On this day, Americans commemorate those who have given of themselves to serve our country. Our support of these men and women must be offered on a continual basis to help them as they return to their homes and assimilate back to their routines.
Lori Stevens a Texas dog trainer has created a not for profit 501 (c) 3 organization, to provide service dogs to disabled American veterans.
Patriot PAWS is committed to train service dogs that will enhance the lives of disabled veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation and to provide a service for other American’s with mobile disabilities. To meet this goal, Patriot PAWS intends to build partnerships with community and state organizations to help support this undertaking.
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. Click on the video below to hear Clay Rankin talk about his dog, Archie and how Archie has given back Clay his independence.