Help a Disabled Army Vet Rebuild Honey Sheltie Farm Train & Donate Service Dogs
My name is Colton Griffin, and I’m the founder of Honey Sheltie Farm LLC — a 100% veteran-owned business registered in Texas. I served in the Army and, like many veterans, I found purpose in caring for animals. I’ve bred and trained Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties) for years and currently run obedience, behavioral, and service-dog training for dogs of any breed.
In 2023, I lost everything when my prior business (which had operated since 2016 under my former spouse’s name) was taken from me in a divorce. I was homeless for months and lost my livelihood. I’ve rebuilt my life and the business legally in my name, and I’m now back doing what I love — training dogs and helping people. I receive veterans’ benefits that cover my personal needs, and today I’m asking my community for help to get Honey Sheltie Farm back to full strength.
My vision: Lease at least 5 acres in Texas, build an on-site modular kennel and a modular home/office, breed and raise AKC-quality Shelties (for families and for ranchers as herding dogs), offer short- and long-term boarding, and expand our group and private training programs — including service dog training for veterans.
My promise & social mission:
• For every 5 Shelties sold, I will personally train and donate a fully trained service dog to a veteran in need, at no cost.
• For every 10th Sheltie sold, I will donate a trained Sheltie to a charity for someone in need.
• For every $50,000 in revenue, Honey Sheltie Farm will donate $10,000 to a wounded veteran charity.
• I will hire only veterans for the farm staff and train them to become professional trainers and handlers.
Why I need $350,000: I can do the training today, but to scale safely and responsibly, I need land, facilities, transport, and a team. Your support will make this happen and create sustainable jobs for veterans while producing trained service dogs for veterans and families in need.
⸻
How your donation will be used (budget breakdown)
Your support will be dedicated to building capacity and getting us to sustainable revenue quickly:
• Secure 5+ acres & site prep / first-year lease or down payment — $110,000
• Modular kennel and modular home/office (purchase & setup) — $120,000
• Purchase breeding stock (Sheltie pairs, stud fees) & vet care — $25,000
• Work vehicle & trailer for safe transport — $30,000
• Veteran employee payroll reserve (2 hires, initial months) — $40,000
• Marketing, licensing, insurance, utilities, feed (initial 6 months) — $20,000
• Contingency / unexpected expenses — $5,000
Total goal: $350,000
⸻
Milestones — what we’ll accomplish as funding grows
• $50,000 — Lease deposit + start modular kennel procurement; continue training classes off-site.
• $150,000 — Complete modular kennel installation and buy first breeding pairs.
• $250,000 — Hire and onboard veteran staff; purchase work vehicle; expand boarding capacity.
• $350,000 (goal) — Full site operational: breeding, boarding, training, and donation program active.
⸻
What donors will receive (thank-you perks / community rewards)
(These are small tokens of appreciation — not financial returns.)
• $25 — Personalized thank-you email + a digital photo from the farm and puppy updates.
• $100 — Thank-you + one complimentary group training class (valid in first year).
• $250 — “Puppy Sponsor” certificate, monthly photos/updates of your sponsored litter, and name on our donor wall.
• $500 — All of the above + one private training session (in person or virtual).
• $1,000 — Sponsor recognition on our website and invitation to a “Founders’ Day” visit to the farm (travel not included).
• $10,000+ — will go towards the purchase of a dog breed of your choice to be personally service dog trained, and you will be able to choose the recipient or charity of your choice to receive this service dog.
I will post regular updates and photos so you can see exactly how your contribution is being used.
⸻
Important notes
• Honey Sheltie Farm LLC is a for-profit sole proprietorship, so donations are not tax-deductible unless given to an affiliated registered nonprofit.
• If you prefer, large donors can contact me directly to discuss donor recognition, naming a program, or possible partnership ideas.
• I pledge full transparency: regular financial and progress updates will be posted on this campaign page.
⸻
Why your support matters
This campaign is more than a business ask — it’s a chance to restore a veteran’s livelihood, create jobs for fellow veterans, and scale a program that donates trained service dogs to those who need them most. Your gift helps a hardworking veteran rebuild a business that gives back to the community.
Please donate what you can, and please share this campaign with friends, veteran groups, local businesses, and animal lovers. Every share increases our chance of reaching people who care.
Thank you for believing in Honey Sheltie Farm and in second chances.
With gratitude,
Colton Griffin
Founder, Honey Sheltie Farm LLC — Registered in Texas
Prefer contact email: [email redacted] phone: [phone redacted]
Organizer
