About Us

We Are 4 Paws 2 Freedom

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization

ID: #47-1318087

Background

Four Paws To Freedom arises from the experience of a small group of military veterans with PTSD who have gained personal freedom through the company of a trained service dog. All the founders worked with the same talented person who has trained service dogs for people who find that PTSD inhibits their ability to live productively.

That trainer, Terry Sandhoff, has helped dozens of military veterans, first responders, and victims of childhood or other abuse. They have been able to end their self-imposed isolation and gain the courage to face scary situations - because they are accompanied by a trusted and well-trained service dog who 'has their back.'

Terry Sandhoff, Founding Trainer

Our Leaders

Without our amazing team of Board of Directors, we wouldn't be able to provide the level of service to those who served for us. We thank these folks, and everyone who volunteers to make 4P2F what it is today.

Randy Smith

Executive Director

U.S. Army Veteran, Randy served from 1969-1974 and was a combat and DustOff Medic in Vietnam. After leaving the military, he entered into Law Enforcement for 24 years before retiring. Since then he has served in non-profit organizations and the Sacramento County Veterans Treatment Court as a Mentor Coordinator.

Randy and Karma (above) graduated in 2020.

Jeramy Buckman

Chair of the Board of Directors

An El Dorado County Detective for over 19 years, Jeramy understands Law Enforcement Culture. He also understands the full extent of how dogs can help people.

When one of their deputies was killed in the line of duty, he began training Anna (Above) through 4 Paws 2 Freedom to support him. Jeramy and Anna Graduated last year.

"I can't begin to explain the amazing impact she has had in my life."

Additional Board Members

Tim Tribble - Vice Chair

Sharon Burke-Polana - Secretary

Lisa Barnett - Treasurer

Margaret Watson Hopkins

Amanda Cowden

Our Values

Applicants, Students and Volunteers can expect:

To be treated fairly with consideration and respect and to be given appreciation and encouragement for their work.
To have the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and suggestions openly and honestly with the instructor
To be offered the opportunities to participate in orientations and educational workshops, to gain knowledge on positive reinforcement training techniques, and information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and veteran communities
We consider all applicants for admission to 4 Paws 2 Freedom programs, volunteer work, and staffing regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation or religion

Code of Conduct:

I will be kind to, and respect everyone including myself.
I will work on appropriate boundaries for myself and respect those of others.
I will work hard knowing that I will get out of this training only what I put into it.
I will work to build healthy relationships with others even when it is difficult.
I will practice good listening skills.
I understand that I am accountable for all my actions.
I will be thankful for what I have.
I will practice not judging myself harshly.
I will practice using appropriate communication skills.
I will give back by using my talents for good works in my community, as I am able.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

4 Paws 2 Freedom encompasses people of all races and creeds. We are both united and strengthened by our differences. We are inclusive of all and stand firmly against racism and discrimination whether on the basis of age, class, cultural beliefs, disability, gender, race, religion sexual orientation or any other discriminating factor.

4 Paws 2 Freedom is committed to ensuring our diverse, inclusive and equitable culture is built on a strong sense of belonging, where everyone feels seen, heard and encouraged to show up as their authentic self.