Pawsitive for Heroes

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Come one, come all to the Apple Bees party. Guest Bartending event. Proceeds to support our programs/services that we provide to Veterans and their families. Also, join us for our monthly lunches we now have in partnership with our friends at Apple Bees. Second Tuesday of every month, 11:30-1pm

Our Pawsitive for Heroes Survey

We are starting to provide Veterans who have received one of our service dogs a survey with the hopes that we always have room to adjust and do better. Here is one with the questions asked and the Veterans answers. Obviously, all surveys are anonymous, so we give the ability to everyone to speak freely.

Q: Did you find the application process to receive a service dog easy?
A: Yes

Q: Did you find the information regarding the program (i.e., how long it would run, and what was expected of you) to be accurate?
A: All expectations, terms, time frames, etc. were clearly explained, understood, and punctual.

Q: Would you recommend a fellow Veteran to our program for a service dog?
A: Absolutely. Not only is it saving lives. It's a family.

Q: How did you feel about coming into the program at first?
A: Skeptical. I almost left early during the Service Dog orientation. I stuck it out and glad I did. I talked to Chris Kreiger immediately after the meeting and he made me feel important and normal.

Q: Do you feel you're coming into the program made a difference for you?
A: Honestly, I believe at that point in my life the program saved it.

Q: If you were to change one thing to the program, what would that be?
A: Nothing.

Q: Do you feel you are in a much better place now than before you came into the program? And if so, what would you rate it at 1-10 ten being the best
A: I'm in a place I wasn't aware yet existed and yes, it's much better. 10.

Q: Do you see your medical caregiver less since coming into the program?
A: Yes

Q: Do you feel since being in the program, your symptoms have gotten better to deal with? Please explain?
A: They are easier to deal with and less severe. Having a Service Dog gets you thinking and being aware of something other than yourself. It happens to be an animal that's knows nothing other than unconditional love.

Good Morning WNY

Meet Audie! Audie is a Great Dane beauty & one of our newest members to our Pawsitive for Heroes service dog program. Audie has also been chosen to be the new team mascot for 2024-25’ season with our Buffalo Sabres. Audie is housed at the Niagara County Correctional Facility. Our fourth season partnering with the Buffalo Sabres and hopefully many more there after. We look forward to seeing everyone at the games. Pawsitive for Heroes Niagara County Sheriff Sheriff Michael Filicetti John Knoph Loose Leash Dog Training LLC- Service Dog & Therapy Dog Training

Did you know, making your donation is now even easier? You can text the word pawsitive to 50155. Your support will go to help us continue providing service dogs to those who served our country FREE OF CHARGE. We have provided over 200 service dogs since 2013. Our program has grown to become known by many, that we have since last year taken it national. Veterans from all around have been sending in applications and we kept denying them because they needed to be from WNY. Taking a step back and a greater look at a bigger picture is when we realized we had what Veterans were in need of. Since then, we have provided service dogs in PA, GA, FL, VA, DC, MD, TX, KY, NY,

Yes, if you are a local donor, your donation remains local as promised. Our program going nation is provided by Moore For Kids, IRON WILL: Veterans Battle with PTSD and New Era Cap

PAWSITIVE FOR HEROES The program will pay for service dog training as a result of the help we get from our sponsors. The dogs and their owners go through various courses together, properly preparing the dogs to serve those who’ve served.

Another morning of training. The mall as usual was pretty dead, but a great place to start getting new handlers use to be out with their dog. Worked on door entrances, off leash healing and more. Veteran Adam seen here with his new service dog Sam (Black Lab) was trained out of Groveland State Correctional Facility by our trainer Corbit. Thank you Jenn for your amazing and hard work. Thank you John Knoph for your continued hard work and support.
Loose Leash Dog Training LLC- Service Dog & Therapy Dog Training Bohemian K9 Dog Training

Art with his service dog Rebel. Rebel graduated from Collins Correctional back in July. Her training has been done, now it’s a matter of training the Veteran, Art.

Art has had some struggles of his own on this journey, but we are getting him through it. Special thanks to John Knoph, our trainer for your hard work.

Thank you S.T.A.R. for VETS of Collins, NY for your support of $5,000 to sponsor a service dog for a Veteran right here in WNY.

, we can and will change another Veterans life for good. Thank you for being a hero and walking with us in journey.

 If you have sponsored a servicice dog and still waiting or maybe sponsored more then one, this is for you.

