
TOKA'S FRIENDS
Service dogs for military veterans
Cristen and Murphy

Cristen proudly served in the U.S. Army for eight years as a Military Police Investigator, including two overseas deployments. After being honorably discharged in 2016, Cristen shifted her focus to education and healing, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work from Portland State University. Soon after, she returned to central Massachusetts and began working with homeless and at-risk veterans. This work deeply affirmed her calling to serve others. Motivated to make a greater impact, Cristen pursued a master's in social work to better support veterans on their mental health journeys. Today, Cristen works at a community-based mental health center, providing crisis evaluations and advocating for compassionate, trauma-informed care. In April of 2025, Cristen and Murphy (named in honor of LT. Michael P. Murphy - more info below) officially became a team, passing all of the required service dog tests.

I want to share my deep appreciation and gratitude for the life-changing support I’ve received from Toka’s Friends. Thanks to their incredible organization, I was matched with Murphy, a service dog who has not just improved, but completely transformed my life. His presence has been a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Before Murphy, everyday activities like going out in public or attending events often felt overwhelming. Since his arrival, I’ve become more confident, engaged, and comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. Murphy’s steady presence has not only improved my quality of life but also helped me reconnect with my community, a testament to the positive impact of Toka's Friends on a larger scale.
Toka’s Friends is not just an organization; they are a family. Mike and his loved ones pour their hearts into ensuring that every match between a veteran and a dog is suitable and deeply meaningful. Their unique blend of compassion, commitment, and attention to detail is what sets them apart. I cannot speak highly enough of Mike and the entire team; they changed my life, and I know they continue to do the same for other Veterans daily.
Murphy has been a gift not just to me, but to those around me. His presence has not only improved my life but also positively impacted my community. I am endlessly grateful to Toka’s Friends for bringing us together. - Cristen



In Honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy
As a member of Navy Seal Vehicle Delivery Team One, Lt. Murphy lost his life during a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a battle in which he and his other 3 team members were outnumbered by more than 50 enemy fighters. Lt. Murphy risked (and lost) his life by going out into the open so that he could radio for reinforcements. The story of this battle is well documented in the book (and movie) "Lone Survivor", written by Marcus Luttrell, the only survivor of the encounter.


