Teams and Dogs
Clint Tindall and Luke
Pastor Jack and Mayce
Clint Tindall and Luke
Vik and Zorro
Ryan and Jaws
Scott and Groot
Josh and Lena
Todd and Tank
Jim and PJ
Scott and Bear
Nathaniel and Bailey
Larry and Maggie Mae
Heath Mentzer and Lincoln
Health Mentzer and Lincoln
Jayme Smith and Delta
Jason Clancy and Sylva
John Howe and Charlie
David Cantrell and Maggie
Michael McGowan and Otis
Craig Chaplick and Claire
David and Reign
Albert and Sarge
Aaron and Scruff
Shawn and Chewie
Mitchell and Bella
Jason Savage and Osita
Karen and Reagan
Jon Tate and Athena
Billie and Nia
Joseph and Doc
Curtis and Grimm
Harry and Benny
Francisco and Keech
Kathleen and Chibs
Gary and Max
Smokey will be MPP's first professional therapy dog/service dog. Smokey will work out of the Raytown Fire Department.
Sean Brown and Lincoln
William and Sir Angus of Sherwood
Garfield and Axel
Christian and Hero Haven
Dylan and Hank
Congratulations James and Earl on becoming a certified service dog team. #64!
Congratulations DJ and Kye on becoming a certified service dog team. #63!
Congratulations Blaine and Zeus on becoming a certified service dog team. #62!
Congratulations Thomas and Tary on becoming a certified service dog team. #61!
Congratulations
Scot and Venus on becoming a certified service dog team. #60!
Congratulations Hank and Chief on becoming a certified service dog team. #58!
Congratulations Marty and Deliah on becoming a certified service dog team. #57!
Congratulations John and Abby on becoming a certified service dog team. #56!
Jenna and Jaxson
Scott and Buddy
Derick & Maverick
Prior to having Maverick my service dog life was unpredictable rattled with anxiety, fear, depression and the wrath of PTSD and all the horrible symptoms that accompany it. Family life school functions general outings or anything in public where not even an option for me. Home life was just as hectic with endless sleepless nights and isolation just to get through each day.
Since having Maverick and going through service dog training together life has done almost a complete 180. Maverick has forced me out of my isolation and darkness instead of my focus being on my flashbacks and panic attacks my focus is now on him and our training and bond. He constantly gives me a distraction and pulls me back to reality weather it be during the day or in the dead of nigh he is always right there by my side to provide me comfort and confidence. Because of Maverick I am now able to be apart of my family and have somewhat of a functional independent normal life again something I never dreamt would be possible. It’s not always easy but is bearable and obtainable now with Maverick as my battle buddy and by my-side.
Since having Maverick and going through service dog training together life has done almost a complete 180. Maverick has forced me out of my isolation and darkness instead of my focus being on my flashbacks and panic attacks my focus is now on him and our training and bond. He constantly gives me a distraction and pulls me back to reality weather it be during the day or in the dead of nigh he is always right there by my side to provide me comfort and confidence. Because of Maverick I am now able to be apart of my family and have somewhat of a functional independent normal life again something I never dreamt would be possible. It’s not always easy but is bearable and obtainable now with Maverick as my battle buddy and by my-side.
Daniel and CJ
Kathy and Bruce
Hagen and Indy (the Best Man)
Derrick and Maverick
Ricky and Gisselle
Local veteran’s service dog graduates from Missouri Patriot Paws
By Shari Harris,
Co-Publisher
Gisselle Marie graduated as a certified service dog on Oct. 30 after completing her certification training with Missouri Patriot Paws. Her veteran is Rick Kendle, and her graduation day coincided with his birthday.
The mission of Missouri Patriot Paws is, “To provide Missouri military veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a trained service dog, most of these dogs of which will be rescued from local shelters.” Their goal is to help war heroes and first responders improve their PTSD symptoms and adjust back into civilian life.
Gisselle’s training began in November 2017. The first hurdle was an evaluation by Jessie Queen, her assigned trainer, to determine if she was appropriate for training as a service dog. Missouri Patriot Paws will work with veterans or first responders who already have a dog with which they have developed a bond, but they also assist in assessing and choosing rescue dogs for the program. Typically, suitable dogs are in the one to two-year-old range, but Gisselle was nearly three when she started the course. Dogs also must have a designated veterinarian, updated vaccination records and monthly heartworm and flea and tick prevention.
