Makenzie Skrumeda

K9 Trainer

Makenzie was born and raised in the heart of the Texas Hill Country in Kerrville, Texas. Growing up, she developed a deep appreciation for family, community, and the values of the Southern way of life. From an early age, she had a passion for animals of every kind and always knew she wanted to dedicate her life to working with them.

As she grew older, witnessing the devastating impact of addiction on people she loved; and coming dangerously close to traveling that path herself; gave her a deeply personal understanding of the challenges addiction brings. Those experiences strengthened her resolve to dedicate her life to helping others find hope, healing, and lasting recovery. She realized she could combine her love for animals with her desire to support individuals on their journey to sobriety.

Makenzie has worked in the animal shelter environment, serving as a voice for the voiceless and advocating for animals in need. Today, she is equally committed to being a source of hope and encouragement for individuals battling addiction, helping them navigate recovery and build healthy, fulfilling lives.

She has a strong passion for canine training and behavior, believing that the bond between people and dogs can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. She has seen firsthand how a dog’s unconditional companionship can provide stability, comfort, and purpose during recovery.

In her free time, Makenzie enjoys spending quality time with her family and taking advantage of everything the outdoors has to offer. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both people and animals, she has found her calling: helping individuals reclaim their lives while giving deserving shelter animals a second chance at theirs.

My Why

Although I have never served in the military myself, I have witnessed firsthand the toll that service can take on the mind, body, and soul. I have also watched countless family members battle addiction, and I know it is a road that can lead to an incredibly dark place. Addiction has touched my family in profound ways. Some have found their way to recovery, while others have not.

Through those experiences, I came to understand that many people simply need someone to believe in them and provide the extra support needed to help them find hope again. Having walked the fine line between addiction and simply having fun, I developed a deep passion for helping those who need that extra guidance to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

I have also witnessed the incredible impact that dogs can have on veterans and people from all walks of life. I’ve seen the journey from addiction to sobriety, and I know how much a loyal companion can help keep someone grounded throughout the recovery process.

My passion is to help our warriors reclaim their lives and achieve lasting sobriety; whether that journey includes a service dog or not. At the same time, I hope to give shelter animals a second chance at life by connecting them with people who can benefit from their companionship. Addiction is one of the hardest battles a person can face, and I am committed to walking alongside every warrior, every step of the way.