Rockwall, TX (June 23, 2023) – Last month, an emotional and joyous event occurred placing American heroes with four-legged heroes through the devotion of Rockwall non-profit, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. Arriving at this Service Dog Team graduation, you become immediately aware that this is a special occasion. Greeted with an upbeat, patriotic atmosphere you can’t help but notice tissues placed along each aisle hinting at what is to come.
Patriot PAWS provides Service Dogs to military Veterans, First Responders and others who suffer with injuries or illnesses that impair mobility, Post-Traumatic Stress, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. Much more than a placement agency, Patriot PAWS raises and trains the puppies, selects recipients, and provides instruction and ongoing support to the Service Dog team. While recipients come from all over the United States these are Texas pups – raised and trained here! Training cycles through four programs, each providing specific and unique training settings, the local Patriot PAWS facility, one of three different prison units, Aggieland Puppy Raisers and DFW Puppy Raisers.
Once prepared to graduate, the dogs meet and work with recipients as a group over a two-week introduction and training period right here in Rockwall. During this time, Patriot PAWS staff provide guidance and watch for clues that a dog may be forming a bond with a specific recipient. Those bonds, as well as the skill set needed, help determine the matches. Yes, Patriot PAWS believes the dog should play a role in selecting their own partner!
At the conclusion of training, the partnerships are cemented in a matching ceremony. At last month’s graduation, those present were treated to a video of the inmate trainers and band who wrote a song especially for the ceremony. The profound lyrics were a message to us about the impact this program has on everyone involved… In a world gone crazy… you will always be a special part of me… great example of how God really wants us to be. The tissues began to be passed around.
As they arrive at the back of the room, you see the dogs lock eyes on their new partner, waiting at the end of the aisle, and your heart melts. Yes, they are working dogs, but they do so with unconditional love and devotion. They serve faithfully, even heroically, and those lyrics from the inmate’s song come back to mind. A few moments later, at the front of the room, a joyous, tail-wagging partnering takes place, and you see how quickly these dogs have embraced their assignment and their friend. And the tissues are shared again.
The bonds are lifelong and upon retirement the dogs are welcome to remain with the family. For those that pass away, the recipient will receive another partner because the commitment from Patriot PAWS is ongoing. The need and the value are worth the continued investment!
To date, Patriot PAWS has provided over 400 Service Dogs in 40 states and currently has 80 requests pending. Focusing on quality over speed, training lasts approximately 18-24 months at a cost of $35,000+ per dog but the result is well worth the investment, proven through continued success and the requests received from across the country.
To continue their mission, Patriot PAWS hosts fundraising events throughout the year including a golf tournament in September and bi-annual gala in October. Sponsors and participants are always welcome and needed. Volunteer opportunities are also available as Patriot PAWS looks to expand their services.
To support Patriot Paws and play a significant role in restoring physical and emotional independence to American veterans and others visit https://patriotpaws.org/
By Melanie Mayfield, Blue Ribbon News contributing writer
Patriot Paws helps veterans and others regain independence one dog at a time added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →