Save both Veterans and Rescued Dogs today!

May was “Mental Health Month”. Operation Freedom Paws service dog handlers are taught to train their dogs to support both the physical and psychological injuries they have experienced.

We also train therapy dogs and their handlers to help people in our communities who are experiencing stressful situations. Whether it’s in a hospital, care home, school, or courtroom, a visit from a knowledgeable therapy dog team can reduce anxiety in everyone it encounters. Recent studies are adding statistical weight to the benefits many have known for years: even brief interactions with dogs can help create a healing environment for people of all ages by lowering stress hormones, decreasing heart rates, and overall improving their moods.

The key difference between a service dog and therapy dog is that a service dog is trained to perform tasks for one person's medical issues, while a therapy dog is trained to help its handler recognize OTHER people who need help. The dog and/or handler then are able to focus on that individual to provide appropriate support. Support may take the form of conversation with the handler, time interacting with the dog, or both. Currently several OFP-trained therapy dog teams are making regular visits in our area, as well as supporting folks in stressful work places.

Last week therapy team Dustin & Maui completed testing to become an OFP-Certified Therapy Team. Dustin is currently a School Resource Officer with the Gilroy Police Department. Maui was rescued from a local shelter. This duo spent the past year training with Operation Freedom Paws. Dustin is known as "Maui's Dad" throughout our community. These two are having a positive impact on all the schools they visit, from elementary through high school. As we stood on the street after testing, a car drove by and 2 girls waved and shouted, "HI MAUI!!" We are extremely proud of the part OFP has played in providing training for this team!