P.O. Box 46253

Rio Rancho, NM 87174

505.999.1201
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"To start, I have to thank the family that is Paws and Stripes. From the first day that I started I was told that I was part of a Family. This was more than true from day one thru today. Rick and Heather, along with Stephanie, have given me the best training for myself and Nimi. The compassion and understanding shown, and the way they made it easy for me to understand for my battle buddy and myself, I cannot repay. With the knowledge that Nimi has my "six" at all times it has been so helpful and it has made it possible with him to move thru people, places and things I never thought I could before.

 

To Paws and Stripes! I do not know where to start. After my evacuation from Afghanistan I was pushed from doctor to doctor or not even seen at all. Always being given the promise to help and left out in the wind.

 

Paws and Stripes stayed true to their word. They brought me in and stood by me and pushed me at the times where I thought I was up over my head. I cannot say "thank you" enough for everything you have done. Keep up the great work because without your program there would be so many lost including me. Thank You,"

-Duane Currell, US Army/National Guard

 

Completed December 2011
“I am so very proud to have completed the training through Paws and Stripes that Stella and I have gone through. Some days the task was hard and I thought we weren’t going to get through it. Becoming diligent and working hard has paid off for me and Stella. I want to thank the Paws and Stripes team for accepting us in to the program and thank the trainers for all of their time spent during the good and bad times and being so understanding and patient with us. May your efforts be continually blessed."
-Kristy LaFrance, US Army Retired

Completed October 2011
“Thank you for the blood, sweat and tears in your quest to share the unconditional love, the healing and the joy dogs bring the Veterans who need it. A huge Thank you to everyone at Paws and Stripes, Lovin Labs and our trainers, Rick and Stepanie. I adopted Bravo into my family, but he really rescued me. I am grateful beyond words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
-Christin Barden, US Air Force Retired

Completed October 2011
"I am very thankful for Jim and Lindsey Stanek for starting Paws and Stripes. The program has helped me in so many ways. Because of Paws and Stripes I'm able to enjoy life a lot more than what I did. I also want to thank my sponsor Terri Cook for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Most importantly, I want to thank my dog, Dave, for choosing me to be his owner. The first time I saw him I knew that he belonged with me. Becoming part of the Paws and Stripes family is one of the best things that has happened to me. Thank you to everyone from Paws and Stripes for everything that you do for us."
-Ozvaldo Mora, US Marines Retired

Completed September 2011
“Thank you again for everything you have done for me and every other vet that you have helped. You are truly a blessing, and one that no one can take away.”
-Josh Hamilton, US Army Retired

Completed April 2011

“Thank you so much for accepting us into your family. We are so excited about this new beginning with Taji. I knew that eventually there would be a light at the end of the tunnel, so thank you for opening the tunnel for us. I know that Ramon will be able to function in a normal state of mind with confidence and happiness and live a normal life again as he so much deserves.”

-Maria Jaramillo

“Thank you for the new hope.”
-Ramon Jaramillo, US Army Retired

Completed February 2011
"I feel just a little bit more normal, I'm becoming more social and for the first time since I was injured I feel I can start my life again. Pepper isn't a cure for PTSD or my TBI but she's made me more aware of whats going on with me and has forced me to confront these issues and find effective ways to lower my levels. At the same time she provides that extra set of eyes and ears I need, making sure my levels don't spike. But the most important thing is that this whole program has helped me to feel just a little bit more normal. which is all I really wanted. And getting a best friend to help me be that way was just a bonus, Thank you Paws and Stripes for making Pepper a part of my life and for everything else you have done, and will continue to do, to help other veterans like myself. Semper Fidelis"
-Nathan Savage, US Marine Corp

Completed January 2012

"Lindsey and Jim, I can’t thank you enough for the experience.  You have created a program that gives veterans having a hard time coping, a chance at normalcy.  Rick, Heather and Stephanie, thank you for the opportunity to find myself.  I thought Rita and I were rescuing Kemme, but it turned out to be the other way around.  I’ve learned so much about myself through the Paws and Stripes program.  And unlike so many other organizations taunting their ability to help PTSD sufferers; you walk the talk.  The Paws and Stripes program creates family and I am proud to be a part of your family.  Thank you so much for being there."

-Henry Noel, US Air Force Veteran Retired/Founder of Grand Meridian Outreach

 

Completed October 2011
“I can’t tell you how thankful I am that I was introduced to Paws and Stripes and have been accepted into the Paws and Stripes family. I could not have done this without ya’ll and Dakota being my service dog. I have found new hope in Dakota and see the world in a new view. I may always have PTSD and TBI, but at least now I have the tools I need to fight this battle.”
-Nathaniel McLendon, US Army

Completed July 2011
“Paws and Stripes set up times to meet with the trainers, and have since provided everything I needed to be successful on this journey. I can tell you this with conviction and passion in my heart, Paws and Stripes is saving my life! The best thing, is that through the help of Paws and Stripes, my doctor, and my commander, I have been approved to stay on Active Duty. I would like to tell Paws and Stripes something I haven’t said in a long, long time, God Bless You!”
-Justin Jordan, US Air Force

Completed February 2011
“The Paws and Stripes program means the world to me. I had gotten so sick and tired of being told that a service dog to help with my PTSD and TBI would cost so much money – money that my wife and I did not have. Having Sarge with me everywhere I go has been better than any pill I have ever taken. The doctors had me like a zombie, but now with Sarge by my side I finally feel normal. She lets me know when something doesn’t seem okay out in public. It feels like I have a soldier right by my side watching out for me.”
-James Stanek, Jr, US Army Retired

Completed December 2010