Service Dog Training 
by Patriot PAWS

The mission of Patriot PAWS is to train and provide service dogs of the highest quality at no cost to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence. Patriot PAWS intends to build partnerships with state and community organizations to help develop and support this goal.

Recognition

Archie, a Patriot PAWS Service Dog, was named Dog of the Year by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The eight-year old black Labrador retriever was honored with the 2009 Humane Award in New York City.

Lori Stevens, Founder and Executive Director of Patriot PAWS, was named Woman of the Year by the American Legion Auxiliary in August 2009. This prestigious award has previously been awarded to Laura Bush, Condoleezza Rice, and other prominent public figures.

Support

Patriot PAWS is a 501 (c) (3) organization and is committed to providing service dogs of the highest quality at minimum cost. It takes 12 to 18 months to properly train just one service dog, and the cost of care and training for a single service dog during the training period is approximately $20-$30,000. There are no charges for those selected to receive the dogs. Only through donations (tax deductible) and volunteers are we able to provide these dogs to disabled veterans in need. Donate now to Patriot PAWS!

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs organization was officially designated as a 501 (c) (3) organization in February 2006 and is a certified member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). The founder of Patriot PAWS, Lori Stevens, is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) graduate with over 20-years experience. Lori has worked and volunteered for several dog-training organizations, including Lone Star Assistance Dog Service and Texas Hearing and Service Dogs. While she found this work rewarding, her true passion is training service dogs to assist disabled American Veterans.

Patriot PAWS trains service dogs to perform various behaviors including help for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patriot PAWS primary goal is to increase an individual’s self-sufficiency. Services performed by each dog depend on the needs of the owner. The following are a list of some services provided to assist disabled veterans in accomplishing daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible:

• Get help in emergencies
• Recognize and avert PTSD episodes
• Pick up and retrieve items
• Open and close doors
• Pull wheelchairs
• Provide bracing to stand, walk, and sit down
• Help with chores, such as laundry
• Take off shoes and socks

Patriot PAWS’ continued commitment is to work with the matched veterans and dogs as they learn to work together as a team.