Club members with puppy raiser Paula Sterling and LD, a puppy in training for Patriot PAWS
Lorraine Wilson
The Happy Tails Dog Club convened for a heartwarming and informative meeting that left attendees inspired and educated about the incredible work of service dogs for injured veterans. This month’s meeting featured guest speakers from Patriot PAWS, an organization dedicated to training and providing service dogs to veterans with mobility challenges and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Patriot PAWS Ambassador Joyce Anderson, and puppy raiser Paula Sterling, shared heartwarming stories and insights about their organization’s mission. With a well-behaved, two-year-old dog named LD by their sides, Joyce and Paula captivated club members as they described the rigorous training process the puppies undergo to become invaluable companions for veterans in need.
Joyce explained that the dogs in their program are not pets. They are a lifeline to veterans who are striving to reclaim their independence and mental well-being. She detailed the comprehensive training regimen that transforms these canine companions into skilled service dogs capable of performing a range of tasks, from retrieving items to providing emotional support during difficult moments.
The audience was treated to a demonstration of LD’s abilities, showcasing his obedience, intelligence, and empathy. Attendees watched as LD executed commands, demonstrating how LD can turn on lights, open doors with handicapped push openers, pick up phones and bottles of water, pull up someone from a chair, and even provide physical stability to veterans with mobility challenges.
As the meeting concluded, members were impressed by the dedication of Patriot PAWS and the heartwarming stories shared by Joyce and Paula. Club Vice President Donna Steibel presented Joyce and Paula with a donation check for $250, the proceeds from our Patriotic Pet Pictures fundraiser held in June.
Our Sept. 9 Happy Tails Dog Club meeting featured Bette Sherman from Denton Animal Support Foundation (DASF) as the guest speaker.
For anyone interested in becoming a member of the Happy Tails Dog Club or renewing their membership, here are the membership details: Annual membership for new members is $10 per year, and membership renewal is $5 per year.
This is a great opportunity for Robson Ranch dog enthusiasts to come together, learn from our guest speakers, and contribute to worthy causes. If anyone has questions or needs more information, please check out Happy Tails Dog Club’s website, rrhappytailsdogclub.weebly.com.