which lead her to be one of Puppy Jake Foundation’s first puppy raisers. Robin is also a founding member of Puppy Jake Foundation. Robin works at Prairie Life Fitness Center in West Des Moines and lives in Cumming with her husband Dave and their three dogs.
Dr. Nancy Peterson, DVM
Board Member
Dr. Peterson has dedicated her career to improve the health, comfort and longevity of animals that have given her so much. Born and raised in Altoona, Iowa, Dr. Peterson received her veterinary training and degree from Iowa State University. In 1981, she became an associate of Ingersoll Animal Hospital and became owner of the facility in 2005. Dr. Peterson teaches dog obedience classes at the Des Moines Obedience Training Club and competes with her dogs in obedience, agility, tracking and hunt tests. Dr. Peterson serves on the board of Puppy Jake Foundation, and is the veterinary advisor to the Foundation.
Josh Schoenblatt
Board Member
Josh Schoenblatt learned about the Puppy Jake Foundation shortly after it was started in 2013. After hosting Puppy Jake Foundation at Drake University for a several events, he decided to join the organization as a volunteer. He currently is a foster family to a Golden Retriever, LEGEND. Josh was born on the east coast in New Jersey and lived most of his life in Illinois. After graduating from Drake University with a political science degree, entrepreneurship minor, and a leadership concentration, he became more involved with the foundation. Along with his educational background, Josh brings a "can do" mentality to the organization. Outside of Puppy Jake Foundation, Josh works at Flynn Wright as a Media Buyer. Josh lives in West Des Moines, IA.
Julie Stewart
Board Member
Julie Stewart has been an integral part of the Prairie Meadows corporate management team. As assistant director of marketing, she successfully led the marketing and advertising programs during the introduction of casino gaming. Thereafter in 1996, she was elevated to the position of marketing director. As Prairie Meadows expanded its corporate giving, Julie was chosen in 2006 to direct the newly created Community Relations department. Julie earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She is an honorary member of 40 Under 40, and a graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s TLP\CLP programs and Leadership Iowa. She has been involved with countless organizations and served on the board of many non-profits throughout Des Moines.
Forrest LaPrade
Youth Board Member (non voting)
Forrest LaPrade is currently a sophomore at Roosevelt High School. At Roosevelt, he is on the soccer, swimming, and cross country teams, serves as sophomore class Vice President, and is a member of Best Buddies. Forrest enjoys taking his dog, Inkwell, on therapy dog visits. Forrest brings youth and enthusiasm to his position as Youth Advisor to Puppy Jake Foundation. Forrest helped plan the Inaugural Puppy Jake Walk at Grays Lake in Des Moines in 2013.
Arika Hammond
Youth Member (non voting)
Arika Hammond is currently in Sixth Grade at Cherokee Middle School. She enjoys dancing, singing and performing with the Cherokee Community Theater. Arika has a passion for animals and loves caring for her Bichon (Theo), Rottweiler (Zeus), Snowshoe cat (Simon), and pony (Rosie) and seven other farm cats. She already demonstrates a wonderful commitment of giving back to others. Arika is proud to be a part of Puppy Jake Foundation and enjoys telling others about its mission at varous fundraisers in the Cherokee area.
Ben Russell
Youth Member (non voting)
Ben is a freshman at Roosevelt High School. He became involved in Puppy Jake Foundation in 2012 when he raised several hundred dollars through a hot chocolate stand. “Veterans are important to our county, and personally to me because several members of my family served in the military both here and in other countries. We need make sure veterans what they need when they come back. Puppy Jake helps make sure those veterans who need extra help have it.” In addition to volunteering for Puppy Jake Foundation, Ben plays baseball, basketball and runs cross country. His parents are Jeff and Lisa Russell of Des Moines. He has a younger brother and sister and border collie named McKenzie.
Carley Seeley
Youth Member (non voting)
Carley is a 4th grader at Libertyville Elementary in Fairfield, Iowa. Her parents are Troy and Jody Seeley.
She enjoys Tae Kwon Do, dance and theater. She also spends a lot of her time with her bulldog, Bella.
Carley has been involved in fundraising efforts for Puppy Jake Foundation for the past three years from lemonade stands, garage sales, selflessly asking friends at her birthday party to bring gifts for Puppy Jake Foundation instead of for her, Pizza Ranch tip night and selling puppyjakefoundation awareness bracelets.
