I am a Gulf war Veteran who suffers from PTSD. Going through this program truly has helped me cop with my demons. Now having my dog (Gizmo) trained to respond when I am having anxiety attacks etc. it is truly a miracle.
They are so knowledgeable on each step of training not only the dogs but also the handler of each dog. They share how to build confidence in your dog. They taught me and my husband how to understand what our dog is trying to tell us. We look forward to our classes. In the end we have a extended family. Well trained human and dog partner. Gizmo has changed both my and my husband life and we would not have been able to be where we are today. Living life.
Pups and warriors side by side is an amazing organization. The program not only saved my life but also my family. I now have my battle buddy that I take everywhere I go. They truly care about every student that comes through the program.
Life before our service dog felt like navigating a storm without shelter. The effects of PTSD cast a shadow over daily life, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. But everything changed when we partnered with P.A.W.S.S. (Pups and Warriors Side by Side) and began training our own dog to become the incredible service companion he is today.
The training process was nothing short of transformative—not just for our dog but for us as well. Under the expert guidance of P.A.W.S.S. trainers, we worked closely with him, learning to communicate and build a bond that went deeper than we could have imagined. We watched in awe as he learned to sense emotional changes, provide grounding during anxiety attacks, and even disrupt nightmares.
What’s truly amazing is how much he wanted to learn and help. With every skill he mastered, our connection grew stronger. The trainers empowered us to become a team, teaching us both how to navigate the challenges of PTSD together. Our dog’s intelligence and compassion shine through in everything he does, from his alertness to his gentle nudges that remind us we’re not alone.
Thanks to the tools and knowledge provided by P.A.W.S.S., our dog isn’t just a service animal—he’s a lifeline. He’s given us the confidence to reclaim daily activities we once avoided, like running errands, taking walks, or being in public spaces. The sense of safety and independence he provides has been life-changing.
P.A.W.S.S. didn’t just help us train a dog; they helped us create a partnership rooted in trust, care, and resilience. Together, we’ve found hope, healing, and the strength to move forward. For that, we will always be grateful.