Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Stevens.
Hi Lori, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs was founded as a Non-Profit Organization in 2006. In reality, it started a year before in 2005, when I was at the Dallas VA and saw a few Veterans trying to train their personal dogs to be Service Dogs for spinal cord injuries. At the time, I had already been working with other Service Dog organizations and knew that I had to help. For me, it seemed like the perfect time to branch out and start this program, because my son had just gotten into the military, I was missing him as he was away, and here were these Veterans coming to me and asking for help, so it just hit home for me.
When we first started, it was just me and four volunteers rescuing dogs from local animal shelters and training them to work with disabled Veterans. Our focus was mobility dogs for those with spinal cord injuries, amputees, and similar injuries. Once we started, news got out about what we were trying to do and before we knew it, we had Veterans from all over the United States asking us for help.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My father was a very proud American, and he taught me that you work for the things you want in life. He did not like people that had their hand out all the time wanting you to give them something for free. When I first started this, I did not know anything about starting a nonprofit, and the biggest struggle for me was learning how to ask people for help. Even though they weren’t giving to me personally, I still felt like I was asking them for their hard-earned money. Now I know that it’s okay for people to help me with my passion for helping Veterans because other people want to help Veterans too. It took me a while to understand that by doing what I do, and asking people to volunteer and support Patriot PAWS, they’re truly supporting the Veterans through our work, energy, and our passion, and they’re able to share their love and passion for these Veterans as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of Patriot PAWS Service Dogs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
One of my favorite parts of our program is our partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (established in 2008). I love to see the changes in the inmates as they build self-esteem, begin to think of others before themselves, and think outside the box. The program changes, not only the lives of the inmates themselves but also their relationships with their families as they learn ways to give back to others as they do their time.
Of course, we always strive to train the best Service Dog, but I think what sets us apart from other Service Dog organizations is the fact that at the time of placement, we take the time to listen to the dog, and see which dog wants to work with which person. By doing this, the bond between the Veteran and Dog is stronger. If the dog picks you, they are more likely to pick up on your night terrors, changes in mood, and things that you need them to do for you. We also have amazing relationships with our Veterans after they receive their Service Dogs. We always say that once you receive a Patriot PAWS dog, you are a part of the Patriot PAWS family forever. Some of our Veterans have come back not only for their second dog, but we are getting to the age as a company that we are seeing potential third placements.
The thing that I am most proud of brand-wise, is that when someone sees the Patriot PAWS logo, or more importantly, one of our dogs, they immediately think, “That is a real, true Service Dog”. The dogs, their training, and their behavior help us stand out to be some of the best.
If readers take anything away from this, I would want everyone to know that there is a real need for these dogs. These Service Dogs are working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for their partner, their Veteran. They do it by choice, and they do it with love that they give unconditionally.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
The feeling I get from seeing, firsthand, the changes in these Veterans is basically what keeps me alive today.
Seeing a Veteran go from a lifestyle that was so hard to endure, where they literally lived in their dark closet because it felt safer than other parts of their house, to then swallowing their pride and asking for help. Seeing him get his dog and go on to build his career and travel with his dog… seeing his wife that came with him the first time, that was timid, shy, and afraid to say anything because she didn’t know what to do…she’s now become a bubbly, happy person and loves telling you about the changes that she’s seen in him. It’s amazing all that can happen in just a few short years, and it truly keeps me going.
Pricing:
- $35,000/Service Dog
- No charge to the Veteran
Contact Info:
- Website: www.patriotpaws.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriotpawsservicedogs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatriotPAWS
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriotPAWS
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PatriotPAWSServiceDogs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/patriot-paws-service-dogs-rockwall
Image Credits
Donna Dicksson’s Photography
