TOKA'S FRIENDS
Service dogs for military veterans
Teresa and Summit
Theresa, a Marine Corps veteran who served during Operation Inherent Resolve and deployments aboard the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit USS Essex in 2015 and in Al Jabar, Kuwait in 2017. Honorably discharged January 2017. Theresa and Summit successfully passed all of the service dog certification tests in November of 2024.
"When I first got Summit in July 2022, I simply wanted a companion—a best friend to share life with. Never did I imagine he’d become my service dog. Before Summit, I was reclusive, keeping myself at a distance from the people who cared for and loved me. I suffered alone and in silence. But with Summit by my side, I’ve pushed beyond those boundaries. Through this journey, he has taught me confidence, patience, and—perhaps most importantly—how to slow down. I’m incredibly proud of who I’ve become because of him.
None of this would have been possible without Mike and Toka’s Friends. I am incredibly grateful to have met Mike; he has played such a significant role in our journey. His guidance has been invaluable, teaching me that training doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be fun for both of us. Thanks to Mike’s approach, training Summit has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. His willingness to help, paired with his kindness and hospitality, created an environment where we felt safe and supported every step of the way. I’m excited to continue to learn from Mike and see all that Summit is capable of achieving.” - Teresa