Liberty Dogs pairs veterans coping with mental health challenges with trained service dogs it describes as "battle buddies." The organization operates a 27-acre training campus in Reno and is now seeking volunteers in the Las Vegas Valley to raise puppies before they enter advanced training.

For Army veteran Rich Earl, the program has been transformative. Earl served seven years in the military and said he struggled with anxiety, depression and health problems linked to burn pits used on base. Returning to civilian life was difficult.

"I was proud of serving, but I also didn't feel like I fit in. I had a hard time maintaining a job. I had seven to eight jobs. Got a divorce," Earl said. "And I was struggling."

A cancer diagnosis last year prompted Earl to seek help. He said his search for a service dog involved long waits and high costs before he connected with Liberty Dogs, which paired him with a dog named Reagan.

After two weeks of training and a month with Reagan at home, Earl said the dog has given him a renewed sense of purpose.

"I feel like I have a purpose. I think that's important for veterans, especially when some of them are struggling with depression," he said. "I think knowing that you have someone else, you know, relying on you to take care of them is important."

Liberty Dogs uses both purpose-bred and shelter dogs, which train with the organization's handlers for 16 to 18 months before returning to the Reno campus for advanced training. Veterans then spend two weeks at the free, all-inclusive campus learning to work with their dogs.

The need is significant in Nevada, where about 9% of the population are veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Residents interested in learning more about Liberty Dogs or volunteering as puppy raisers can visit the organization's website at libertydogs.org.