Bryan-College Station, TX (July 18, 2024) – On Monday, July 8th, six United States Veterans from the states of Texas, Indiana, Montana and Oklahoma began their two-week process of receiving a Service Dog from Patriot PAWS. The first week was conducted at Patriot PAWS of Aggieland, a student-led university recognized extracurricular club through Texas A&M University.
Established in 2006, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is a Rockwall, Texas based National 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization that trains and provides Service Dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American Veterans, and others, who may suffer from mobile disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and/or Post-Traumatic Stress. Each Patriot PAWS Service Dog takes 18-24 months to fully train at a cost of $46,000 for the organization to provide.
Texas A&M University and Patriot PAWS Service Dogs began their partnership in 2013 when a student approached the university about raising a Service Dog in Training for a disabled American Veteran. Through the last 11 years, Patriot PAWS of Aggieland has blossomed into an amazing program with currently 180+ students actively Puppy Raising and/or advocating for the mission of the organization. In January of 2024, Patriot PAWS of Aggieland officially opened their second office location within Post Oak Mall in College Station, TX to meet the demands of the growing program.
The current Officers of Patriot PAWS of Aggieland were able to see their passion and dedication come to fruition this Summer as they worked with each Graduating Veteran, explaining proper dog handling techniques and the meaning behind the foundational cues.
On Friday, July 12th, Patriot PAWS of Aggieland Club Members, Patriot PAWS Staff Members, and members of the Bryan-College Station community attended “Matching Day” – the final day of week 1 of the Graduation Process, where it is revealed which Service Dog has chosen which Veteran. The ceremony was opened with a performance from the Aggie Wranglers, followed by each Service Dog being walked to their Veteran by their former Aggieland Puppy Raiser(s). It was a bittersweet moment as the Service Dogs concluded their journey with their fellow Aggies and began their journeys fulfilling their purpose of serving their Veterans. Following the special ceremony, refreshments and sweet treats were provided for all in attendance, made possible by fundraisers that Patriot PAWS of Aggieland Student Puppy Raisers organized.
“Matching Day in Aggieland was a rewarding opportunity for our Texas A&M Puppy Raisers to see the end goal for our Service Dogs,” says Deanna Hafley, 2024-2025 President of Patriot PAWS of Aggieland.
The second week of the Graduation Process was held at Patriot PAWS’ Main Training Facility, located in Rockwall, TX, as each Service Dog’s training was further customized to serve their Veteran best.
“This has, once again, been an amazing group of Veterans and Service Dogs,” says Lori Stevens, Founder & Executive Director of Patriot PAWS. “One of the Veterans participating in this Graduation is receiving his second Service Dog from our organization. His first Service Dog served him faithfully for 9 years before he went with the angels. We are immensely grateful to the generous donors who make lifetime placements possible for our clients.”
The official Summer 2024 Graduation Ceremony of the 6 new Veteran/Service Dog Teams will be held on Friday, July 19th at 1pm at Patriot PAWS Rockwall Campus located at 254 Ranch Trail, Rockwall, TX 75032. Overflow parking will be available at Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary School located at 6492 FM 3097, Rockwall, TX 75032. Shuttle services will begin at 11:30am. The event is open to the public to attend however, attendees must RSVP at office@patriotpaws.org.
To date, Patriot PAWS has had more than 600 dogs in their program, with Veteran/Service Dog Teams located in 43 states across the nation. There are currently 70+ Veterans still waiting to receive their very own Patriot PAWS Service Dog.
For more information, or to donate to the mission of Patriot PAWS, please visit their website at www.patriotpaws.org.
Press release submitted by Sarah Mathers, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Photos courtesy of Donna Dicksson Photography.
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs presents Summer 2024 Veteran/service dog graduation added by Melanie M on
View all posts by Melanie M →