Renee Jetter, KPA-CTP, ABCDT
Lead Trainer
Renee Jetter started her career with dogs when she was 9 years old by volunteering for her local animal shelter in Boone, Iowa. By the young age of 12, Renee received the “Pets Choice Award” for her kindness and love of animals, in addition to her dedication and work ethic. Renee owns Canine Craze, a dog training and events facility in Urbandale, IA. Jetter has been professionally training dogs since her graduation from the Animal Behavior College in 2006. She has experience competing in obedience, training service dogs, conducting group classes and teaching private lessons. Jetter has designed, created and implemented successful dog training programs for Obedience, Puppy, and Therapy, as well as the popular Canine Craze’s Train & Play™ program.
Jetter continues to enjoy attending and hosting national seminars and workshops, including: ClickerExpo, Ken Ramirez, Kathy Sdao, Pia Silvani, Emelie Johnson Vegh, Eva Bertilsson, K-9 Nose Work, and TAGteach.
Her professional affiliations include:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) Graduate 2015
- Animal Behavior College (ABC) Graduate 2006
- Animal Behavior College (ABC) Mentor Trainer
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (ADPT) since 2010
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG) since 2015
- American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. puppy evaluator
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator
- C.L.A.S.S. Certified Instructor
- C.L.A.S.S. Certified Evaluator
- TAGteach International Certified Primary Level, 2012 & Level 1 Certification, 2015
- Co-Founder of Iowa Modern Dog Training and Behavioral Trainers Network
- Co-Founder of Adventure Dogs of Iowa
- Decades of volunteer experience working with animal shelters and rescues
Erin Topp
Trainer
Erin started her dog-training journey at the young age of ten, when she enrolled her grandmother’s beagle, Julio, in a local 4-H dog project. Dog training and canine behavior has since become her passion. Erin has continued to enhance her training education and canine knowledge. She has taken countless seminars and workshops over the past ten years from various trainers and leaders in the field. Erin has participated with her five personal dogs in competition obedience, agility, K9 Nose work®, and lure coursing, and she has been teaching group classes since 2008. Erin is excited to part of the Puppy Jake team and use her skills to help give back to the veterans that have given us so much. Erin has recently joined the staff of Karen Pryor Academy as Communication Director.
Erin holds a Bachelors of Science from Iowa State University College of Business, with a major in Marketing and a minor in Journalism. Topp worked for Blackwell Publishing/John Wiley & Sons, Inc. for eight years, assisting in the publishing of professional veterinary reference books. Erin continues to assist the Story County Veterinary Clinic, and has since the age of 18.Erin's professional affiliations include:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) Graduate 2015
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed 2013
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (ADPT) since 2013
- American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. puppy evaluator
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator
- C.L.A.S.S. Certified Instructor
- Story County 4H Dog Project Superintendent
- Decades of volunteer experience working with animal shelters and rescues
Lorraine Bailey
Assistant Trainer
After training several of her own dogs over a 25-year period, Lorraine decided to volunteer as a foster for Puppy Jake Foundation, a non-profit that raises and professionally trains service dogs for wounded military veterans. Her first dog with Puppy Jake Foundation was Clarence, who was placed with a veteran in January, 2014. While training Clarence, Lorraine also worked with three puppies as a Special Forces Trainer. After placing Clarence, she then took in Ray to be his foster. Shortly thereafter she agreed to foster George as well. A few months later George was re-careered but she was able to work with Ray until his placement with his veteran in September, 2016. One week later, Loyal was ‘paroled’ from the prison program and Lorraine began as his foster with placement with his veteran scheduled for March, 2017.
In addition to being a foster, Lorraine has also volunteered her time as an assistant trainer for multiple PJF litters. Later this year she will be filling in for a few months as a substitute trainer.
Lorraine is a graduate of Animal Behavior College’s Dog Trainer certification program and has completed a three-day and a six-day seminar with Tellington T Touch. She hopes is currently working on her certification in T-Touch. Lorraine has also volunteered several hours at Animal Rescue League in Des Moines and A. Heinz 57 Animal Rescue in De Soto, IA.
Lorraine’s dog training professional affiliations include:
•Animal Behavior College (ABC) graduate 2016
•Various Tellington T Touch workshops and seminars
•Animal Rescue League, Des Moines,IA
•A. Heniz 57 Rescue, De Soto, IA
Janice Rosenberg
Assistant Trainer
Janice Rosenberg is fulfilling a lifetime bucket list of becoming a dog trainer. She has studied with Puppy Jake Head trainer, Renee Jetter for over 6 years at Canine Craze with her Australian Shepherd, Butters. She has also worked with agility trainers, Scott Jetter, Jenny O'Brien Konior, and Renee White.
Last spring, she attended the Ken Ramirez seminar sponsored by Puppy Jake Foundation highlighting Karen Pryor Clicker training. Janice is now enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy for Professional Dog Trainers and expects to become certified in the spring.
Janice and her husband Kent live in West Des Moines, IA.
