I first learned of Patriot PAWS through my friend, Keith, who had a service dog. This dog was a perfect companion for him as he had mobility issues as a result of his service in the Army. Spot, a beautiful labrador, helped Keith with daily tasks that most of us would think are simple, but he was unable to do them. Keith explained in depth everything that Patriot PAWS had done for him, and I was immediately hooked! I started volunteering at Patriot PAWS right away, and have come to learn just how amazing this organization is!
Keith is one of many veterans who have benefited from a Patriot PAWS service dog. While volunteering at the Rockwall location, I have seen firsthand how the dogs impact the lives of veterans. Their lives are forever changed for the better because of this fabulous organization!
My children and I regularly donate food bags and tug toys for the trainers and families to use. Patriot Paws is very good at using their resources wisely. Donations are a huge part of how they can keep their budget in check. Patriot Paws relies heavily on donations and grants since it's a 501c3 nonprofit and the training is so expensive. It costs over $40,000 to train one service dog. The process takes around 18-24 months. Each dog has the basic skills to help a veteran, but Patriot PAWS goes above and beyond the basics! After working with the veteran, they train the dog to meet the specific needs of that person which is phenomenal!
In addition to providing service dogs, Patriot PAWS stays actively engaged in our community. They are constantly getting the word out about their organization through social media, demonstrations and other events. Their mission is to help veterans in all aspects of their lives so it's important to have the resources available to them when needed. They partner with many companies who have been huge blessings, and the benefits are passed on to the veterans.
There are many long term benefits of investing in programs like Patriot PAWS. This program supports veterans' mental health, well-being and societal interest in our community. Many of these veterans have seen things that have changed their lives forever and often have debilitating PTSD. Some can't even bare the thought of leaving their homes. Service Dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety to help them go about their day. Not only are these dogs trained for physical support, but they aid in mental support as well which is so important.
In conclusion, Patriot PAWS is a top notch service dog organization run by amazing people who truly want to help veterans. Donations or grants no matter the size with help them support as many people as they can. After all, where would we be without these selfless service members.
As an ambassador for Patriot Paws in Rockwall, Texas, I have had the incredible honor of witnessing firsthand how this organization changes lives. The dedication and passion that the entire team brings to their work are truly inspiring. They are wholeheartedly committed to serving our veterans by training and providing service dogs that not only offer companionship but also restore a sense of independence.
The people behind Patriot Paws have the biggest hearts, always putting veterans and the dogs they train above all else. Every step they take is focused on making sure both the dogs and the veterans thrive. It's an absolute privilege to be part of such a life-changing organization. If you're looking for a cause to support, I can’t recommend Patriot Paws enough!
Doris
I have been a puppy raiser for Patriot Paws for 9 years. It is a wonderful organization that provides the highest care for their dogs. They allow volunteers to take the dogs into their homes to care for and help train. Anytime there is an issue or we have a question there is always a trainer available to answer your questions and if necessary to help you deal with the issue. It is such a rewarding experience to help socialize the dogs, see them grow and eventually go an extremely grateful veteran. This organization has helped so many veterans and their families and in many cases have saved lives.
To serve our veterans who have given so much and who now face medical challenges, is such a honor. This organization is so well run and their hearts are huge. To be able to give a veteran back their freedom after they have fought for our freedom is priceless. The dogs are so well trained and the training program is so systematic, no wonder Patriot Paws has such a high rate of success . The dogs are well loved and enjoy doing their "work." They know they are helping and their attention to their person is spot on. I love volunteering here.
I have heard nothing but good things about this organization and I am grateful that any place like this is able to provide service animals to brave men and women who have served our country selflessly. I had two grandfathers who were in the military so I appreciate everything that you all do. I plan to volunteer and donate more as the months go on. I have a co-worker who keeps me in the loop about all the ongoing activities so keep up the great work!
