Pups for Patriots

W

winz

PEB Forum Regular Member
Good Morning Everyone -

My name is Kelly Winzer and my husband Nathan and I are both veterans. Together we have founded an organization called Pups for Patriots. P4P began after Nathan returned from a sixteen month deployment to Iraq where he ran over 350 missions outside the wire. Nathan sustained injuries to both feet while in country and so when he returned he visited the VA to see how they could help him. During a routine screen of returning veterans Nathan was red flagged and eventually diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As is often the case Nathan's PTSD grew worse and worse as time went on. He is actively involved in various types of therapy but it turned out that a little dog named Louie has been the greatest therapy Nathan could have ever had.

Louie is a 1 and 1/2 lb Chihuahua and he works as Nathan's psychiatric service dog. Nathan didn't set out to have this creature but Louie decided that he would have Nathan. Louie makes it his mission to calm Nathan, to bring him comfort and lower his anxiety. We have worked with him and he has become a full fledged, federally mandated service dog. Louie has allowed Nathan to do things that were nearly impossible before despite the various other therapies Nathan is involved in. Nathan can now go to the mall and other public places with our family. It remains a difficult task to be in crowded places with lots of unknowns, but with Louie on his team, Nathan has the ability to face the task and power through.

After watching the incredible transformation Louie has brought to Nathan's life, both Nathan and I knew that we couldn't keep this to ourselves. We see hurting veterans every day. Men and women who wander through the halls of the VA Medical Center, alone, lost, frustrated. We know what those men and women are feeling because we feel it too. Now we also know what an incredible help a service dog can be. So we started Pups for Patriots, a registered non-profit, where we train small breed pups that we rescue from shelters and others who can no longer keep their dogs. We work diligently and lovingly with each dog, giving the dog all the skills it needs to go on to serve its veteran. We bring dogs who would have otherwise been killed together with veterans and they become a team for life.

We are currently seeking veterans from any war or conflict who feel they may benefit from being matched with a Pups for Patriots dog at no cost to the veteran. We have three wonderful pups in training and we are so excited to match them with just the right veteran, mutually benefiting both. If you are interested in finding out more about being matched with a dog or about how you can support our organization, please visit our website at Rescued Dogs Serving Veterans with PTSD | Pups for Patriots Foundation.

Serving those who served - Nathan and Kelly Winzer
 
Nathan and Kelly,

First of all, thank you both for your service. Secondly, thanks for continuing to serve in other meaningful capacities. My husband has PTSD, TBI and has lost one eye, among other injuries. When he realized his career was "over", he spiraled further and further into depression.

I found that getting my husband a dog after his injuries was extremely beneficial. We put off pet ownership due to the transient nature of his military career. Once he got our dog, they became best friends. Miko calms my husband and offers comfort when he is otherwise stuck in his own darkness. She has this way of laying her head in a sideways fashion right on his lap as if to say "I know...and I am here." She often reaches him when no one else can.

Miko is not a therapy dog, though we wished we could have gotten her formally trained. DH is unable to deal with crowds, has balance issues and has a significant problem with the loss of one of his eyes. I called different organizations to find out about getting training or certification for her but only found dead ends.

I just wanted to let you know that your services are very valuable and I can attest to how beneficial they are...matching a service animal with a vet.

Thanks for making a difference and reaching out. I wish your program lots of success!
 
Nanthan and Kelly,

I think you have started a wonderful project! I also think that there is a huge need for service dogs! As you and Torrey have mentioned-not only for the physical side, but the emotional well-being of a person.
I will support your organization to my greatest ability.

