Paws & Effect's Executive Director Interviews with Des Moines Radio Group

In honor of Armed Forces Day, Nicole Shumate, Executive Director of Paws & Effect, interviewed with Kate Garner, Public Affairs Director of the Des Moines Radio Group. Take time to listen to this important piece.

Service dog Traverse at the Des Moines Radio Group

Troubles? Listen to the interview here.

American Humane Association, Hero Dog Awards Choose Paws & Effect as Charity Partner

Voting is now OPEN for the 2013 Hero Dog Awards. We are honored to be one of the 23 nationwide charity partners of the American Humane Association. We've earned that distinction thanks to our quality, innovative programs — like our Abilities Through Agility program at ChildServe.

We've been chosen by two nominees as their charity partner in the Therapy Dog category. If Dutchess or Patch win their category, Paws & Effect receives a donation of $1,500. If either wins the entire competition, we receive a $5,000 donation — funds that would help us to accomplish and expand our programming. You can vote once per day, per email address, per category. Pick one and VOTE!

We're also extremely proud to have a Paws & Effect service dog and his recipient family in the running to win the Service Dog category.  Vote for Honor and his recipient family, Wade and Michelle Baker.

"Michelle Baker doesn't mince words. Their service dog Honor brought her husband back from war. Honor gave her children a father that could take part in their lives again. Honor literally saved their family."

WHO-TV Covers Paws & Effect: "Dogs on Duty"

WHO-TV, our local NBC affiliate, came to us in March in pursuit of a story about service dogs and their respective journeys—the story of Paws & Effect. Reporter Jannay Towne took great care and consideration putting the piece together about our service dogs in-training, our puppy-raisers, and our recipients. "Dogs on Duty: Service Dogs for Combat Veterans", was the wonderful result. Enjoy.

A Service Dog has a Tremendous Impact.

Taken the first day Traverse was with his new family, this photo speaks volumes about the impact a service dog has on both its recipient and the people with whom they live. 

Words can not adequately express the relationship seen here, but it is visible moments like this that make all of our efforts worthwhile.

Look at that smile on Roo.

Roo has settled in nicely at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Iowa City. SGT Mcartor is Roo's current handler and has made certain that Roo receives the best care and attention. Roo has attended recruiting events at local high schools in addition to his general morale boosting within the hallways and offices at the armory.

We couldn't be more proud to support those who have served our country.

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.