After being accepted into the program, Gisselle trained for the Canine Good Citizenship assessment. She had to develop good behaviors before progressing to the next stage. The Public Access test was the final step of her training. She practiced in stores, hospitals, restaurants, and on elevators and stairs. Her most tempting test was walking past food without reacting. After one year of training, for two to three hours one day each week, Gisselle was able to pass her final test.
Kendle and Giselle were already a team before her training, and Kendle had decided that if Giselle did not get accepted, he would not participate in the program with another dog. Fortunately, she passed the initial assessment. Kendle served in the U.S. Army 21 years, which included two peacekeeping tours in the Sinai detachment. He believes his PTSD is a result of events that occurred during these tours. PTSD is often diagnosed immediately after a traumatic event, but many don’t realize it can be suppressed for years. Kendle’s symptoms began several years after his retirement from the Army.
In the MPP training according to their website, “PTSD service dogs are trained to assist in a medical crisis, provide treatment related assistance, assist in coping with emotional overload, and perform security enhancement.”
With her training, Gisselle has become very attuned to Kendle’s symptoms. She awakens him during nightmares and responds whenever she senses he is upset or anxious, reducing the occurrence of or the severity of anxiety attacks. Kendle is surprised and pleased with how the training has changed her. He highly recommends Missouri Patriot Paws to any veterans or first responders who are dealing with PTSD or TBI.
Kendle’s mission now is to educate businesses and the public about the rights of service animals to accompany their handlers, and the importance of these animals to their handlers.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 established rights regarding service dogs. Businesses may only ask if a dog is a service dog and what tasks it performs. They may not refuse admittance. Even businesses that sell or prepare food must allow service dogs in public areas, regardless of state or local health codes. The dogs do not need special identification, and the handler does not have to answer any questions about his/her disability. No additional fees may be charged because of the animal. The handler and dog may not be isolated, segregated, or treated less favorably than others. There are instances when the handler can be asked to remove their dog: if the handler does not effectively control the dog, or if the dog’s presence directly threatens the health and safety of others.
Veterans and first responders who benefit from the MPP program risked their lives to protect the public, and in doing so, often sacrificed their peace of mind. A service dog, as evidenced by the testimonials on the MPP website, can help them lead a more productive life and improve their self-esteem. When you see a service animal in public, be aware the animal is working, and its presence may be necessary to allow the handler to tolerate being in a public setting. Remember, on this Veteran’s Day, that part of honoring our veterans may include honoring their right to be accompanied by their service dog.
More information about the program can be found at mopatriotpaws.org. Susan Hinkle is the MPP Program Coordinator, and interested veterans or first responders can reach her at (573) 578-2141, or email her at susan@mopatriotpaws.org.
By Shari Harris,
Co-Publisher
Gisselle Marie graduated as a certified service dog on Oct. 30 after completing her certification training with Missouri Patriot Paws. Her veteran is Rick Kendle, and her graduation day coincided with his birthday.
The mission of Missouri Patriot Paws is, “To provide Missouri military veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) with a trained service dog, most of these dogs of which will be rescued from local shelters.” Their goal is to help war heroes and first responders improve their PTSD symptoms and adjust back into civilian life.
Gisselle’s training began in November 2017. The first hurdle was an evaluation by Jessie Queen, her assigned trainer, to determine if she was appropriate for training as a service dog. Missouri Patriot Paws will work with veterans or first responders who already have a dog with which they have developed a bond, but they also assist in assessing and choosing rescue dogs for the program. Typically, suitable dogs are in the one to two-year-old range, but Gisselle was nearly three when she started the course. Dogs also must have a designated veterinarian, updated vaccination records and monthly heartworm and flea and tick prevention.
After being accepted into the program, Gisselle trained for the Canine Good Citizenship assessment. She had to develop good behaviors before progressing to the next stage. The Public Access test was the final step of her training. She practiced in stores, hospitals, restaurants, and on elevators and stairs. Her most tempting test was walking past food without reacting. After one year of training, for two to three hours one day each week, Gisselle was able to pass her final test.
Kendle and Giselle were already a team before her training, and Kendle had decided that if Giselle did not get accepted, he would not participate in the program with another dog. Fortunately, she passed the initial assessment. Kendle served in the U.S. Army 21 years, which included two peacekeeping tours in the Sinai detachment. He believes his PTSD is a result of events that occurred during these tours. PTSD is often diagnosed immediately after a traumatic event, but many don’t realize it can be suppressed for years. Kendle’s symptoms began several years after his retirement from the Army.
In the MPP training according to their website, “PTSD service dogs are trained to assist in a medical crisis, provide treatment related assistance, assist in coping with emotional overload, and perform security enhancement.”
