Retrieving Freedom, a nonprofit dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans and families with disabled children, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping those who have lost family members in the line of service or due to suicide. The White Star, Gold Star Program seeks to offer emotional support and healing to these families, and one of the first recipients of this program is Shawn Moore’s family, who are finding solace and comfort thanks to their new dog, Linus.
In 2024, Moore tragically lost her husband to suicide. The grief of losing a loved one in such a way, Moore shared, is profound and isolating. “The feeling of being alone after a suicide is extremely real,” Moore explained.
When the opportunity to adopt Linus arose, Moore knew it was exactly what her family needed. Linus has not only been a source of joy for Moore and her children but also provides emotional support that is physically comforting, similar to a weighted blanket, which helps ease anxiety.
“I’ve had him come up and sit almost directly in my lap,” Moore said. “This has absolutely been a true blessing, a gift.”
Linus’s arrival has been part of a larger effort by Retrieving Freedom to find a more effective way of training and placing service dogs. CEO Brandon Butler shared that historically, only about 40% of the dogs placed through their program actually become certified service dogs. However, by launching the White Star, Gold Star Program, the nonprofit is expanding its focus to address not just veterans’ needs but also the mental and emotional health of families who are affected by loss.
Though Linus may not be a formal service dog, his impact on the Moore family is undeniable. He has provided the emotional support Moore’s family desperately needed and highlighted a broader issue. “We kinda get pushed to the side because our veterans need so much care,” Moore said, urging families to recognize the importance of supporting each other’s mental health. “Our families need care as well.”
For Moore and her children, Linus is much more than a pet—he’s a true companion helping them navigate their grief and start healing.