4 Paws 4 Patriots
by Lorine Parks
There are dogs for the blind and dogs for the deaf, and today we met London, a handsome red Vizsla (Hungarian hunting dog), who is a disabled vet’s service assistance dog, trained by 4 Paws 4 Patriots.
London assists the disabled vet Jackie who told us about her experiences with London. When she feels stress or a panic attack coming on, London manages to work his way between her and the object of that stress. When she falls, and she does fall, London stands patiently and lets her pull herself up by holding on to him.
London is a fine example of how 4 Paws 4 Patriots matches their dogs to veterans who need them. Then these vets can return to a productive and independent life style. First the dog undergoes a rigorous six month obedience course. Then it is trained further in the veteran’s special needs.
Whenever possible, 4 Paws uses rescue dogs. These dogs then save the lives of their service persons in many ways. Vets with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are more likely to commit suicide, and become dependent on drugs or alcohol. But with a life coach and an assistance dog as companion, these vets have the opportunity to succeed in adjusting to civilian life.
The need is great. It is estimated that between 75,000-100,000 disabled American veterans could benefit from the use of a service/assistance dog.
4 Paws 4 Veterans is a 501(k)(3) organization that trains and provides service dogs, vocational training and equipment to disabled American veterans. Donations can be mailed to P. O. Box 413, Winchester, CA 92596.