With her training, Gisselle has become very attuned to Kendle’s symptoms. She awakens him during nightmares and responds whenever she senses he is upset or anxious, reducing the occurrence of or the severity of anxiety attacks. Kendle is surprised and pleased with how the training has changed her. He highly recommends Missouri Patriot Paws to any veterans or first responders who are dealing with PTSD or TBI.
Kendle’s mission now is to educate businesses and the public about the rights of service animals to accompany their handlers, and the importance of these animals to their handlers.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 established rights regarding service dogs. Businesses may only ask if a dog is a service dog and what tasks it performs. They may not refuse admittance. Even businesses that sell or prepare food must allow service dogs in public areas, regardless of state or local health codes. The dogs do not need special identification, and the handler does not have to answer any questions about his/her disability. No additional fees may be charged because of the animal. The handler and dog may not be isolated, segregated, or treated less favorably than others. There are instances when the handler can be asked to remove their dog: if the handler does not effectively control the dog, or if the dog’s presence directly threatens the health and safety of others.
Veterans and first responders who benefit from the MPP program risked their lives to protect the public, and in doing so, often sacrificed their peace of mind. A service dog, as evidenced by the testimonials on the MPP website, can help them lead a more productive life and improve their self-esteem. When you see a service animal in public, be aware the animal is working, and its presence may be necessary to allow the handler to tolerate being in a public setting. Remember, on this Veteran’s Day, that part of honoring our veterans may include honoring their right to be accompanied by their service dog.
More information about the program can be found at mopatriotpaws.org. Susan Hinkle is the MPP Program Coordinator, and interested veterans or first responders can reach her at (573) 578-2141, or email her at susan@mopatriotpaws.org.
Eric and Gemma
Tim and Ozzie
Mike and Neelix
Roland Scott - Oakley
Boone and Maverick
Doug Pence and Soldier
Paula and Ellie
Rosayliz Sifuentes - Molly
Chris West and Ziva
Grey Roeder and Hunter
Walter Sinnott and Chevy
Matthew & Dempsey
Starla Medlck and Layla
Bob and George
Garfield. And Axel
Garfield J. Pellhum and his service dog Axel
My Name is Garfield J. Pellhum, I am a U.S Army retired wounded warrior of OIF and OEF. I am a two-time Purple Heart recipient. As many of my brothers and sisters in combat, I came back home not being the same man; but I am thankful to God that I did come home. I’ve had many challenges in the past 5 years, due to my many disabilities; mobility is the visual one but the unseen ones are the worst ones.
I retired in October of 2012 out of Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and that’s when my true journey began… I felt lost and without purpose. I’ve always worked and I was active and healthy before the war happened to me.
Then in November of 2015, I believe it was; I was recommended to Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) by a fellow veteran, as I told him about my struggles of being denied a service dog by other organizations.
This is what changed my life—his name is Axel, a rescued Great Pyrenees puppy that was in the Puppies for Parole program in the Algoa Correctional Facility in Jefferson City, MO. Axel came to be part of my family in January 2016 and since then; my quality of life has improved greatly as we trained Axel to become my certified service dog.
Due to my PTSD, TBI and mobility problems, I struggled with getting out of the house and interacting with others because it was too dangerous for me to leave the house alone. I would often forget where I was going. It became a challenge as I found myself more and more in seclusion and depressed….I was mad, I was very angry and frustrated that I could not even drive on my own. Now that Axel is my certified service dog, I am able to go more places and feel more comfortable around others without my wife or my kids being there.
Axel and I have grown so much through this process in a short amount of months. I couldn’t have made it through without my family’s support and Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) professional skills team. There were many times when Axel did not perform a command correctly during his training, but Jessi Queen’s persistence and patience always prevailed and once Axel knew what was expected of him, training seemed like a walk in the park.
Given my disabilities, I have a long road ahead of me, but I am so grateful to you and your team of trainers for making my life manageable with the help of my newly trained service dog! I finally am able to leave my house without needing my wife by my side at all times.
Axel makes sure that I have the right amount of space to make me feel comfortable in public; he warns me if someone is approaching behind me. He has helped me stay in the moment when I encountered flashbacks and panic attacks. He has even gently awakened me from nightmares during the night.
Missouri patriot Paws (MPP) gave me a new chance at life, to get out and to do things that I would never be able to do on my own without my service dog. I would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Hinkle of Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP), the Puppies for Parole program at the Algoa Correctional Facility in Jefferson City, MO and the inmates that gave Axel all the training to meet my needs, and lastly to Jessi Queen and her husband for the field training and her amazing training skills and for making Axel’s and my training a pleasant and positive experience. I would always leave every training session with a smile on my face.
