Luis and Valentino

Veteran: Luis D.

Branch of Service: U.S. Army

Dog Name: Valentino

Dog Breed: Pit Bull

Luis proudly hails from Puerto Rico—the crown jewel of the Caribbean—and says joining the military was one of the best decisions he’s ever made, second only to marrying his wife, Gisselle. He served in the U.S. Army for four years, building friendships and memories during his time overseas that still shape his life today.

After service, Luis faced a new challenge: a degenerative eye condition that has left him legally blind. While the diagnosis slowed him down, it didn’t stop him. He earned his college degree, became skilled in coding, and continues to move forward, working hard and staying focused on what’s next.

Luis is passionate about running and being in nature—but these days, trails feel more uncertain, and life feels more isolated. That’s when he realized what he truly needed again: a battle buddy. Someone to lean on in quiet moments, someone to help him feel safe, capable, and free.

Enter Valentino—an energetic pit bull Luis rescued after the pup had been rehomed multiple times. Their connection was instant. Like Luis, Valentino has faced unfair judgments and struggled with things out of his control. Together, they’ve started building trust, and now, with the help of Sierra Delta, they’re working on building a shared life, too.

Through Sierra Delta’s training program, Luis hopes to give Valentino the foundation he needs to become a true service companion—one who can support with confidence and independence, and help Luis reclaim the freedom he feels when out on the trails. This next chapter isn’t just about training a dog—it’s about rediscovering strength, together.