2,500 Miles for One Life: Retired K9 Officer Dan Collard Rides to Provide a Service Dog for Veterans with PTSD

Some people talk about making a difference. Dan Collard pedals toward it, 2,500 miles at a time.

On May 7th, the retired K9 police officer from Michigan will clip into his pedals at the Mexico border and begin an extraordinary cross-country bicycle ride all the way to Canada. Every mile he rides is in service of a mission close to his heart: raising funds to help place a trained Service Dog with a veteran or first responder battling PTSD.

For those who have served, in uniform, on the force, or in the field, coming home doesn't always mean leaving the hardest moments behind. PTSD can make everyday life feel impossible. But a highly trained Service Dog changes that. These dogs aren't just companions. They are lifelines, providing stability, grounding their handlers during crisis moments, and restoring a sense of safety that trauma can strip away.

Dan chose Retrieving Freedom because of our commitment to placing dogs who are trained to do exactly that. His ride directly supports the $50,000+ investment it takes to breed, raise, and train one of our Service Dogs from puppyhood to placement.

Funds raised through the 2,500 Miles for One Life campaign will go toward making that placement possible, and the campaign stays open throughout and after the ride, so every dollar counts no matter when you give.

Whether you follow Dan's journey from the sidelines or help fuel it with a donation, you are part of what makes this ride mean something.

Learn more and donate at: retrievingfreedom.org/2500milesforonelife