Rest in Peace, Cooper Pupp. Your guard stands relieved. . Cooper Pupp joined our program in 2019 after the Los Angeles Rams stepped up to sponsor a service dog for a veteran through our program. Together, with the Rams, we adopted Coop from the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center in Los Angeles where he had been picked up as a stray. He was spunky, playful, and intuitively drawn to bond. His life had seen uncertainty, potentially trauma, and a lack of belonging. That day, we changed that, forever. . Cooper was raised by STS Founders, Kyrié and Graham Bloem, in their home, through his training program. In addition to his advanced obedience and public access training, Cooper bonded with their family dogs Lucy, Toffee and Juno, and their human children x4! . In November 2019, Cooper was introduced to his veteran handler and new Dad, Brandon, US Army, on the field at the Los Angeles Coliseum during the Los Angeles Rams Salute to Service game. The rest was history for this new, dynamic team in training. . Together, Brandon and Cooper went through nearly a year of handler training sessions through a global pandemic preparing them for life as a veteran/service dog team. They went on to graduate our program in 2020 and began their ultimate adventure in partnership. Cooper was Brandon’s Best Man in his wedding, they traveled, hiked, and cheered. Cooper welcomed new furry friends to their new family like a great big brother. . Tragically, in 2023, Cooper was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only months to live. Thankfully, he was a special part of a family who completely dedicated themselves to his comfort, and he continued his adventure with them until Thursday, May 22nd 2025, when he lost his battle to cancer, and his family laid him to rest. . Thank you, Cooper Pupp, for all of the lessons you taught us, for the love you poured into Brandon’s life, and for the legacy you leave behind. Thank you to the Los Angeles Rams whose belief in our mission provided Cooper the assurance of a forever home and life of boundless purpose, and Brandon a best friend and steadfast companion. (fb)

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the heroes who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to protecting our freedom remind us of the profound cost of liberty. At Shelter to Soldier, our mission is rooted in supporting the military community — a mission fueled by your compassion, generosity, and unwavering support. As we reflect on the sacrifices of the fallen, we also extend our deepest gratitude to you. Your support helps ensure that their legacy lives on — that their families, their brothers and sisters in arms, and their causes continue to be honored and uplifted. Thank you for standing with us — in remembrance, in service, and in hope. (fb)