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Our Team

Mat Sica - Lead Trainer

Professional Experience

With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, Matthew Sica is no stranger to the preparation, patience, and dedication it takes to ensure the dogs trained with Blue Star Service Dogs are prepared for the task ahead of them. As one of the organizations longest standing members, Matthew’s role as a Trainer is full of challenges, which he meets with consistent enthusiasm, empathy, and a healthy dose of humor.

 

Mission - Coach, Motivate, and Repeat

Helping veterans improve the quality of their lives through the use of a service animal is both Matthew’s goal and the goal of Blue Star Service Dogs. By rescuing, training, and placing qualified canines with military veterans experiencing PTSD, TBI, and other disabilities, this non-profit organization is helping veterans live healthier, more structured lives, and improve their relationships with the people around them. At the end of the day, Matthew understands Blue Star Service Dogs isn’t about dogs; it’s about utilizing dogs to help humans, and watching both veteran and dog learn together and become confident as a team is the most rewarding.

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OUR BOARD

Tina Peterson

Board President

Professional Experience

Driven by both a passion for real estate and a love of dogs, Tina Peterson is combining her expertise in home buying and selling with a most-worthy cause. As a seasoned expert in the world of real estate, Tina is not only an advocate for her clients, but for her co-workers and community as well. Compassionate, tenacious, and dedicated, Tina is looking forward to bringing the same level of service and commitment to her position as President of Blue Star Service Dogs.

 

Mission - For Love of Dogs & Veterans

Blue Star Service Dogs, a non-profit organization dear to Tina’s heart, has been rescuing, training, and placing qualified canines with military veterans for some years. Veterans who experience PTSD, TBI, or other disabilities are the sole benefactors of all the love, time, and dedication of the organization. As a real estate agent, Tina has years of experience working with veteran clients, and has close, professional relationships with team-members who have also served. Introduced to Blue Star Service Dogs by a veteran client, who was also a Veteran Caseworker for the House of Representatives, Tina first started out as a volunteer, but was soon approached for advice and expertise with a real estate matter. The organization needed assistance navigating and meeting township requirements and Tina knew she could help!

 

Accomplishments and a Charitable Spirit

Recognized as one of Michigan’s Real Estate All-Stars, Tina went to work on ensuring Blue Star Dog Services could continue rescuing, training, and placing dogs with veterans most in need. With the mission of the foundation in mind, Tina set out to form a lasting bond and partnership with those at the organization that expanded outwardly to include her real estate team. Together, they created the first annual Blue Star Dog Services fundraiser, which raised a stellar $17,000, with all contributions going directly to the organization. In addition to adopting a pup (who fell just a little short of the service dog training requirements!) Tina is also a full-time wife, mother, and grandmother.

Our Supporters

We appreciate organizations, companies, and individuals that support our dogs and veterans with monetary donations, supplies, services, and event support! Thank you!!

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