I was concerned when the waiting list was a few years long, until I understood the amazing process, they use to screen their prospective service dogs, the wide range of tasks and all of he incredible situations they prepare each dog for. Unlike the "puppy mill service dog programs" they have "a village of volunteer and staff programs to train each pup for various levels of success with a high bar of expectations. They have a multilevel program. One level includes medical and behavior screening, then training to get the pups used to a schedule and basic communications training (cues), the pups start letting the humans know when they have to go out to potty and other cues. They have a level where Texas A&M college students introduce them to social environments while they reinforce good behaviors. I am leaving a lot out here... I only have so much space. However; the final step is the graduation. Veterans spend two weeks at their training center. It's when the veterans learn to interact with each service dog, the staff then observe, guide and teach the veterans how to work with each dog. Each dog and each veteran interreact differently. During the second week the dog will get to pick their veteran It's such an amazing process. I have never seen such a well-organized process before. It's so amazing. They make it fun for the pups and you can see the excitement in each pup. They do not use negative reinforcement. Every dog seems to project its happiness wherever it goes. The staff and volunteers? I cannot imagine a happier and more welcoming group of people. There is so much they do that is so exciting I just wish I had more space. I know all this, because I was found their program so detailed and fascinating. I am also very honored to have the most wonderful dog I have ever had in my life. She helps me so much. She is like magic. Before, I received her, I rarely got out of my home due to my problems from my head injury and mobility issues. Patriot Paws, tells everyone they "are now part of their family." It's been a few years now and I can tell you they do treat my service dog and I, just like family. Wait there's something really important I want to mention. The dogs are monitored for health and success for their entire life. Should the service dog retire or pass on from old age or illness, the service member may have the option to go through the program and receive another service dog. Simply amazing! I love my service dog! I love my new family!
I am a volunteer Puppy Raiser for Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. I've personally seen what these wonderfully trained dogs have done for our Veterans. So many have stated they had no reason to live until they received their service dog. Those with physical disabilities had difficulty functioning until they received their service dog that could do things for them. Patriot PAWS Service Dogs provides these fully trained dogs to our Veterans at no charge to the Veteran. This is a wonderful organization!
I have been a volunteer with Patriot PAWS Service Dogs since 2009 & have seen it grow from the tiny storefront where it started in 2006 to its present 3.5 acre campus in Rockwall, TX, with a satellite campus in College Station, TX. It is both my honor & privilege to interview the disabled veterans who receive our dogs & write their stories for our newsletters. Over the years, I have interviewed dozens of recipients & can tell you, without a doubt, that these dogs change the lives of not only the veterans they serve, but of the veterans' families as well.
Mobility disabilities and/or post-traumatic stress issues can be debilitating to the point that some of these veterans had been unable to leave their home or interact with anyone, even their own spouse & children. Our dogs help them deal with their mobility disabilities by performing tasks for them that would be difficult or even impossible to do on their own, such as retrieving dropped items, helping them get up from sitting, tugging open doors for them, etc. The dogs can also help with post-traumatic stress issues by waking them up from nightmares or diverting their attention during waking flashbacks & calming them down in high-stress situations, such as being in crowds. Anyone with a pet dog knows the value of a dog's unconditional love, but imagine that dog also being your lifeline to living an independent & productive life...that is the role of a service dog.
Patriot PAWS is fully-accredited by Assistance Dogs International & trains the highest-quality service dogs available anywhere. These dogs are funded solely by donations & grant monies & are provided to our nation's disabled veterans at NO COST to the veteran. I am very proud to be associated with this wonderful organization that serves those who have served & sacrificed for us all. Patriot PAWS is bettering the lives of disabled veterans & their families, 4 paws at a time.
I've volunteered with Patriot Paws Service Dogs for about 8 years at first as a general administrative volunteer, then as an ambassador and puppy raiser. I continue to be impressed by the love and care given to our veterans and our wonderful service dogs by this organization. They continually implement ways to provide the highest quality service dogs for our veterans while responsibly using volunteers in every way possible in order to stretch the donated $$$. Being an Assistance Dogs International accredited organization keeps Patriot Paws on the best path possible to assure the mission and goals are met .
