our story: turning tragedy into service
Step of Faith K9's was founded by Angela and Matt following a life-altering event in the family’s life. While Angela was driving with her 8-day-old son, their car was struck by a drunk driver. Her son was critically injured, suffering a traumatic brain injury and other severe conditions, and spent 30 days in the hospital. During this difficult time, Angela developed PTSD from both the car accident and the emotional toll of her son's recovery.
In their search for help, Angela and Matt decided to train a service dog for their son after learning about the long waiting lists and high costs associated with acquiring one. They partnered with a couple in Wisconsin who had over 50 years of experience in training service dogs. Together, they successfully trained a service dog for their son, which played a key role in his health and well-being during a challenging time.
This experience inspired Angela and Matt to extend their mission and create Step of Faith K9's. The organization focuses on providing service dogs and therapy dogs to veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders to help them cope with PTSD and other mental health challenges associated with their high-stress professions.
Step of Faith K9's works closely with local veterans' groups, law enforcement agencies, and first responders, offering life-changing support through specially trained dogs. With a strong military background—Angela’s father served in the Air Force, and her grandfathers served in the Army and Marine Corps—Matt, too, comes from a family with military service, with several relatives who served in various branches of the military. This deep-rooted connection to the military and public service is central to the organization’s focus and commitment to helping those who serve our community.
About Step of Faith K9's
Step of Faith K9's is a non-profit organization founded by Angela and Matt, dedicated to providing service dogs and therapy dogs to veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders who face the challenges of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our mission is to offer support and healing to those who protect and serve our communities through the powerful bond between humans and dogs.
Inspiring dedication
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Angela and Matt are the heart and soul of Step of Faith K9's, dedicating themselves every day to raising and training service dogs right in their own home with love and expertise. Balancing full-time jobs, caring for their family, and managing the immense responsibility of training each dog, they pour their time, energy, and resources int
Angela and Matt are the heart and soul of Step of Faith K9's, dedicating themselves every day to raising and training service dogs right in their own home with love and expertise. Balancing full-time jobs, caring for their family, and managing the immense responsibility of training each dog, they pour their time, energy, and resources into every step of the process.
Their approach is deeply personal, matching each dog to the unique needs of the individual they will serve.
Commitment Beyond Measure
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Home, heart, and helping heroes
From selecting the perfect dog to providing ongoing support after placement, Angela and Matt give everything they have, both personally and financially. With dog food costs alone exceeding $20,000 annually, along with vet bills, enrichment activities, carefully chosen toys (which each dog takes to their new home), and rigorous professiona
From selecting the perfect dog to providing ongoing support after placement, Angela and Matt give everything they have, both personally and financially. With dog food costs alone exceeding $20,000 annually, along with vet bills, enrichment activities, carefully chosen toys (which each dog takes to their new home), and rigorous professional training, they remain steadfast in their mission to provide these life-changing service dogs at little to no cost to those who need them most.
Training for Real Life
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Training for Real Life
They go beyond standard training at Step of Faith K9's. Angela and Matt focus heavily on public access training, preparing the dogs to navigate real-world situations with confidence and composure. Whether it’s maneuvering through parking lots, stores, or restaurants, or staying calm in busy, high-stress environments, every dog is trained to meet the practical needs of its future handler.
Transforming Lives
Home, heart, and helping heroes
Training for Real Life
Their selfless dedication ensures that each dog is equipped to bring hope, healing, and companionship to those who have sacrificed so much. Your support makes this possible—helping Step of Faith K9's continue its vital mission of transforming lives through the powerful bond between humans and dogs.