My wife Yoly and I feel blessed to have met all of you and to have you all as part of our new Journey with SD Axel.
My Name is Garfield J. Pellhum, I am a U.S Army retired wounded warrior of OIF and OEF. I am a two-time Purple Heart recipient. As many of my brothers and sisters in combat, I came back home not being the same man; but I am thankful to God that I did come home. I’ve had many challenges in the past 5 years, due to my many disabilities; mobility is the visual one but the unseen ones are the worst ones.
I retired in October of 2012 out of Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and that’s when my true journey began… I felt lost and without purpose. I’ve always worked and I was active and healthy before the war happened to me.
Then in November of 2015, I believe it was; I was recommended to Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) by a fellow veteran, as I told him about my struggles of being denied a service dog by other organizations.
This is what changed my life—his name is Axel, a rescued Great Pyrenees puppy that was in the Puppies for Parole program in the Algoa Correctional Facility in Jefferson City, MO. Axel came to be part of my family in January 2016 and since then; my quality of life has improved greatly as we trained Axel to become my certified service dog.
Due to my PTSD, TBI and mobility problems, I struggled with getting out of the house and interacting with others because it was too dangerous for me to leave the house alone. I would often forget where I was going. It became a challenge as I found myself more and more in seclusion and depressed….I was mad, I was very angry and frustrated that I could not even drive on my own. Now that Axel is my certified service dog, I am able to go more places and feel more comfortable around others without my wife or my kids being there.
Axel and I have grown so much through this process in a short amount of months. I couldn’t have made it through without my family’s support and Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) professional skills team. There were many times when Axel did not perform a command correctly during his training, but Jessi Queen’s persistence and patience always prevailed and once Axel knew what was expected of him, training seemed like a walk in the park.
Given my disabilities, I have a long road ahead of me, but I am so grateful to you and your team of trainers for making my life manageable with the help of my newly trained service dog! I finally am able to leave my house without needing my wife by my side at all times.
Axel makes sure that I have the right amount of space to make me feel comfortable in public; he warns me if someone is approaching behind me. He has helped me stay in the moment when I encountered flashbacks and panic attacks. He has even gently awakened me from nightmares during the night.
Missouri patriot Paws (MPP) gave me a new chance at life, to get out and to do things that I would never be able to do on my own without my service dog. I would like to extend a special thanks to Susan Hinkle of Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP), the Puppies for Parole program at the Algoa Correctional Facility in Jefferson City, MO and the inmates that gave Axel all the training to meet my needs, and lastly to Jessi Queen and her husband for the field training and her amazing training skills and for making Axel’s and my training a pleasant and positive experience. I would always leave every training session with a smile on my face.
My wife Yoly and I feel blessed to have met all of you and to have you all as part of our new Journey with SD Axel.
Bernie and Naomi
Bernard “Bernie” Westover and his service dog Naomi
My name is Bernie and my battle buddy’s name is Naomi. I call her my battle buddy because she simply goes wherever I go and always has my back. Naomi is my PTSD service dog and my new best friend. I came across Missouri Patriot Paws through one of my therapists who actually recommended me to the program. Not only has Naomi been really great for me, I'm more grateful that Susan Hinkle actually found me such a great dog. Naomi was a learner from day one, as well as a true cuddler. Since we started training and bonded, she has helped me tremendously with my anxiety and depression (PTSD). Before Naomi, I wasn't going into public places (Walmart, restaurants, mall, etc.) without feeling overwhelmed and just wanting to leave right away, but now with Naomi I feel ten times better. I can go to the mall for hours and just walk around while my wife takes forever. I can go grocery shopping by myself at Walmart at any time, although pay days I don't go still, that's because it's over crowded (however, I feel like most people who don't want to go at those times). My life has changed thanks to Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) and as my new life has started with Naomi, I couldn't ask for anything better. A huge “thanks” goes out to the handler from Algoa Prison who trained Naomi through the Puppies for Parole program, (whoever the trainer was), and to Jessi Queen with Canine Connections in Rolla, MO. I greatly appreciate you and so does my family.
.
