Evan Fried has been a leader within Big Dog Ranch Rescue for more than a decade and currently serves as Director of Training, overseeing canine training programs throughout the organization, including the Veteran Service Dog Program. With extensive experience in canine behavior, rehabilitation, advanced obedience, and service dog development, Evan has dedicated his career to helping dogs and people succeed together. Throughout his tenure at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, he has helped develop, train, and place more than 200 service dogs with veterans and first responders. Many of the veterans and first responders served through the program are living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), anxiety, depression, or other service-related challenges. Evan understands that every participant’s experiences, challenges, and goals are unique, and he approaches each placement with a focus on creating dependable partnerships that provide greater confidence, independence, and support in everyday life. One of Evan’s greatest strengths is his ability to evaluate both the needs of the participant and the temperament, personality, and potential of each dog. Through careful matching, training, and ongoing support, he works to ensure every team has the strongest possible foundation for success. “There is nothing more rewarding than watching a veteran and service dog build trust in one another,” Evan says. “Seeing that partnership grow and knowing it can help someone regain confidence and independence is what makes this work so meaningful.” Outside of the rescue, Evan shares his home with Apollo, a German Shepherd; Roux, a rescued Pit Bull; and Puff, a Pomeranian rescued from a puppy mill. Despite being the smallest member of the family, Puff is unquestionably in charge. For Evan, success is measured not by the number of dogs trained, but by the lives transformed through the bond between a veteran and their service dog.