“To further people’s independence and quality of life through the use of Assistance dogs.” This is the motto for an organization called Helping Paws, a program that breeds dogs to become service dogs and ultimately help and support veterans or people with disabilities. Helping Paws and its mission statement reflect on the training of labrador retrievers and golden retrievers to help improve someone’s life.
The time and effort that Helping Paws puts into the training process for every dog combined with the protocol of matching the dog with the right home, illustrates the unique qualities of the organization. Aric, a military veteran, got involved with the organization and received a black labrador retriever. “I just can’t praise Helping Paws enough on how the matching is the most important thing for the person receiving it and [Helping Paws] for placing it,” explained Aric. Helping Paws puts so much time and effort into the process of training and to finding the right home for each service dog.
Although the dogs in training receive kindness from Helping Paws, this program, as stated in their missions and values, “upholds themselves to the highest standards of excellence.” In their foster homes, the dogs learn how to turn on lights and open doors, but a big part of their training is to socialize. These animals undergo high demands in training, but love the work they are doing for people in need. In the Helping Paws’ regime, they learn how to be a service dog, but also have time to be a puppy.
“When she gets all of her stuff off, she is still a two year old lab. She is goofy and silly and grabbing those tennis balls,” said Aric.
When these animals do not have their blue coat on, they are still allowed to be a typical puppy. Many dogs like Aric’s have loads of fun and create a special bond with not only their owner, but also the rest of the family.
All Helping Paws dogs grow up with love and support as they progress through the organization. Judy Michurski, the Veteran Program Coordinator at Helping Paws, loves how Helping Paws “follows the dog for life.” This means, for as long as the service dogs are alive, Helping Paws checks in with the owner in a regular basis to see how their dog is doing. This act personalizes each relationship with the recipients of these service dogs and creates a deeper connection illustrating the love they have for their animals.
Helping Paws is a wonderful organization that helps those with PTSD or have a disability. The organization is known for the connection they have between the dog and owner. So the next time you see a “dog in the blue coat”, you will have a better appreciation of the hours of dedication and training the service dogs have gone through to wear that distinctive honor. But perhaps more importantly, you will admire the love and compassion that is shown between the owner and their dog.
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