Samantha Lobb
Assistant Trainer
Upon graduating from Iowa State in 2016, Samantha Lobb struggled with the dilemma that every college student faces: what to do after. She had helped initiate the ARL-Clarinda Correctional program which made her realize she wanted to become a professional dog trainer. After attending several events hosted by Puppy Jake Foundation, she began a year and a half internship with the non-profit organization. A few months later she was hired by Puppy Jake Foundation’s Lead Trainer to work at her business, Canine Craze, as an individual and group trainer.
Samantha decided to delve deeper into Puppy Jake Foundation and began fostering a service dog in training. What better way to learn how to train service dogs than to foster one! SHIRLEY is set to be placed with her veteran in 2018.
Samantha also has a cat, Daisy, and an ‘old’ gal named Sophie. Dogs are her life and she wouldn't have it any other way!
The Late Scott Jetter
Assistant Trainer
Scott began his career with dogs in 1999 when he adopted his first puppy, Zachary. Eager to teach Zachary, Scott attended as many classes as possible. After just six months of classes, Scott became a dog trainer himself. Quickly, Scott achieved high levels of Obedience and Agility competition, yet began to explore more effective ways to train. Scott dove into learning from both scientific and behavioral perspectives, immersing himself in the laws of learning and animal behavior.
In 2000, Jetter opened Canine Craze Performance Center to teach clients how to clicker train and use positive reinforcement with their dogs. Scott worked closely with a veterinary behaviorist learning about behavior modification; it was at that time Scott found his passion in behavior modification. In 2005, Scott was hired by HSUS, to work in Lamar Dixon with dogs rescued and brought to safety as a result of Hurricane Katrina. Scott was contracted as a behavior consultant by the state of Texas in 2007 to work with primates and other wildlife at a sanctuary, closing because of animal neglect.
Scott continues teaching people how to build relationships with their dogs through agility training, service dog training, private consultations and sharing his knowledge with Canine Craze trainers. His expertise is especially noted with dogs in the unique Train & Play™ program. Scott continues his education today by studying neuroscience and the effects of trauma and PTSD in animals and people.
Jenn Hirakawa
Veterans Outreach Coordinator
Jennifer Hirakawa is from Ewa Beach, Hawaii were she attended Pearl City High School, Academy of the Pacific, and Graduated from Kaimuki High School in 1988. Jennifer attended De Anza College, in Cupertino, CA where she enlisted in the Army in 1990 as a military police officer.
Jennifer retired from the Army in May of 2012 with the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG). Jennifer’s military career included many postings and positions, to include Military Police patrol, Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Military Police Investigator, Military Police K-9, Training NCO, Military Police Customs NCO, Recruiter, Deployed Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Advisor, and the Senior Enlisted EOA for the Iowa National Guard. Jennifer was stationed at Ft Eustis, VA; Berlin, Germany; Schweinfurt, Germany; Fort Carson, Colorado and the State of Iowa. During Jennifer’s career she deployed multiple times for both short and long deployments (IFOR, SFOR, OEF) and others.
Jennifer’s love for animals and specifically dogs and horses came early in her life when her parents got her a German Shepard from Hawaii Protection Dogs. Jenn began working with her dog (JP) and volunteering at the Hawaii Human Society when she was in middle school walking the dogs, and learning from the trainers there and HPD. Jennifer continued to work with and train dogs during her military career while stationed in Germany and in Colorado.
In 2012 after Jenn retired from the Army, she graduated from the Animal Behavioral College with Honors and began training dogs and humans to help them form a better human-canine bond. Jenn has worked with all different breeds and temperaments, including working with Service Dogs. Jennifer is excited to be part of Puppy Jake Foundation’s staff working with Military Organizations in the capacity of Military Outreach Coordinator. As a veteran herself she understands the loopholes, dilemmas, and issues that veterans may have navigating the military and VA systems. She looks forward to helping Veterans achieve their goals of independence and hopes to help veteran organizations understand the benefits that service dogs bring to fellow veterans.
Her professional affiliations include:
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Truly Dog-Friendly Coalition of Trainers
- Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
- Committee member of the Winterset Dog Park
- American Kennel Club (AKC) S.T.A.R. Puppy Trainer and Evaluator
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Certified Evaluator
- APDT Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) Trainer
- APDT Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) Certified Evaluator
- Co-Founder of the Iowa Modern Dog Training and Behavioral Trainers Network
- Co-Founder of Adventure Dogs of Iowa
- Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Many other veterans groups and organizations
Josh Schoenblatt
Communications Coordinator
Josh Schoenblatt graduated from Drake University as a Politics Major with a Entrepreneurship Minor. His Entrepreneurship Minor focused on communicating ideas for start-ups. Using those lessons and a entrepreneurship mantra of “do the doable”, he decided to also take on a communications role for the organization. Josh currently runs the official Puppy Jake Foundation Twitter (@puppyjakefdn) feed and has been on hand to give multiple radio and television interviews as the organization grows.
