GATESVILLE, TEXAS (October 17, 2024) – On Monday, October 7th, four United States Veterans from Florida and Texas embarked on a transformative journey as they began the two-week process of receiving Service Dogs from Patriot PAWS. The first week took place at the Lane Murray Unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), where female Offender Trainers dedicated their time and effort to work closely with each Veteran. At the end of this meaningful week, these compassionate trainers shared a piece of their hearts with each Veteran by handing over the leashes of the Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, a selfless testament to the belief that their past mistakes do not define their character.
Founded in 2006, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to training and providing the highest quality service dogs at no cost to disabled American Veterans and others who may suffer from mobility disabilities, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Post-Traumatic Stress. Each Patriot PAWS Service Dog takes 18-24 months to train and represents an investment of $46,000 for the organization. However, this cost would increase by $20,000 without the invaluable support of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Trainers.
The partnership between TDCJ and Patriot PAWS Service Dogs began in 2008 when Patriot PAWS’ Founder & Executive Director, Lori Stevens, met with TDCJ’s Director of Prisons to explore the possibility of a collaborative effort that could change lives on both sides—Veterans and offenders. As their meeting concluded and Stevens prepared to leave, TDCJ’s team was left speechless when a beautiful black lab named Beau emerged from under the table. Thanks to Beau’s exemplary service dog training, which adhered to the highest standards, not a single TDCJ staff member realized that a four-legged friend had quietly participated in their lengthy meeting. In that moment, a beautiful partnership began.
Patriot PAWS’ Prison Training Program operates out of four prison units—three female units in Gatesville, TX, and one men’s unit in Fairfield, TX. While serving their sentences, offenders volunteer their time to train Patriot PAWS pups that rotate throughout the program. These Offender Trainers teach the pups a variety of cues, from basic potty training to advanced skills like retrieving a bottle of water from the fridge or even seeking help in an emergency. To date, the Patriot PAWS Prison Program has impacted the lives of more than 450 Offender Trainers, with approximately 22% of paroled trainers going on to work in animal-related fields, and fewer than 1% ever re-offending. This unique collaboration continues to uplift two distinct communities, showcasing the profound power of second chances and the healing bond between humans and animals.
On Friday, October 11th, Patriot PAWS staff members, prison guards, and the prison wardens gathered at the Lane Murray Unit to celebrate the time, dedication, and passion that each Offender Trainer invested in the program, making four new service dog placements possible. Three United States Army Veterans and one United States Marine Corps Veteran were matched with their very own Patriot PAWS Service Dog, each presented to the Veterans personally by a TDCJ Offender Trainer. Tears filled their eyes as they witnessed their beloved furry friends fulfilling their calling—a bittersweet moment cherished by all in attendance.
Over the course of the 16-year partnership, Lori Stevens witnessed offenders hand over the leashes of their furry friends countless times. She has also seen many offenders blossom with newfound confidence, a happier spirit, and a sense of belonging through the program. While Stevens knew the program was positively impacting the lives of the offenders in many ways, the magnitude of this impact was revealed during a surprise performance from the Offender Trainers, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for all that Stevens has done for them.
After the final service dog placement, each Offender Trainer lined up to present Stevens with handwritten letters filled with words of gratitude and a single rose, each symbolizing their appreciation for being part of the TDCJ-Patriot PAWS Program. The offenders expressed their thanks to Stevens for helping them find purpose during their sentences, becoming better versions of themselves, and, most importantly, for believing in them.
“I’m not often left without words,” stated Stevens. “But this was an act of kindness that truly touched my heart. The Offender Trainers went above and beyond to express their appreciation to me, and it has become a core memory of my journey at Patriot PAWS”.
This heartfelt sentiment will continue into the week as the four new Veteran/Service Dog teams will officially graduate together on Friday, October 18th, at 1 PM at the Rockwall Hilton, with several corporate and community partners present to celebrate this special occasion. Later in the evening, Patriot PAWS staff members, board members, instrumental partners, and over 30 Veteran/Service Dog teams from across the country will gather to honor the retirement and remarkable career of Patriot PAWS Founder & CEO, Lori Stevens.
Lori’s son, Rick Stevens, will take over as Patriot PAWS’ Executive Director on October 19th, 2024, continuing the life-changing work of the organization.
Press release submitted by Sarah Mathers, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photo.
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