For 2 years I have been a volunteer & Ambassador for Patriot Paws. I have been privileged to see how Patriot Paws has changed the lives of countless Veterans. Restoring their independence, self esteem and will to move forward again. All this was achieved by providing them with a service dog free of charge. Many of these veterans where unable to leave there homes due to PTSD and mobility issues. These well trained dogs have performed miracles and changed lives. Patriot Paws staff and trainers work tirelessly for our nations veterans and without them many veterans would still be without the means to perform even the simplest of task at home. Such as dressing themselves, opening doors, and picking things up off the floor. Their services dogs perform these task and so many more. And provide a calming effect for those suffering from PTSD.
I’ve been volunteering as a photographer for them for about eight years. Through good times and bad I’ve seen them innovate and recreate processes to keep the program going strong… and building it better. Above all else, I’ve witnessed many veterans change their life for the positive after having received a service dog… and becoming a member (for life) in the Patriot Paws family. Whatever name you put on what they do, the result for many veterans is magical in that it provides a way for them to reclaim their lives.
I had a great experience volunteering at Patriot Paws! They are an amazing nonprofit company working towards a great cause for brave men and women. I was honored to have the opportunity to work with all of the amazing staff and intelligent dogs. I think that anyone who got the chance to volunteer their time here would say it was well worth their time. All of the staff works as hard as they can to provide all of the veterans and puppies with whatever they need to brighten up their day. Just one dog can change the life brave, selfless person. Again, my experience with Patriot Paws was great!
Director for 9+ years with first hand knowledge of how important this program is to the lives of our veterans returning from deployments with physical and and mental disabilities. To see the wonderful changes in their (and their families) lives that evolve from the benefits provided by a service dog is truly inspirational, By utilizing the Texas Department of Correction facilities to assist us in training the dogs brings a tremendous feeling to those inmates involved. We have heard emotional testimony to the effect that this program also provides positive behavioral changes in their lives knowing that they are truly helping society, rather than taking advantage of society (which for many is the reason they are currently confined).
Patriot Paws is one of the most noble non profit institutions that I have encountered. They exist to serve those that have served and protected the people of the United states. All the way from First responders, to frontline defenders, they remain steadfast in their commitment and charter. It is an honor for me to included this fine group of people and their endeavor to the list of non profits that I donate to.
Patriot Paws is an incredible organization. Patriot Paws was established to improve the lives of our wounded Veteran heroes through the freedom and peace they achieve when they are gifted a service dog that is trained to support their specific needs. The Patriot Paws staff and volunteer team is dedicated to serving our Veterans and go above and beyond to ensure funds donated are used effectively and efficiently. Dogs are trained to be full access service dogs. Dogs that do not meet the stringent requirements of Patriot Paws for full access are utilized as PTSD support dogs and to support our First Responders when needed. I have been fortunate to be part of this organization for many years and have seen first hand the incredible difference the hard work and dedication are making to our Veterans.
Trainers allow good volunteers to be bullied away from the program. They should ask every evicted volunteer for feedback on their experience. Should be ashamed.
Extensive pre-qualification.
Accepted to receive a service dog.
It's been 4 years now and nothing but solicitations for donations.
Review from Guidestar
Patriot PAWS provides service dogs for disabled veterans. See www.patriotpaws.org. Lori Stevens and her small team provide specialized service dogs for our returning war heros. She trains women in the prison system in Texas to actually train the dogs. The female offenders have gained a tremendous amount, too, from "giving back" - and the veterans lives are changed forever. This organization relies totally on donations. This is the most amazing group of people who are working hard to make sure that our veterans - who have fought so hard for our freedom - have some of their freedom returned to them with a service dog.
PatriotPAWS 02/05/2015
Thank you for your comment. Please help us help you by letting us know who you are. We have searched our records and do not have any approved applications in our pool that have been there longer than 2 1/2 years. We are careful to let every applicant know that the process of training a service dog takes up to two years and we place dogs first come, first served. We hope you will contact us at office@patriotpaws.org.