A Rescue Dog’s Journey with Paws and Stripes
Shelter Evaluation
We work with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to find dogs that would be a good fit for our Veteran Service Dog program. Our training team looks for dogs between the ages of 1.5-4 who are at least 30 pounds and evaluates their personality, socialization, and desire to learn. Our training team does not look for perfection but rather potential.
Prison Partnership
Once a dog passes an initial evaluation with our training team, it is paired with an inmate handler at a Correctional Facility here in New Mexico. There, the dog learns basic obedience, socialization, and good manners through a comprehensive, science-backed positive reinforcement dog-training program while living 24/7 with its handler.
Foster Family
Foster families provide a temporary place to stay for our dogs our may be on FURlough. This typically happens if the dog needs a brief break from the prison program for medical treatments or adjustments periods, are in transition, or are waiting to be paired with a Veteran after they have graduated from the Prison Program.
Training Begins
After graduating from the prison program, each dog is matched with a Veteran to form a working team. Under the guidance of our training team, the dog and Veteran train together for several months to develop the specific skills the Veteran needs while building a strong bond of trust and familiarity from the very beginning.
Lifetime Team
After graduating from our Veteran Service Dog Program, the Veteran and Dog team begins their lifelong partnership. Together, they face daily challenges as the dog provides trained support that can help the Veteran navigate public spaces, manage symptoms related to PTSD or other disability , and feel more grounded, confident, connected, and independent.
Be Part of Our Purpose
Whether you would like to donate dog food or other supplies, become a dog foster family, financially support our programs, or volunteer your time, we would love to hear from you. Fill out the form to become part of the Paws and Stripes community.