Patriot PAWS Service Dogs celebrates graduation of five new Veteran/Service Dog teams

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs celebrates graduation of five new Veteran/Service Dog teams

ROCKWALL, TEXAS (January 22, 2025) Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is proud to announce the Graduation of five Veteran/Service Dog teams on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM at their Rockwall Campus (254 Ranch Trail, Rockwall, TX 75032). This event marks a significant milestone for five Texas Veterans whose lives will be transformed through the unwavering loyalty and skills of their new Service Dogs.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, three U.S. Army Veterans and two U.S. Navy Veterans began their two-week journey to bond with and be matched to their Service Dogs. Over the first week, the Veterans were introduced to 10 highly trained Labrador Retrievers, learning to work with the 65 cues each dog has mastered, including life-saving skills. At week’s end, the emotional “Matching Day Ceremony” revealed the five official pairings, celebrating the start of new partnerships that will change these Veterans’ lives forever.

For one Veteran, this Graduation carries added significance as they receive their second Service Dog from Patriot PAWS. “Patriot PAWS is a lifetime placement organization—not just for the life of the Service Dog, but for the life of the Veteran,” says Rick Stevens, Executive Director of Patriot PAWS. “Thanks to our generous donors and volunteers, we are able to continue supporting Veterans long after their first placement.”

Don & Fuse
Rebecca & Chief
Jim & Jupiter
Thomas & Chip
Chris & Rudder

Graduation Day, an event full of pride, joy, and reflection, celebrates not only the Veterans and Service Dogs but also the unwavering dedication of the trainers, donors, and volunteers who make these life-changing partnerships possible.

Join Us:
Patriot PAWS invites the public to attend this heartwarming celebration. Overflow parking is available at Texas Health Resources Rockwall (3150 Horizon Road, Rockwall, TX 75032), with shuttle service provided from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Please RSVP to attend [here].

Press release by Sarah Mathers, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Photos courtesy of Donna Dicksson Photography.