Service dogs saving lives,
one bond at a time.
Phoenix Rising exists to save lives by advocating for greater access to fully trained service dogs, educating others about their life-saving impact, and raising funds to help make these extraordinary partnerships possible.
We believe in the unbreakable spirit of those living with PTSD and mental health challenges.
We believe service dogs are not just companions, but life-savers.
We believe in rising, together — out of the ashes of whatever has tried to destroy us.
The bond that started
a movement
Shadow’s Story
Shadow was more than a service dog. He was Lee’s faithful partner, constant companion, and lifeline. He gave her independence and safety, restored hope, and, quite literally, he saved her life.
In November 2022, at just five years old, Shadow was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The news was devastating. Faced with the possibility of losing the partner she depended on so much, Lee began the difficult process of preparing for a future without him.
In March 2023, Phoenix came into Lee’s life as Shadow’s successor service dog. But Shadow wasn’t ready to leave just yet. What was expected to be a short goodbye became an extraordinary gift of more time; time for Lee to begin building a partnership with Phoenix while continuing to cherish the dog who had carried her through so much.
Shadow died in 2026.
His death left an absence that no other dog can ever fill. But it also deepened the purpose behind Phoenix Rising. Lee knows firsthand what it means to place your safety, independence, and sometimes your very life in the paws of a service dog. She also knows what it means to face the possibility of losing that lifeline and needing another highly trained dog ready to step in beside you.
Shadow’s legacy lives on in every part of Phoenix Rising; in every story we share, every person we educate, every partnership we build, and every dollar we raise to help make life-saving service dogs more accessible.
Shadow may no longer walk beside Lee, but the life he saved continues to carry his purpose forward.
Phoenix
Shadow's successor, adopted March 25, 2023
Inspired by Shadow's life and legacy
Phoenix Rising was born to meet a growing, urgent need. Three pillars guide everything we do.
Advocate
Breaking down barriers and championing greater access to properly trained service dogs for people whose lives can be transformed by them.
Educate
Sharing real stories and trusted information to increase understanding of service dogs, hidden disabilities, and the life-changing power of the human-canine partnership.
Fund
Raising money and building partnerships that help make fully trained service dogs financially accessible to people who need them.
What began as a story has become a movement
What began as an anthology of incredible and true stories has risen, like a phoenix from the ashes, into a movement dedicated to advocacy, education, and fundraising—helping make it possible for life-saving service dogs to find their way into the hands and hearts of those who need them.
Shadow has terminal cancer now (2022). I'm devastated; he's only five years old. Yet I was fortunate to adopt his successor on March 25, 2023. We named him Phoenix Rising. Out of the ashes of abandonment, I rose! Out of the trauma of abuse, I rose! Out of the ashes, a Phoenix rises!
— Lee Atherton, Founder · From "Voices of the 21st Century"
Hope has four paws.
And it's just getting started.
A story of second chances, unwavering faith, and the healing power of love.
Proceeds from this book and future projects support our advocacy, education, and fundraising efforts to help make life-saving service dogs more accessible to people with PTSD and other mental health disabilities.
Lee Atherton
Founder · Coach · Speaker · International Best-Selling Author
The heart behind
Phoenix Rising
Out of the ashes of abandonment, I rose! Out of the trauma of abuse, I rose! Out of the ashes, a Phoenix rises!
The heart behind Phoenix Rising belongs to Lee Atherton — an author, pastor, end-of-life and grief coach, and fierce advocate for those battling invisible wounds. Inspired by mentors like Cheri Merz and Charmain Hammond, and motivated by a deep personal calling, Lee's journey with Phoenix Rising is just beginning.
As a coach, speaker, and international best-selling author, Lee brings a unique perspective to the world of service dog advocacy, having experienced firsthand the life-saving power of the human-canine connection.
Lee's story is one of profound transformation and resilience. Following devastating loss and trauma that led to PTSD, Shadow became her service dog and helped her find her way back to life and purpose. That experience now fuels her determination to help make the life-saving power of service dogs accessible to others.
Lee's goal: to positively impact at least 100,000 lives by 2032.
Inspired by mentors Cheri Merz and Charmain Hammond.
Phoenix Rising: Service Dogs Saving Lives is a community initiative dedicated to advocacy, education, and fundraising to help make life-saving service dogs more accessible to people with PTSD and other mental health disabilities. We operate as a fiscally sponsored project of the Marlborough Regional Community Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Checks payable to The Marlborough Regional Community Foundation · memo: Phoenix Rising · 2 Mount Royal Ave, Suite 208, Marlborough, MA 01752
How can you help?
Whether you're looking for service dog resources, ready to donate, or want to share your story—there's a place for you here.
Donate
A fully trained service dog can cost tens of thousands of dollars and require years of specialized training. Every gift helps make these life-changing partnerships more accessible.
Share Your Story
Has a service dog saved your life? Join our upcoming anthology — "Phoenix Rising: Stories of Service Dogs Saving Lives."
You Can Help!
From social media shares to speaking introductions — there are 16+ ways to support this mission without spending a dollar.
Stay connected to the mission.
Monthly updates on lives touched, funds raised, partnerships growing, and stories of hope.
