PawsforPurpleHearts

From training to playing and even providing therapy to those in need, one dog can have a big impact. Our program is unique because even if a dog is released from our program, throughout their training they will have helped 40-60 Warriors with our Canine-Assisted Therapy programs. Take a look into the Day in the Life of a PPH Dog.

From puppy to placement, a single PPH dog connects the countless Warriors, volunteers, donors, and staff members who provide support for a service-dog-in-training. Every person that is touched by a PPH dog will forever be Connected By One Leash. Meet Chapman, he is a 1 year old Black Lab. He was first at our Menlo Park site and started providing therapy at just 6 weeks old to Veterans at the Palo Alto VA Healthcare System. He then traveled to San Antonio where he continues to train and impact everyone he meets.

Dr. Bonnie Bergin is the founder and president of Paws for Purple Hearts. She created the concept of service dogs in 1975 and she founded the world's first mobility service dog organization. Since then devoted her life to teaching and training dogs for individuals with disabilities. She also founded Bergin University of Canine Studies, the first and only program of its kind that focuses on teaching individuals how to train dogs. In 2006, she started a research program with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Healthcare System's Menlo Park, CA team and it led to the creation of Paws for Purple Hearts. Our dogs start training at just 4 weeks old, and they will train for 2-3 years. By the time they graduate they know more than 100 commands. Hear how Bonnie started the first service dog team and show the first service dog commands ever created.

Paws for Purple Hearts improves the lives of America’s Warriors (veterans and active duty service members) facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by providing the highest quality assistance dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs; and by building public awareness about the important role dogs play in helping Warriors along the road to recovery.

The One with Service Dogs In honor of the Friends Reunion Special, here is a fun intro to the assistance dogs at our Menlo Park Site. #FriendsReunion

Our pups took a field trip to the San Diego Aquarium!

Liberty only plays fetch with one type of ball, and when she opened up the box full of balls, her reaction was priceless. What's your dog's favorite toy?

These puppies try watermelon for the first time and the results are as adorable as you would expect. Cuteness overload!

Check it out as this service puppy in training falls over while wearing a tiny little vest. Cuteness overload!