Paws for Veterans, Inc., Healing the Invisible Wounds, tops the business card that I received from Michele Malloy, founder of an Orlando-based non-profit organization connecting dogs with soldiers who need them. The soldiers can be just returning from active duty or can be a long-time veteran. After meeting and spending some time with Michele and husband John Malloy Sr., I see that their purpose behind this organization is to offer support to those who have suffered emotional and mental trauma simply by facilitating a connection. The dogs get a forever loving home and the soldiers gain a companion and emotional support.
The dogs that Paws for Vets, Inc. work with are Psychiatric Service Dogs. There are no breed requirements, any dog could be a good candidate. There is no lengthy training process but they must learn basic obedience, be non-aggressive and sociable. Most importantly, they must form a bond with the individual. Mainly, they provide emotional support, helping soldiers, living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after serving in active combat duty, maintain as normal a life as possible.
Through experiences in her own life Michele saw that the bond between us and our dogs is an essential part of therapy and an ongoing healing journey. She is serving others with what she has learned.
Contact Michele if you would like to help in the process of preparing a dog to be a Psychiatric Service Dog by becoming a puppy raiser. She is also available for speaking engagements if you are involved in a business or organization that would like to know more about Paws for Vets, Inc. or to help raise awareness. Donations are needed and much appreciated to keep going forward and to reach more people.
Michele's hope is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible, especially for those applying for one of their dogs.
In part 2 of this story, find out more about Paws for Vets outreach.
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