Eagle Scout Project Supporting Veterans

Will and RC

Will and RC

Mattox Boyce, a friend and neighbor, has chosen to hold a supply drive for PAALS for his Eagle Scout project. He would specifically like to support the PAALS Rob's Best Friend Fund whose goal is to provide service dogs to our public servants who are in need without requiring them to fund raise to support the service.

PAALS believes that these individuals have already served us and should be repaid with our support in their time of need.

Mattox will also be working to raise awareness about the benefits of service dogs and will be talking at Scout meetings, Army and Navy alumni groups and perhaps even other veteran groups. Sami and I hope to join him at some of these meetings.

I asked Mattox why he selected PAALS for his Eagle Scout project. 

“I selected PAALS as my Eagle Scout project for two main reasons. First, my family has military ties and I have read many stories about how service dogs have helped veterans such as Purple Heart Winner and former Clemson football player Daniel Rodriguez that suffer from PTSD successfully return to everyday life. Secondly, I have personally seen the positive impact Sami has had on your life and I want to help someone else receive the positive benefits of a service dog.”
— Mattox

Mattox was also inspired by watching a video of Will, a veteran with PTSD who has a PAALS service dog. Will credits his service dog, RC, for saving his life. I agree with Mattox, the video is impactful - I hope you will watch it!

UPDATE:

Mattox has already held a supply drive and spent an afternoon educating the community about PAALS, Service Dogs and Rob's Best Friend Fund!

Be a Part of Something BIG

You may already know this, but my service dog Sami came from Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS).  The organization means a lot to me, but not for the obvious reason of Sami being the most amazing dog you will ever meet, or even the fact that he has literally changed my life.  I learned a lot during the 2 years I knew PAALS before I got Sami.  It was eye opening to see so many volunteers give so unselfishly to make a difference in MY life.  And beyond that, PAALS existed in the Executive Director's home - she could have 20 dogs living in her home at any one time, and PAALS staff and volunteers always coming and going.  It all seemed a little unbelievable to me at first, and then I began meeting people through PAALS who either already had a service dog or were on the waiting list to receive one.  I met people who were ill, people who had lost limbs, people who had been in car accidents and were now in a wheel chair, and people who had served our country and were now basically homebound with PTSD, Then it all became very clear - why so many people were giving so much - and it inspired me to want to help others too.

Sami doesn't make me different, he makes me one of the girls.  

Sami doesn't make me different, he makes me one of the girls.  

PAALS finally moved out of the Roger's home and into a facility in late August.  Ten days later, a sewer main downstream of the PAALS sewer connection clogged up and the new PAALS building was flooded throughout with 4 inches of raw sewage. The sewage company doesn’t feel responsible. The county doesn’t feel responsible. PAALS insurance has an exclusion for sewage backup. Now the PAALS building is closed and all of the PAALS service dogs in training are spread out into volunteer’s homes until it can reopen.

PAALS needs our help, and the bottom line is - YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  In dog terms, it takes a "pack" and all of us doing something will come together to be BIG.  Getting PAALS back on their paws does more than give puppies back their home - it gives independence, mobility, and peace of mind to people who have some difficult circumstances in life. Wouldn't you want the same?  

 

Please give - You can donate to PAALS via GoFundMe or their website.  

Girls Scout Troop #2549 Knows Where It's At!

I love Girl Scout Troop #2549 for so many reasons.  They helped me and my family 4 years ago when I was raising money to get Sami.  They hosted the Great Woof Lodge which was an event with amazing spaghetti and a raffle where everyone won a prize (it was awesome).  And it didn't end there; these girls have continued to support PAALS with things like raising money at their schools or taking gifts to PAALS at Christmas, and they even had a second Great Woof Lodge.  

Last Spring, PAALS bought a building to become their new facility and volunteers worked all summer to get it ready.  They moved in the beginning of August, and 10 days later had a flood that damaged a lot.  Needless to say, I wasn't surprised when I heard that the GS Troop #2549 was gathering today to make raised dog beds for PAALS and were going on a shopping spree to get things for PAALS that they need right now.

Gifts for the PAALS dogs.

Gifts for the PAALS dogs.

Thank you Girls Scout Troop #2549 for being willing to spend your weekend helping others - you are an inspiration for me and others!  

Shout out to Greenville veterinarians that help PAALS

PAALS is working to get puppies in the upstate through their Prison PAALS program. Hopefully before the end of the year, they will have 4 pups in the area - this means opportunities for more people to get involved with this amazing organization here in Greenville.

Sami's vet, Dr. Davis at East Greenville Animal Hospital has partnered with PAALS to take care of three of the puppies that will be growing up here.  For PAALS, Dr. Davis is a Valued Veterinarian partner and is an integral part of the PAALS team.  PAALS still needs more Valued Veterinarian partners - if you are a veterinarian interested in participating, you can contact PAALS at  info@paals.org or (803) 788-7063.

Today, Sami and I attended an open house at Crosswinds Animal Hospital.  They are also supporting PAALS by donating a portion of things that they sell to PAALS (thank you Crosswinds!).  We had a really great time and got to meet another PAALS client who is waiting for a PAALS Ministry dog.  

 

 

 

I'm giving, will you?

Midlands Gives starts tonight at midnight and it's a great way to support a charity because your dollars are multiplied!  Check out www.midlandsgive.com to find out how to make a difference with a donation of $20 or more.

PAALS, the organization I got Sami from is one of the charities that Midlands Gives supports. PAALS has been operated out of their founder's home for many years, and the money they receive from this campaign will go towards a desperately needed new facility and to help fund service dogs for veterans with PTSD (check out the video below to see how PAALS helps veterans).

The best times to donate are during the power hours when PAALS can earn more $ at 6am-7, noon-1, 7pm-8pm. Every 100 dollar donation made between 5-5:15pm will also get matched. And, PAALS has an anonymous donor who will match anytime up to $2500!  Join Sami and I in making a difference!