Pawsitive dinner for all , and those families who have submitted names of their loved ones. This coming Friday, October 4, 2024 from 6-9pm
We are looking to bring everyone together and show our appreciation for your love and support as well as update you all and the program and where we are at today. If you have not yet called our office to reserve your seats, please do so immediately. The office number is 716-630-5020 and reserve your seat today. The dinner is being held with our friends at the Italian Village in Depew on Transit Road. 

September is the month of the . We honor not only those serving our Veterans, but also those currently serving in our military. Our service dogs go through treacherous training, 16-18mos while making sure our dogs are the best of the best before releasing them into the community. John Knoph

Hello WNY!!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that we’re getting closer than ever to reaching our incredible $600,000 goal for the 15th Annual Red, White & Blue Charity Gala! 🎉 As of today, we’ve already raised a whopping $402,695, and guess what? November 1st is still weeks away!

We can’t wait to share an amazing evening with all of you. Our gala committee is absolutely crushing it this year—stronger and more dedicated than ever! 💪 And we want to give a massive shoutout to our returning sponsors, new sponsors, and donors who are truly making a life-changing impact. 🙌

We're just six (6) weeks away from making this the best event yet! Keep that momentum going—together, we’re making it happen! LET'S DO THIS!

Congrats to Jose and Lulu on passing their CGCA. Training was conducted by our trainer John Knoph and test given by WNYHeroes President, as he now also has his AKC certification. Two dogs will continue service dog training and will be part of the Pawsitive for Heroes program as we move forward.

Currently in Cleveland OH for their Stand Down showcasing our program. We have been asked by VA there to attend and discuss our program, how it works for Veterans, how to apply. Blue and Bluey are a huge hit. Photos taken during set up lol

We are beyond thrilled to announce another incredible partnership with Greene Correctional Facility, located just two hours outside of NYC! After multiple trips meeting with their dedicated staff and trainers, we are proud to share that Capital Canines is officially onboard as a partner! But that’s not all— two more facilities will be joining our mission soon, and we can’t wait to share those details!

By the end of the year, we will be actively training service dogs in a total of six (6) facilities training for and saving lives. The program remains the same, ten months inside, then paired with Veteran. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!


New York State Department of Veterans' Services NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision

Join us September 18, 2024 for the Buffalo Stand Down. Held once again at our location 1001 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo 14215
New York State Department of Veterans' Services, FeedMore WNY, legal services, VA Homeless services. On site medical services if you have a service dog and many more.

If you have a service dog and he or she is need of any updates, please bring your dog to this event so you can have it taken care of. This event is 100% free. No reason for your service dog to be going long periods of time without seeing a doctor.

😍🤩 cuteness overload!

Appreciate post for Custom K9 Grooming & Training always taking care of our furry heroes!

We are thrilled to announce Kristofer Robert U.S. Army , and former Community Outreach Manager, has taken on a new role as our Pawsitive for Heroes Operations Manager!

Kris has been an integral part of our team, excelling in community outreach and making a lasting impact on our mission. When the opportunity arose to bring on a new Community Outreach Manager, it became clear that Kris's talents and dedication were needed even more behind the scenes. The decision to move him into this new role was both challenging and obvious—challenging because Kris's work in outreach was outstanding, but obvious because his attention to detail and commitment to excellence make him the perfect fit to oversee our operations.

We are confident that with Kris in this role, we’ll continue to grow and achieve new heights in our mission to save and change lives!

We are currently making our way to Kentucky to deliver this very special Angel, circled in white. She always prefers the floor, but that’s ok, Blue is watching her 😂
Her handler has been waiting since last year for her. Angel will always hold a very special place in our hearts and the hearts of those who truly helped make sure we are coming with an “Angel” (Operation Angel) She graduated from Collins State Correctional Facility. Thank you John Knoph, our trainer for making her what she is. Thank you to the team (Names with held) for working her since graduation. We know your life will be filled with nothing but love


Loose Leash Dog Training LLC- Service Dog & Therapy Dog Training

This group of amazing dogs are getting ready to graduate from Groveland State Correctional the end of September, we cannot wait. They have been in the program since last year and we know that they’re Veteran anxious to finally receive them. Thank you to our trainer Jenn Corbit Bohemian K9 Dog Training for helping make our program the best out there. We all look forward to watching them grow with their handlers.


Paws class taking place at the Galleria Mall. All the handlers are doing great, learning their dogs and how to work as a team. Thank you John Knoph for your expertise and making our program better.

Loose Leash Dog Training LLC- Service Dog & Therapy Dog Training

Memorial bike ride September 07, 2024
Thank you, SO MUCH to our friends at Fredonia American Legion post 59 as they continue raising funds for our program. Thank you for your continued love and support to our mission in creating better lives for those who served. , we can and will continue providing four-legged heroes.