Veterans with PTSD service dogs across the country were invited to submit their stories and bravely speak to the profound role their service dogs have played in their journeys home and the often difficult transition to civilian life . Operation Freedom Paws ( OFP ) client Ramon shared how he was taught to train his chocolate lab , Huey , in OFP ’ s 48-week program and gained the skills to help him manage debilitating migraines , night terrors , and open up to his family about his struggles .
“ Huey has saved my life in so many ways over the past six years ,” said Ramon .
On September 1st , Purina Dog Chow announced that Huey had been selected as 1 of 5 finalists with the winner to be decided by a nationwide vote . On November 9th , in honor of Veterans Day , award-winning recording artist and actor Anthony Ramos announced that Huey was the winner !
The holidays can be particularly difficult for many of our veterans , first responders , and their family members . While OFP is incredibly appreciative of Purina Dog Chow ’ s gift to Ramon , his family , and the program , the demand for services and resources continues to escalate . At a cost of approximately $ 25,000 per team , Operation Freedom Paws is committed to provide all services at no cost to clients nor their families . They have a waiting list of over one hundred individuals .
Operation Freedom Paws depends on the support they receive from civic leaders , business owners and community members . Cortani emphasizes the need for that critical support to continue . “ Operation Freedom Paws cannot continue in 2024 without the generous support of our community , and without the ‘ Purina ’ s ’ of the world .” She shared . Operation Freedom Paws is a rare organization that solves several problems by focusing on their mission of “ saving lives through human-canine service dog partnerships .” Through their efforts they are advocating for and supporting veterans and first-responders . They are rescuing dogs and promoting animal welfare . They are advocating and supporting the physical and mental well-being of individuals with disabilities and their family members . And , they are saving lives .
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation that will go directly to work to provide program resources and help Operation Freedom Paws welcome new clients into the program to find the hope and healing they need and deserve .
Read Ramon and Huey ’ s full story at : ramon-and-huey-story
“ All of our service dog finalists have made a significant impact for their veterans , but Huey ’ s story rose to the top for the thousands who voted ,” Ramos stated .
To learn more and donate , visit : operationfreedompaws . org . Or use the QR code .
Ramon and his family will receive $ 10K and Purina Dog Chow will donate $ 25K to Operation Freedom Paws . This donation will enable another veteran , and a dog pulled from a rescue or shelter , to develop a lifesaving bond in OFP ’ s 48-week program , which also supports their family members .
Operation Freedom Paws team was over the moon for Ramon and his family , as well as their mission . Founder and executive director Mary Cortani shared her gratitude , “ Thanks to everyone who voted for Huey and Ramon . We are incredibly proud of them , not only for the win , but for all they have accomplished in the past six years ”.
Cortani went on to thank Purina , “ for raising awareness of how much trained service dogs can help veterans cope with the psychological and physical impacts of PTSD .”
Ramon now gives back to the program helping other veterans and their families navigate their own healing journeys as a mentor-trainer at Operation Freedom Paws , coming full circle with a new mission and purpose .
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