Why Us?

Hands to Help, Paws to Save

Here at Pups and Warriors Side by Side, we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources in order to further achieve our cause. Since 2000, we’ve been supporting our community Veterans, First Responders and their Families in a variety of ways and measuring our success not by monetary size, but by more qualitative measurements such as the scale and effectiveness of our efforts. Just imagine what we can achieve together!

Our Story

Service Dog training isn’t just about your dog. In fact, the most integral part of the training process is YOU. That’s why we work with you to make sure your training plan fits your lifestyle and is tailored to what you need. With practical and flexible classes, we’re here to be your one and only source for quality service dog training.

Meet The Pack

Janna Newman

Co-Founder/President

Janna is a certified professional dog trainer. With years of experience, Janna has worked with countless dogs over the course of her professional career. With an undeniable love for animals, she is always around pets, whether at home or professionally. Janna received her Certification from The Animal Behavior College. Janna is a Combat Veteran Wife.

Ryan Newman

Co-Founder/Chief Operations Officer

Ryan has been part of the team since our founding. As a professional trainer, Ryan has a magic touch in molding dog behavior by building positive experiences and promoting a strong relationship between human and pet. Ryan received his Certification from Animal Behavior College. Ryan is a Disabled Combat Veteran who proudly served in the United States Army

Shelby Scalise

Co-Founder/Chief Financial Officer

Shelby is an accredited dog trainer and a consummate professional, who adores animals and is known for being patient and caring. Shelby received her Certification from Animal Behavior College. Shelby is AKC certified and CPR certified. Shelby is a Disabled Veteran who proudly served in the United States Air Force.

Lori Sandolo

Secretary

My name is Lori. I am a disabled army veteran. I am a wife and a mother to 3 great kids and a service dog. I am a reiki master healer. I love reading and music. Originally from Long Island, NY. I've lived in AZ since 2004.

Cat Ludwick

Officer of the Board/Mentor/Trainer

Cat is retired and spends her time volunteering with a variety of Veteran organizations. As a lifelong military ‘dependent’ (daughter, wife, & mom) she is well acquainted with the challenges military life can bring every member of the family. She is a non-denominational minister with decades of experience in suicide prevention and crisis counseling for Veterans and their spouses. Additionally, she has spent years rescuing, fostering and redirecting animal behavior and helping them find their furever homes. One of her deepest passions is helping working/service dogs find their perfect human so they can both get a paw up in a new and productive life. Cat is currently going through formal training to become a Certified Service Dog Trainer.

Timothy Gustafson

Officer of the Board/Mentor/Trainer

My name is Tim, and I am a graduate from the PAWSS class. I am a disabled combat veteran who proudly served in the Army and Afghanistan. Before this class it was hard for me to even leave my house. Ryan, Janna, Shelby, and Lori helped me to understand that I am not alone in my fight with PTSD. Going through these training sessions, pairing and bonding with my dog (Hank), changed my life forever. I believe in PAWSS and their mission so much that I was asked to be a mentor/trainer and an officer of the board. I would not be here without these people and this class. I have an amazing wife (Misty) and two children (Samantha and Emily). I love hunting, music, hiking, and taking Hank to wherever my journey leads me. I cannot wait to meet you and have you experience the PAWSS pack. You are not alone!

Patrick Kreuzer

Officer of the Board/Mentor/Trainer

Patrick is a disabled USMC veteran and retired police officer. Born a German citizen and becoming an American citizen at a young age, Patrick felt a calling to give back to his country and community by serving over 20 years combined. He fell in love with our organization while going through our program and felt compelled to get involved. Patrick has a passion for all animals especially his 5 dogs he has at home.