Joseph and Harlow

My name is Joseph Hall, I am a service-connected disabled veteran. I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 2002 which is connected to my time I served in Desert Storm. I have struggled for years with not only mental health issues, but with gait and balance issues.

I have had falls and issues which caused a friend and fellow veteran encourage me to get a service animal to assist me. He referred me to the company that trained his amazing service dog called Step of Faith K9’s. I met with Matthew and Angela who owners and are the trainers of service animals. They met me and questioned me on the needs I have in a service dog. We discussed many needs but mostly about the gait and balance issues I deal with.

I am 6’3” tall and would need a larger dog to assist me and a Great Dane was found, and they did not hesitate to say they could train her for my needs. Most places do not train dogs this large Step of Faith K9’s is professional and very caring. They have accepted and are succeeding in training my dog. Her name is Harlow, and it is amazing to see how far she has come already, and she is only in the beginning of her training.

I thank Matthew and Angela for making me feel like part of the family and providing the best training available to my service dog to help me with so many challenges. They not only train my dog but also train me. They have provided me space to stay in their home so I can be trained to properly utilize this amazing service animal. As Harlow progresses in her training, they have me continue to come back and train with her so when she has completed her training, I will also be ready to use all the tools properly once she has been trained to do and this will better my way of life every day.

For years I had been a staunch advocate for service dogs

In the VA hospital systems. At the time I had no idea of how

in need of a service dog that I actually was.

After years of putting it off, I finally got my service dog from 

Matt and Angela Johnson at Step of Faith K9's.

My service dog is this incredible female Rottweiler, Jade that

has been with me 24 hours a day since 2022.

Jade has totally changed my life for the better. She makes it possible to endure large crowds, to be able to go shopping for food and other needs.

My longtime friends have noticed a big change in my demeanor and my overall happiness day to day.

Adding Jade to my tool kit of coping skills was one of the best medical choices that I have made.

Matt and Angela's compassion for veterans comes through the high-quality service dogs that they train. Their dogs are one off specialty devices for each veteran that they work with. Each dog (breed) is specifically paired and matched with each veteran, depending on their personal needs and medical issues.

I had spent a couple of decades fighting the good fight with my mental health before I ultimately was introduced to Matt and Angela, and Mr. Bear. I didn't know what I needed. I was anxious, scared and overwhelmed. But I also realized I was there for a reason. They made everything feel like it was supposed to. It was a very difficult decision for me and my family. It's a huge commitment and I don't take that responsibility lightly. But they made me feel very comfortable with everything. They basically took me by the hand and guided me through the whole process.

For me, it was a big decision to accept the dog. It's not easy for me to even admit that I need help, let alone a service dog. But I saw the value in advocacy. I felt that any insecurities I had would be worth getting over so that I could advocate for other deserving Vets to be offered the same life altering opportunity. To promote Service dogs as a viable treatment option for a variety of physical and mental disabilities that impact the lives of Veterans. 

There's usually not a "fix". I've been through every type of therapy and counseling there is. Group classes, individual sessions. A litany of medications. I was hospitalized twice for mental health issues. It's just a battle. For me, Bear is another tool in that. I am still going to need other tools to keep my healthy. But his critical companionship and supportive role assist me in those other treatment methods. It's complimentary. 

As I worked with Mr. Bear over the first year, I would regularly comment about needing to be a top-notch handler so I can properly represent. They would always tell me "Don't worry, Mr. Bear does his own advocating." They were more right than I could have ever imagined. He's a model citizen. His behavior in public settings is nothing shy of absurd. Bear has been with me to every sport event possible, concerts, restaurants, the gym, the subway, Wrigley field, and he's always more calm about it than I am. I shouldn't be at this point, but I'm still shocked sometimes at how he handles certain situations.

We're getting closer and closer every day. He's with me everywhere I go. He's such a good dude and it's really nice to feel our bond strengthen and our relationship grow. It's a very special and unique friendship and it's an incredible journey to be part of. Mr. Bear has my back wherever I go, and I'm very grateful to him, and Matt and Angela. I can't thank them enough for their compassion and commitment. They are truly special people.

I am a service-connected disabled veteran. I was in a car accident in 2004 resulting in a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) with left-sided weakness. I received my first service dog, Boone, in 2015. Boone turned 9 years old in 2024. Sept 6, 2024, I found out Boone had cancer and needed to be retired. I contacted the original company that gave me Boone to find I didn’t have many options for a new dog. I was devastated not knowing if I would be able to have another service dog until I met Dusty. 

September 14th, I went to National Disabled Vet Golf Client in Iowa City. That’s where I met Matt and Angela. We set up a time to meet my new service dog prospect in 2 weeks. Two days before I met Dusty, Boone passed away. My emotions were high, and meeting Dusty was a wish come true. He was perfect.

In November 2024, I brought Dusty home. Dusty helps me with my balance. He keeps me focused and helps me cope with my PTSD and TBI symptoms.

I want to thank Matt & Angela for going above and beyond. Without them I wouldn’t have a service dog today. The Johnson’s continue to help support me and Dusty. 

We didn’t gain trainers; we gained a family. Matt and Angela are like second parents. Thank you for all you do!

I was approved for a service dog through the VA but, because at the time I had two kids that were under the age of 10 years old. I was disqualified. Now that my kids are well over 10 years old the VA no longer has the program. 

I figured I was just out of luck but have thought about it over the years. Until I met my friend Rob who got his service dog through Matt and Angela from Step of Faith K9’s and told me about their business. Come to find out, Matt and I were friends in school. What a small world! I still wasn’t convinced that after all these years that I needed a service dog. 

One day while visiting with them I was proven wrong by June. She picked me that day and I started my training. I now have June as my service dog. During training I never knew what my PTSD/Anxiety triggers were. I still don’t know them all, but June is helping me to figure it out. Boy is it a learning experience. 

June helps calm me down by decompression licking, deep pressure therapy and by watching my six. I was helping my kids with an orchestra event and June alerted me to my anxiety because she led me (made me) leave the room and took me to a quiet place away from others until she knew I was calm and ready to go back. I have never liked going out in public by myself but with June, she makes it a little easier each day. 

A thank you from the bottom of my heart to Matt and Angela from Step of Faith K9’s for June and a huge thank you to her for helping to get somewhat of a normal life or I should say a new normal of coping with life.