Dinner at Jethro's

The Spring 2013 placement class took a field trip to Jethro's BBQ in the Drake neighborhood where service dog access has never been denied. They welcomed us with open arms.

Our table had eight service dogs laying under the table and no one (the other patrons) knew the difference.

The service dogs performed exceptionally well. A testament to the socialization our puppy raisers provided them during their training.

Nice to see the relationships turning out so nice.

A Morning at the Airport with Frontier Airlines

One important component to the service dog placement course is the recipients commitment to an integration back into the community.

It's not merely taking off your shoes, removing your jacket and emptying your pockets when traveling with a service dog, so, Paws & Effect sets up a training session at the airport. The lesson shows everyone how to handle a service dog while going through the TSA screening, boarding and exiting a plane.

Frontier Airlines and the TSA were gracious enough to allow, Paws & Effect and the recipients of their service dogs, to have secure access to the airport and one of Frontier Airlines jets.

The training was a great success.

Thanks to everyone who volunteered and participated in this training session.

Combat Veterans helped by Service Dogs

It's worth your time to listen.

Iowa Public Radio - River to River aired this story yesterday featuring an Iowa veteran who received "Honor" his companion, a graduate of the Paws & Effect's service dog program a year ago this month. 

2013 Placement Course

March may bring the madness of the big basketball tournament but Paws & Effect goes beyond that by bringing together eight veterans with service dogs.

The journey of healing and reintegration begins today.

The veterans will get to know how to handle the dogs and have plenty of time to bond with their new companions over the next two weeks at Camp Dodge, Iowa.

They will also get to build a camaraderie with the placement volunteers and their puppy raisers.

We wish them all the very best.

We truly thank the puppy raisers and volunteers for their loyalty and commitment to the program. We know that over the past eighteen months the program was not without its ups and downs, but through and through these veterans now have an opportunity at a better life. Reflect on this moment and let it fill your hearts with the warmth of joy and accomplishment.

We welcome the Military Installation Litter

With great honor and pride, we welcome the Military Installation litter to Paws & Effect.

The next couple years will be an endeavor of acclimation and service for these little guys.

Our hearts pour out positive energy for all their future challenges and to the commitment of all of our puppy raisers.

Paws & Effect Presents at Iowa's PRSA

"Nicole Shumate, Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Paws & Effect, will discuss the strategies behind their award winning public service campaign, “We Serve with Honor.”  The organization trains therapy and service dogs and places them with people who need them.

While developing their PSA media campaign Paws & Effect was focused on placing dogs with combat veterans in Iowa who have disabilities or who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.  The "We Serve With Honor" campaign won a 2010 Gold ADDY from the Des Moines-area AAF, 2010 Silver ADDY from District 9 of the AAF, and winner of the 2011 PRSA of Central Iowa PRIME Award in the Not for Profit category. The campaign was also entered into the 2010 National ADDY competition."

Paws & Effect's "Allied Litter" send off celebration.

The Allied Litter's eighteen month deployment and training are complete. Today they, the service dogs and their handlers, gathered for a send off celebration.

These service dogs are turning about face and are now moving from basic training into active duty. 

Our hearts go out to the puppy raisers as they will now prepare their companions over the next week to be transferred to their new handler.  

Each of the handlers made an equal commitment of sacrifice without hesitation to provide the dogs with exposure to an energetic world. 

We thank you and wish the dogs all the best.

Military Dogs for Veterans

Working Dogs blog posted a short Q&A with the Executive Director of Paws & Effect.

Check it out here.