Brenda
Foster Family for REAGAN
Brenda works at Kemin Industries in Des Moines. She and her husband Bob have been involved with dogs since 1990 when they started showing basenjis. She also became involved in lure coursing and obedience. After moving to Minnesota, Brenda was active in training and working their German shepherd in search and rescue. Brenda and Bob now live in Ankeny with their two sons, Dakota and Jake. They share their home with two German shepherds, Mac and Gypsy, and a basenji, Nikon. With the help of her family, Brenda is excited to work with Puppy Jake Foundation to support our veterans by fostering Puppy Reagan.
Erin
Foster Family for SKIPPY
Erin is a junior at Southeast Polk High School. She enjoys baking, singing and putting a smile on other people's faces. Along with her parents she is raising Skippy, an energetic, lovable golden retriever.
Lorraine
Foster Family for RAY
Lorraine joined Puppy Jake Foundation in Oct of 2013 as a foster family for Clarence. Lorraine and her husband, Scott, live outside of Earlham, IA, where Lorraine home schools the youngest two of their eight children. Lorraine also works part time as a librarian and volenteers teaching Sunday School for her church.
Josh
Foster Family for LEGEND
Josh first met the PJF organization while in college at Drake University. As he grew older, he became more involved and dedicated to the mission of PJF. By his senior year at Drake, Josh became a foster to one of the PJF service dogs in training. He has since graduated from Drake and continues to foster dogs while working at Trilix. Josh loves the mission and only wishes he could do more for the veterans who have given more than anyone could ask of them.
Vicki
Foster Family for HAZEL
Vicki is a long-time dog lover and became a foster parent to Nile Kinnick in November 2014. She is now foster mom to HAZEL, a darling golden retriever. She said, "I feel privileged to be involved in Puppy Jake Foundation's mission. What a great way to give back to our veterans who have done so much for us." Vicki is retired from Wells Fargo and lives in Des Moines with her husband and two dogs, a Cavalier and a Sheltie.
Kari
Foster Family for CHARLES
Kari grew up in southern Ohio and moved to Iowa after graduating from the Ohio State University and becoming a registered veterinary technician. She is excited to help Puppy Jake Foundation in their support of our military veterans.
Angie
Foster Family for IKE
With the help of her husband Brian, and daughter Jennifer, Angie is the Foster for IKE. Angie is the Head Cook at Dowling Catholic High School, Brian is the Business Manager at Iowa Catholic Radio as well as a part time accounting professor at two local universities. Jennifer is in 8th grade at Sacred Heart School. Angie first became involved with PJF in early 2015 as a puppy sitter for Bucky. The entire family believes that they owe a debt of gratitude to veterans and look forward to the life changing effect IKE will have when he graduates.
Bryan and Christy
Foster Family for LAKE
Our names are Bryan and Christy. We have been dating for two years, and we are both attending college to further our education. Bryan is studying prosthetic and Christy is studying psychology and human services. They decided to be a part of PJF because Christy has a passion for training a service dog one day and Bryan was eager to help her follow her dreams.
Stefan and Mary
Foster Family for HERMAN
Mary and Stefan enjoy donating their time and energy to Veterans organizations. Mary is the State Coordinator for Missing in America Project. Mary and Stefan are Patriot Guard Rider volunteers and currently fostering Herman a very sweet, high energy boy.
Rob & Shannon
Foster Family for LOU
Both Shannon and Rob work for Wells Fargo where they discovered Puppy Jake Foundation and wanted to get involved. Each have family members who are veterans and want to give something back to those that mean so much and have done so much for us all. They have been together for nine years and married for three. They have four wonderful boys and a beautiful female black lab of their own. They both love spending time outdoors and going places with their Labrador retriever.
Andie
Foster Family for DIGGER
Aundrea (Andie), is a 15 year old freshman at Van Meter Community School. Her parents are Tim and Danette with an older brother named Austin. She recently became a member of Puppy Jake Foundation in December 2015. Her fun lovingservice dog in training is a yellow lab named DIGGER. They both greatly enjoy learning new things and working through this amazing experience side by side. Andie has been an animal and nature enthusiast since birth. She has been working at a vet's office for several years now and could not ask for a better job. Andie also spends her time in sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, and horse riding. Riding and showing has always been her passion and she continues to embrace it everyday. For several years now, she has also been showing her past dog at county fair and the Iowa State Fair. Going through with this opportunity is a incredible privilege for her and gives her great pleasure in doing so. She is so excited to be apart of the team and give back to those who gave so much for us.
Remember, stay PAWsitive!