Gretchen Chomas

Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) dramatically improve the lives of our nation’s active duty Service Members and Veterans facing challenges such as post-traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and mobility impairments. Our Service Dog Program, in partnership with the Bergin University of Canine Studies, starts with meticulously bred, lovingly raised, and thoroughly trained service dogs. Each service dog is paired with its ideal Warrior using scientifically rigorous service dog matching methodology. Warrior and service dog meet during Service Dog Training Camp where they learn to work and live together as an effective team while forming a lifelong bond. In our Canine Assisted Therapy program, Warriors with PTSD, TBI, or MST participate in service dog training under the supervision of our highly skilled trainers. This allows Warriors to help other Warriors while reducing the severity of their own symptoms. Our Dog Obedience Training Program is open to Service Members, Veterans, and their families. Our highly skilled dog trainers help Warriors and their own personal or family dogs improve the quality of their relationships. PPH is the world’s only organization providing service dogs and canine therapeutic intervention to Warriors in partnership with the prestigious Bergin University of Canine Studies. Founded and led by the famous canine researcher and inventor of the service dog concept, Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Bergin is the first and only program that focuses on advancing human-canine studies while sourcing the highest quality service dogs and producing the world’s best dog trainers. By exclusive arrangement, all Paws for Purple Hearts trainers and service dogs come from Bergin programs. All Paws for Purple Hearts services are free to Service Members, Veterans, and their families. We are a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of both volunteers and donors. Please consider supporting us today.