Pawsitive For Heroes

ATTENTION ALL VETERANS, WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING PERSONAL DOGS AT THIS TIME
WNYHeroes launched a program called “Pawsitive for Heroes” in 2013.  With this program, we can provide service dogs to Veterans who are in medical need & medically referred through the VA Hospitals. The Veteran he or she must have a military service-connected related disability and provide a medical referral at the time of application.
 
Pawsitive for Heroes has also partnered with both county and state correctional facilities around NYS. The dogs reside in each facility with the inmates for 10 mos where most of their training takes place. After their 10 mos, they are then permanently paired with their Veteran handlers. The Veteran and their new service dog will then work with us in our facility and around Western New York (WNY) for another 6-8mos, teaching the Veteran hand signals, voice commands, work on public access, restaurant edicate and more. Receiving a service dog is a big commitment to take on and takes ongoing education and skill.  Please understand, the program as a whole takes 16-18 mos for a properly trained service dog. Our program is a National program and we do receive applications from all over the U.S. 
 
A service dog can go anywhere his/her owner goes. However, you’re not supposed to approach them, call them by name, or even bend down and pet them. “A service dog is meant for a single individual’s need or purpose,” Kreiger explained. “The dog can’t be touched by everybody and anybody. The dog must listen directly to the handler. It can only be touched by the handler. There’s a huge difference between Companion, Emotional Support, Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs. When they put their vests on, a service dog is working. It’s all business. When the vest comes off, they go right back to being normal house dogs.”

 

If you know someone that could benefit from Pawsitive for Heroes, fill out an application!

Apply for a Service Dog

If you’re looking to receive or be considered for a service dog, apply now!

Foster A Dog

If you’re looking to foster a dog for our program, complete our Foster Dog Application.

Remembering Those Who Served

We would like to introduce you all to Sam. Sam comes to us via our friends at The SPCA Serving Erie County, NY. Sam is currently housed at Groveland State Correctional Facility. Sam got his name in memory of Sam Magistrale, a Korean War #Veteran, and longtime resident of Lancaster, NY. Sam joined the #USArmy at the age of 22. He entered the Army in February 1963 and was immediately sent to Korea following his training. Keeping the memory of Sam alive, we decided to make him part of our Pawsitive for Heroes program. Sam is unfortunately no longer with us, but always with us in spirit. For those of you who knew Sam, he was an amazing man with a heart of GOLD. Sam, we thank you for your service. You will NEVER be forgotten and ALWAYS missed.