My story: Chinook, my 7 year old Husky, has always been a very special part of my life. She has faithfully been there for me since the day I was blessed with her. I have always known she was special. She was my training partner before my injury-we ran or hiked everyday. Everyone knows in my family, that if you invite me-you have just invited her. And, don't bother coming over if you have a problem with Husky Hair, because its everywhere...yes I clean, I just can't keep up. I used to clean-now my family actually cleans for me..mostly my mom.
Anyway, when we figured out that I couldn't run anymore, I started taking Chinook to the doggy parks so she could get her exercise. Eventually, my injury got so severe that I wasn't able to drive and I wasn't able to walk. I would have to crawl to the tub, crawl to the kitchen, crawl to my bed and many times I just fell on the floor and I couldn't move. Chinook knew that something was wrong and she would lay right by my feet no matter where I ended up. When I was in the tub, she was by the tub. When I was in bed, she was on my feet. If it was a real bad day-which there were many-she would lay by my head and put her paw on my arm.
Now, I'm back home and my mom lives next door. I'm able to drive about 30min before I get "a back attack". With my acupuncture treatments I have gone from not being able to walk -to being able to walk 2 times around the doggy park...slow and easy. And then I drive back home. Then if I'm not at medical appts, I'm on my back doing my phys therapy. Thats my day.
My point is that Chinook gives me unconditional love and a reason to want to get better. I'm motivated to walk because I know she needs her exercises. I haven't had a pain free day in almost 2 years-physically and emotionally. The only exercise I get is my walk. Chinook NEVER leaves my side. When other dogs or people get close to me-she puts herself in-between us. Not because she's jelous or alpha, but she's protecting me...I have fallen over because my ride side has atrophied and I lose my balance. I don't go anywhere alone because my "back attacks" happen anywhere at anytime...although I'm learning how to stave them off...Chinook gives me comfort and security.
I tried to register her as a service animal and I was denied-because she is my pet. Well, she is more than my pet. She is my reason for living and getting better. It would be very easy to sit and wither away-but she won't have that-I'm grateful and I love her with all my heart.

Months ago I was trying to get her registered so I could take her through Walter Reed. She is so gentle, and I thought maybe she could bring a smile to someone in need...but, then I realized that I wouldn't be able to get her there or walk her through:rolleyes:...little problem.

Anyway, I will contact you through your website. Wonderful contribution.
 
Miko and Chinook would get along wonderfully. :) They sound so alike!

Miko is an Akita. I had to laugh about the comment on the dog hair. When Miko blows her coat...OMG. The HAIR! LOL

She has adopted our youngest son as her "litter mate" and also helps him too. Our son is developmentally delayed and has sensory issues. She is helping our FAMILY in so many ways and I am so blessed to have her love.

If anyone out there is looking for a little help dealing with their disabilities, I highly recommend looking into programs such as the one Nathan and Kelly are doing. Chinook and Miko may not be formally trained, but their intuitive nature allows them to know when their "person" is in need. That's priceless.
 
Thank you all for sharing about your pups! It is nearly midnight here and I am watching a VERY pregnant chihuahua waddle around the living room while my boys are asleep. It is amusing the turns life takes! We are so blessed to be able to work on behalf of other veterans dealing with PTSD and the like. From the very beginning we felt like we were so alone and like Nathan's PTSD was something that no one wanted to hear about let alone treat. My husband served with all of his heart and the Army was everything to him. Being a veteran myself, I understand how it gets in your blood and you don't ever get rid of that desire to be a part of something bigger than yourself, the desire to make a difference that is tangible. Nathan's situation makes him every bit a wounded warrior as every soldier who bears a Purple Heart. The only difference is, most people want Nathan to suck it up and drive on, get over it and most of all, don't talk about it. There have been a wonderful select few who honor him as he deserves to be honored. Like so many others, his combat injuries have robbed him of the dreams he had for his life. Pups for Patriots has restored some of those dreams. He has a new mission and a new purpose. He is taking back some of what PTSD took from him. Our hope is that we can help other vets get back some of what was taken from them. I can honestly say that we love you guys and each of you battling this same enemy are members of our family. We're here to help and so are these sweet pups. No judgment, just compassion and understanding. Please let us know how we can help and Tucci, I returned your email just a few mins ago!

Blessings all and Merry Christmas!

Serving Those Who Served - Nathan and Kelly
 
Hello Kelly,

It is great to have you here! It sounds like you are doing wonderful things for Veterans/Servicemembers, so it would seem we are kindred spirits. Thanks for sharing your story and thank Nathan for his sacrifices.

Don't feel shy to post some photos of Miko or any of the other pups in your Album.
 
Just watched a little news segment about "Baghdad Pups"....an organization helping to get dogs out of Baghdad. I haven't looked into this yet but this particular story just tugged at my heartstrings....

There is an Army Sgt in Baghdad who saved this little puppy (looks like a german shepard)...the puppy was being beaten by Iraqi teens. So the Sgt and his buddies cleaned up the bloody puppy and covered his wounds...he still has a scar over his eye. Well, the few guys have had him for a little bit and now the Sgt is coming home. So the guys wife, back here at FT Carson, found the organization and they have coordinated to get the puppy to Colorado! I guess its very expensive. But, I totally understand this kind of bond and think its amazing. I guess this little guy helped the soldiers get through some real tough times. Unconditional love...and lots of playtime!
 
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