Patriot Service Dogs - Fund-raising Retreat

When I first met Justice,  he was quietly lying under a table where a group of ladies were scrapbooking - right in the middle of a craft store!  I didn't even know he was there...

Until we all got up to leave for lunch!  And, there he was - joining the ladies for our stroll down the sidewalk to the restaurant where he quietly lay while we enjoyed a delicious lunch.  Yes, he moved around a bit to greet everyone; but if I had not joined them for lunch, I would not have known he was there!

This was the first time I ever heard of Patriot Service Dogs  - and I was excited to learn more!

My friend, who is one of the above-mentioned scrapbookers, co-founded this organization back in 2009.  And, in 2011 she organized the first Craft Weekend Fundraiser I say "craft" because there were also people sewing or quilting or knitting or crocheting, in addition to the scrapbookers!

Since that first "Puppy Crop", I have attended three more scrapbooking events organized to raise funds for PSD.

Me and Justice

So, what is Patriot Service Dogs?  This information is taken from their website, Patriot Service Dogs:

"Patriot Service Dogs, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping our disabled military community gain a sense of independence through their partnership with a well trained service dog. Patriot Service Dogs was founded in July of 2009 with offices in Jacksonville & Belleview. At the time of our incorporation, we had 7 founding members with an active and dedicated board. Patriot’s has grown to over 100 active volunteers."

As part of their training, the puppies are taken on a number of different outings; these outings or training sessions helped them learn what to expect when accompanying their "owners". 

So, they have been on trolleys in St. Augustine; to Disney World; out to dinner (or lunch) at various restaurants; to the mall and other stores; in places where they had to open doors, or walk up or down steps...you name it, I'm sure they've "been there, done that"!

There is more information about training and various activities of PSD on the website mentioned above.

During the last scrapbooking retreat fund-raiser, I had the opportunity to spend one night with one of the puppy raisers and Jerry:

Me and Jerry

I observed, first-hand, how Jerry was trained to "fetch"...not a ball or what you might think a dog would normally be trained to do!  He was following his command to "bring me a towel" - and he continued to go back for as many as were lying on the floor, until his task was finished.  He also had other commands that he followed while we were getting ready for our day.

I was very impressed, as I am whenever I come across any of these awesome service dogs!

SO...

I am excited to be planning to attend another fund-raiser for PSD in May 2015; and have been invited to "spend the night(s)" with Jerry and his puppy raiser...

I am sitting on the row just behind the dogs, wearing a

black t-shirt, with Jerry near my feet, and his puppy raiser,

Janet, next to me in the red t-shirt.

Since the event is a fund-raiser, I will be asking for sponsor-ships so that I may attend; my spot is already reserved from the first donation!  In addition to seeking donations, I will be "selling" hand-made cards, asking only for donations in whatever amount is desired.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring my attendance, please let me know.  I have a PayPal account, or you can send me a private message or e-mail and I can give additional information.  You can also donate through the PSD site; but if you donate through their website, please be sure to mention my name so the funds go towards my "account".

Thank you for reading this post and for even considering a donation!