San Diego facility

In April 2018, Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) opened up its brand new San Diego facility. Hundreds gathered to visit the impressive building newly renovated to suit our mission.   The state-of-the-art site will serve as our Southwest Region headquarters and can hold and train dozens of service dogs-in-training for Warriors.  It also provides space for Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy^TM sessions, Service Dog-and-Warrior matching and orientation training (aka “Client Training”), dog breeding, and pet dog training for members of the local military community.

With these big plans in mind, support from the community was essential.  Many generous donors gave to help us make the facility possible.  A key player in this regard was Charlie Piscitello.  Mr. Piscitello is the President and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Petco Foundation.  One reason the Southwest Region has had such success is because of the $50,000 donation from the Petco Foundation.  This helped make the renovations to the facility possible.  In addition to the donation, Mr. Piscitello attended the grand opening on April 12th.  At the opening ceremony he was able to see how the money was used to create an incredible facility which would soon be filled with many dogs and the Warriors they serve.  He also met multiple PPH employees and more importantly, met some of the young service dogs-in-training who were eager to say hello.

Community Involvement

PPH Instructor and dog Valiant with American Legion Riders

Other local organizations have done wonderful fundraising to support our San Diego operations in the months since the Grand Opening of the facility there. The American Legion Riders from Santee made a generous donation and have formed a partnership for future ongoing giving and support. The members of the chapter were ecstatic to meet one of our service dogs-in-training.

Another large donation was made by ALA Girls State Camp at Claremont McKenna College. Each camper donated a non-monetary donation and the focus of the camp was on helping Veterans.  The service dogs in training were thrilled to receive so many new toys and treats.

The San Diego Paws for Purple Hearts team appreciates all of the generous donations as well as the help from our wonderful and dedicated volunteers over the last few months.  It all truly helps to make our mission achievable!