My name is Bernie and my battle buddy’s name is Naomi. I call her my battle buddy because she simply goes wherever I go and always has my back. Naomi is my PTSD service dog and my new best friend. I came across Missouri Patriot Paws through one of my therapists who actually recommended me to the program. Not only has Naomi been really great for me, I'm more grateful that Susan Hinkle actually found me such a great dog. Naomi was a learner from day one, as well as a true cuddler. Since we started training and bonded, she has helped me tremendously with my anxiety and depression (PTSD). Before Naomi, I wasn't going into public places (Walmart, restaurants, mall, etc.) without feeling overwhelmed and just wanting to leave right away, but now with Naomi I feel ten times better. I can go to the mall for hours and just walk around while my wife takes forever. I can go grocery shopping by myself at Walmart at any time, although pay days I don't go still, that's because it's over crowded (however, I feel like most people who don't want to go at those times). My life has changed thanks to Missouri Patriot Paws (MPP) and as my new life has started with Naomi, I couldn't ask for anything better. A huge “thanks” goes out to the handler from Algoa Prison who trained Naomi through the Puppies for Parole program, (whoever the trainer was), and to Jessi Queen with Canine Connections in Rolla, MO. I greatly appreciate you and so does my family.
.
Kyle and Ricky
Stephen and Eddie
Kory and Zeuz
Kyle & Cutter
Mike and Rex
Daniel and Matty
Mike and Daisy #21
Truman and Brenda #20
Charles and Rosie # 19
Abraham Clark and Foxy Clark # 18
Ryan Yearicks and Harley #17
Domenic Trewett and Major Payne # 16
Stephen White and Carolina #15
Dan Barnes and Dixie # 14
Thomas Warner and Sadie May #13
Justin and Angel
Todd and Duke
Dustin and Bravery
Ernest Brown and Coal
David and Harley
Congratulations to David and Harley our 7th certified service dog team!!
Joel and Copper
Congratulations to Joel and Copper our
6th certified service dog team!! In a record time six weeks. Copper
came out of the Puppies for Parolees dog training program at Licking
Prison. We will continue training Copper to fetch a cell phone and pull Joel out of a chair.
Susan and Mia
Missouri Patriot Paws certified team #5 Susan and Mia.
I am so proud of Susan!!
I am so proud of Susan!!
Brandon and Buddy certified service dog team
My name is Brandon and I was asked to
write a small paragraph about my PTSD dog Buddy. I have had Buddy since May
2013 and he has completely changed my life. Buddy was rescued from an animal
shelter in Rolla MO after spending four months there. He was very submissive,
shy, and there was some concern about him being able to make it through the
program. When Buddy found me, I was lost, broken and not sure where my life was
heading. I brought Buddy into my life and it was amazing how quickly a bond
formed. When I first got him, he wouldn’t play with anything. When he first got
me, I wasn’t much in the mood for playing. Over the next few months, Buddy and
I crossed some very big hurdles. With the help of Susan Hinkle and the rest of
her crew, Buddy and I have done amazing. He is smarter than I am which has
helped us a great deal. He learned very quickly and passed all his tests in a
very short time. Buddy has helped to calm me down and senses my tension
sometimes before I realize it. He has helped me in many other ways as well. He
is a lovable animal and draws attention everywhere we go. That has been a curse
and a blessing. He is nothing short of amazing. He loves to play fetch now and
loves playing with his stuffed animals. I have learned to relax and enjoy life
with him. I cannot imagine where I would be without him. Thank you Susan for
something that helps me more than words can express.
Congratulations to Jeremy and Ashlee Propst and Wacha, Missouri Patriot Paws 2nd certified service dog team!!
MPP FIRST CERTIFIED SERVICE DOG TEAM, John Meir and Appalo
Kerry Castellanos & Noble
Like many veterans I suffer from
PTSD. I also suffer from anxiety, bad dreams, fibromyalgia, and chronic
fatigue. Having my service dog Noble has changed my life. He assists me in my
everyday life at work, school, and places that I need to go. He lowers my
anxiety level and gives me a sense of safety and wellbeing in crowded
environments.
When I suffer from nightmares, he wakes me up and when I have trouble bending down he lets me lean on his backside so I can look at or reach items.
We trained together and bonded immediately. Noble is more than just my service dog, he's my companion and my best friend. It is my hope that veterans with debilitating medical issues will be as fortunate as I have been to have a service dog that will change their life as well.
When I suffer from nightmares, he wakes me up and when I have trouble bending down he lets me lean on his backside so I can look at or reach items.
We trained together and bonded immediately. Noble is more than just my service dog, he's my companion and my best friend. It is my hope that veterans with debilitating medical issues will be as fortunate as I have been to have a service dog that will change their life as well.