In June, Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation (TXWWF) further developed its relationship with Patriot Paws, a disability services and support organization in Rockwall, Texas, whose mission is to provide highly trained service dogs at no cost to disabled veterans and others with mobile disabilities in order to assist with restoring their physical and emotional independence. What sets Patriot Paws apart is their comprehensive approach—they breed, raise, and train every dog in-house, ensuring each one is fully prepared to serve the veterans they’re matched with.
The journey for a dog to become a certified service animal typically takes around two years. During our early conversations with Patriot Paws, we identified a gap in communication between the organization and the veterans awaiting service dogs. To help bridge that gap, we proposed—and offered to sponsor—a weekend experience for those veterans. This event would give them an inside look at the training process and allow them to participate in a mini “boot camp” focused on learning how to interact with a service dog.
The inaugural weekend of this new opportunity kicked off on a Saturday morning with a meet-and-greet, followed by a guided tour of the facility. Participants observed the trainers as they worked with the dogs, then took part in a Q&A session to learn more about the program and its operations. After lunch, the veterans had the opportunity to work hands-on with the dogs under the supervision of the trainers, gaining first hand experience of what the actual training program entails. Throughout the day, there was ongoing camaraderie and meaningful interaction among all the attending veterans. That evening, we gathered for dinner at Culpepper Cattle Company, where the sense of connection continued.
On Sunday morning, representatives from both the PTSD Foundation of America and the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation met to share insights into their missions and the important work each organization does. The presentations sparked thoughtful questions and meaningful conversations that continued well after the sessions ended. Overall, it was an incredibly impactful weekend—one that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at Patriot Paws, including April Allison, Director of Client Affairs, along with Chloe, Emily, Guinn, Maverick, and Elvis, for their incredible support and commitment. We also want to recognize and thank Lisa, Manager at SpringHill Suites, for her warm hospitality, and Will, Manager at Culpepper Cattle Company, for the outstanding food and service that helped make the weekend truly memorable.