The number of military veterans returning from combat with PTSD and TBI is staggering, but service dogs can help them live better lives. The problem is, insurance companies don’t cover the cost of service dogs for veterans with these medical issues. And privately, it costs from $10,000 to $60,000 for the dog and its training. This is where nonprofit Paws and Stripes comes in. We provide service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury – at no cost to the veterans. For free. Complete training for a Paws and Stripes veteran/dog team is funded solely through donations. The veterans are never obligated to pay a penny for successfully completing the program. The dogs come only from shelters instead of being especially bred for the job, and highly trained service dog trainers work with the veteran and dog teams. We believe in saving lives, together, two at a time. Paws and Stripes began in 2010 when Lindsey Stanek’s ex-husband, Jim, faced PTSD and TBI. After seeing the impact therapy dogs had on him while he was in treatment, she began to pursue getting a service dog for him. She soon learned about the difficult and expensive process involved, so she started her own organization to help veterans for free.
