By Peggy Cervenka, F338122
April 2016
The River City Travelers chapter delivered dog food, leashes, cleaning products, and other supplies to Patriot Paws Service Dogs in November 2015. The chapter, based in the San Antonio, Texas, region, selected this organization as its 2015 Christmas project. RCT members collected supplies used in the care and training of the dogs and more than $500 in cash.
River City Travelers members pooled their contributions at the chapter’s November 2015 rally at Buckhorn Lake Resort in Kerrville, Texas. Following the rally, Bill and Anita Moore delivered the items to the Patriot Paws facility in Rockwall, Texas. They were greeted warmly by the organization’s staff, including executive director Lori Stevens.
Ms. Stevens, a professional dog trainer, founded Patriot Paws Service Dogs in 2005 when she was asked to help a group of disabled veterans train their dogs. In 2008 the organization began working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to establish an all-female inmate training program at two prison facilities near Gatesville, the Christina Melton Crain Unit and the Dr. Lane Murray Unit.
The service dogs are trained to assist individuals who are mobility impaired. The canines can pick up dropped items, provide bracing for their owners to get up and down, retrieve the phone, help with household chores such as laundry, get help in an emergency, ease the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, and much more. They are also best friends and full-time companions.
Patriot Paws is housed in a nice building with an obviously dedicated staff. Bill and Anita were treated to a facility tour by Ms. Stevens. The staff was very thankful for the chapter’s gifts and donations.
For more information about the organization, contact Patriot Paws Service Dogs, 254 Ranch Trail, Rockwall, TX 75032; (972) 772-3282; www.patriotpaws.org.