Our Story
More Than Service Dog Training.
Built from a desire to serve differently—and a belief that those who dedicate themselves to serving and protecting others deserve a community committed to standing beside them.
Founder & President Lauren Driscoll with Dozer, the dog featured in the Old Glory logo.
Built From a Desire to Serve Differently
Before Old Glory existed, our President and Founder, Lauren Driscoll, lived on Long Island, New York, where she became involved in the service dog community.
When Lauren moved to Florida, she brought that experience—and her desire to help others—with her. She continued working in service dog training through a Florida branch of another organization.
But as Lauren became more involved, her vision began to grow. She envisioned an organization where service dog training would be only one part of the journey—one built around strong training standards, meaningful member support, mental health and wellness, and a genuine sense of community.
Most importantly, she wanted to create an organization where the people being served would always remain at the center of the mission.
With encouragement from family and friends, Lauren decided to build that organization herself. In 2021, Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans, Inc. was born.
Why the “4” Matters
The “4” in Old Glory Service Dogs 4 Veterans represents the four communities our organization was created to serve—people who have dedicated themselves to serving and protecting others.
Supporting the Whole Person
From the beginning, Old Glory was intended to be more than a service dog training organization. The organization was built to recognize the importance of mental health, personal well-being, connection, and community alongside structured service dog training.
In addition to structured service dog training, Old Glory recognizes the importance of supporting the overall well-being of our members. As part of this commitment, a specially trained volunteer leads monthly mental health education sessions focused on providing members with practical tools, helpful resources, and meaningful support they can carry with them beyond the training environment.
Old Glory also provides wellness support for the service dogs themselves, helping members care for the partners who work beside them every day.
A Community Built Around Its Members
Old Glory is more than a place to train. It is a community built around people, service dogs, volunteers, and supporters who believe no member should have to face the journey alone.
Powered by Volunteers
The people who give their time to Old Glory do so as volunteers, bringing their experience, skills, and commitment to helping our members and service dog teams succeed.
Resources With Purpose
The resources entrusted to Old Glory help support our mission through training, equipment, veterinary and wellness care, program needs, and the operations that make our services possible.
There When It Matters
Sometimes support means meeting a simple but important need. When circumstances warrant, Old Glory has helped members with necessities such as food for their service dog during a difficult time.
Beyond Training Class
Our commitment to members extends beyond scheduled training. We work to create opportunities for connection, encouragement, wellness, personal growth, and a lasting sense of community.
More Than a Training Milestone
Success at Old Glory is not measured only by completed training or earned certificates. It is also found in the confidence, independence, connection, and personal growth that can develop throughout the journey.
Confidence
Seeing members grow more confident in themselves, their abilities, and the partnership they are building with their dog.
Independence
Helping members work toward greater independence and a more fulfilling everyday life with a properly trained service dog beside them.
Connection
Creating meaningful connections with people who understand the journey and providing a community where members know they belong.
Personal Growth
Encouraging members to keep learning, growing, setting goals, and moving forward throughout their time with Old Glory.
Driven by Service. Powered by People.
Old Glory is made possible by people who believe in the mission and choose to give their time, knowledge, experience, and heart to the members and service dog teams we serve.
Leadership
Our leadership helps guide the organization, protect its mission, strengthen its programs, and ensure Old Glory continues moving forward with purpose.
Trainers & Volunteers
Trainers and volunteers contribute their time and abilities to service dog training, member support, events, wellness activities, outreach, and the everyday work that keeps the mission moving.
Our Community
Donors, sponsors, community partners, families, and supporters all play a role in helping Old Glory continue serving our members and strengthening the community around them.
Different roles. Different experiences. One shared commitment to the Old Glory mission.
The Story Is Still Being Written
Old Glory began in 2021 with a belief that service dog training could be something more. Today, that belief has grown into a community of members, service dogs, volunteers, trainers, donors, sponsors, and supporters working together toward the same purpose.
There are more members to support, more dogs to train, more lives to impact, and more chapters of the Old Glory story still to be written.