As we say farewell to another successful year of service here at Paws for Purple Hearts, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together. In 2023, our organization dedicated to training Service Dogs for Veterans and offering Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy^® has witnessed remarkable growth, touching the lives of both our Service Dogs-In-Training and those men and women who have served our country.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our mission is witnessing the positive impact our Service Dogs have on the lives of Veterans and active duty servicemembers. This year, we’ve celebrated countless success stories—stories of resilience, strength, and the undeniable bond that forms between our Warriors and our dogs. Whether it’s providing physical assistance, emotional support, or a sense of security, our Service Dogs continue to have a positive impact in their journey towards healing.

This year, we have also expanded our reach through new sessions opening at Veteran Affair buildings near our facilities scattered around the country. Our Instructors work alongside these VA officials to bring the highest-quality services to participants and allow them to regain confidence in their day-to-day lives, as well as witness the benefits our therapy sessions offer.

We’ve also partnered with a variety of new businesses to continue the growth we have maintained over the course of the year! From REI partnerships to small town mom and pop shops, we are thrilled to partner with every single one of you. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to those we’ve collaborated with this year and all our years as a non-profit organization. We could not complete our mission without you all!

None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and advocates of our programs. Your contributions have allowed us to make a real difference in the lives of Veterans, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive post-service. We extend our sincere thanks for standing by us in our mission to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Think you would like to join the Paws for Purple Hearts volunteer team? Fill out an application to see which facility near you is looking for active volunteers to join their teams! You can also choose to support us by donating through our website, which goes directly to the site closest to you to support your local programs! Thank you all for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all in the new year!