Meet Blue: The future service dog inspired by Schwab volunteers.

Blue was born on January 10, 2026, and she was small enough to fit across a forearm. Today, the tiny black Lab pup is already on a journey with Freedom Service Dogs of America (FSD) that will one day change someone's life.

And in a meaningful way, Blue's journey—and the reason she carries a colorful name—started at Charles Schwab, which supports FSD through grants and hands-on service.

FSD is a nonprofit organization that trains and places service dogs with individuals who have mobility challenges, veterans and first responders affected by post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety, and children with autism—helping them achieve greater independence in their daily lives. It's based in Colorado, but the organization serves clients nationwide.

For Dustin Leemon, a Schwab employee based out of Lone Tree, Colorado, the mission struck an immediate and personal chord. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2007 to 2015, including a deployment to Afghanistan. After transitioning from military service back to civilian life, he says he experienced his own moments of uncertainty and introspection.

"Through COVID, I was trying to figure out, What's my purpose?" he says. "I'm very fortunate to be where I'm at. I wanted to do more."

A fellow employee introduced him to FSD in 2024 at a Schwab Military Veterans Network meeting—an employee resource group for veterans that's open to all employees. Dustin attended an event, met the dogs, heard from clients, and immediately felt connected.

"Being a veteran and a dog lover, it just fell in my lap at the right time," he says. 

He joined FSD's Young Professionals Council soon after, and within a year, was asked to serve on its board of directors.

FSD places dogs with clients after two weeks of hands-on training together. Those moments—graduations, photos, the first time a client walks out the door with their new companion and loved one—are what fuel Dustin's passion.

"You can see how impactful that dog is after just two weeks," he says. "It really drives home why we do this."

He recalls a young boy named Miles, who uses a wheelchair, and his dog, Ravioli. "His mom talked about how he had been in the hospital for months," recalls Dustin. "Ravioli adapted to that environment and made Miles feel comfortable. Stories like that really show the impact."

For many clients, he says, these dogs are nothing short of life changing. "A lot of them describe the dogs as lifelines. You don't always know what your life could look like until one of these dogs enters your life."

Schwab's support in 2025 provided essential resources to help FSD prepare puppies for their future roles. Highlights included:

• $13,500 in grants from Charles Schwab Foundation
• Six volunteer events, totaling 147 hours with hands-on service, from kennel cleaning to landscaping, to deep cleaning transport vans
• Onsite education events featuring FSD's CEO and active clients

In recognition of this contribution, FSD named one of their newest puppies "Blue" as a tribute to Schwab.

Dustin sees a clear through-line between Schwab's purpose and FSD's mission.

"Schwab empowers clients to take control of their financial futures," he says. "FSD empowers people to live more independently. There's a lot of synergy there—pride, service, support."

Blue's path from puppy to highly trained service dog will take about two years:

1. Early obedience training

Blue will begin with a partner prison training program, where inmates in good standing provide round-the-clock basic obedience and socialization.

2. Real world scenarios

At around four to five months old, she'll move to a volunteer home for 10–14 months. These volunteer puppy raisers teach dogs to navigate the real world—grocery stores, airports, busy sidewalks, and loud environments.

3. Formal service animal training

Back at FSD, Blue will enter a service dog program and work with certified trainers to determine the best fit for her temperament and skills including:

• Mobility assistance
• PTSD and anxiety support
• Facility work in schools, police departments, or therapy settings

Once these dogs finish the program, they're ready to make a real difference. With all the skills they've learned, they can fulfill specific needs and offer crucial support and companionship, improving quality of life by helping their partners live more independently and confidently.

For Dustin, connecting FSD to Schwab is deeply meaningful.

Looking ahead, Schwab has about 300 volunteer hours planned with FSD in 2026, reinforcing their dedication to the cause and helping even more dogs like Blue, support those in need.

Dustin hopes Blue's story inspires service members, first responders, and people with disabilities to seek support—and encourages more volunteers to step forward. The need is great and the impact is life changing.