Two paws up for Genevieve Timpone, Marketing and Communications Specialist and Advancement Associate for the Paws for Purple Hearts’ Southeast Region, and Danielle Stockbridge, Southeast Regional Director. The two joined the Dog Handlers Interest Group meeting this past Tuesday. Paws for Purple Hearts improves the lives of America’s Warriors facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury by providing the highest quality Assistance Dogs and Canine-Assisted therapy programs.

My ears stood straight up as Dad and I together listened to many interesting facts presented during this presentation. We learned that dogs at Paws for Purple Hearts start training at just four weeks and continue until they are 2½ years old. In contrast, I started training at eight weeks and completed it at 17 months.

Did you know that these dogs learn more than a hundred commands, can hand a credit card to a cashier, and safely pick up dropped items like pill bottles or glasses? They can even open the refrigerator door, take out what they need, and put items back afterward!

The exceptional dogs in the Paws for Purple Hearts program receive amazing training. However, regardless of how many commands other dogs know, I know that I also received superb training and am still a very special dog to my dad. I know that I have a very important job to do as I guide him in his daily activities. 

If you are a BVA member and interested in having your dog featured in the Ambassadog Scoop Series, please send a message via email with your contact information, a picture, and a brief introduction of your dog to bva@bva.org.