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 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!
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.