The program helps not only the Veteran who receives the dog as theirs, but it also helps our healing process while we train them.

One of my treatment goals was to get better sleep.  Having Lief let me feel safe, and I started sleeping better.  She actually woke me from a nightmare, too... My anxiety level went down.  I was not so hypervigilant when I had her.

Webb was so much help to me while I was recovering in the VA Menlo Park.... When both King and Webb came to visit, I was in heaven as I have two Bernese Mountain dogs that I hadn't seen in weeks.

Ethan, a PPH dog, showed me there is love and happiness, outside of grief and despair.

PPH was the best therapy for my husband and it brought him closer to me and our daughter

There's only one word for my PPH dog Ollie:  Priceless!

Our PPH facility dog's impact has been substantial.  The fact of the matter is that he boosts moral for the employees, keeps us sane, and the clients love working with him.

“Learning to be more patient and understanding. How dogs think helps me improve on trying to understand others.”

“Working with the dogs gives me peace of mind and helps me control my anxiety issues so I can lead a more productive life.”

“When I was working with Paul (dog), I stayed calm and was less irritable and more focused and open to treatment at Menlo Park VA.”

“The training helps me lower my stress level and blood pressure. The comfort I get from the dogs far out weighs the thoughts of suicide. Not one negative thought has entered by mind since I started training with the dogs.”

“The comfort of the service dogs distracts from negative thoughts.”

“The dog Leif helped me with my self-esteem. People noticed a difference in when I had her and I’m grateful to Sandra for letting me be a part of this training.”

“I looked at this program as a privilege and honor to be a small part of a dog’s life and knowing I was helping a fellow Vet.”

“The program gave me a sense of responsibility and helped me lower my isolation.”

“The Paws for Purple Hearts program gave me a renewed sense of purpose. I was “giving back” and helping another Vet who was not expecting anything in return. It helped me with anger, self-esteem and survival guilt.”

“Many of our Veterans report that the dogs help them ‘get out of their own head’ and be more present.”

“These dogs can really sense your mood. They know when you’re having a bad day. They give you companionship without judgment. Ibarra (dog) doesn’t need to know why I have the symptoms I have. He just wants to be with me.”