PAWS AND STRIPES HONORS VETERANS AND SERVICE DOGS DURING ANNUAL “CELEBRATION OF HEROES”

By Paws and Stripes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Local nonprofit Paws and Stripes will be holding its sixth annual Celebration of Heroes on May 12th, at Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown (cocktail hour begins at 5 PM, doors open at 6 PM). This year’s celebration, with a homecoming theme, will include honors for past and current graduates while highlighting the importance of the program for our nation’s heroes and the service dogs that stand beside them. Paws and Stripes’ mission is to provide integrative mental health support and service dog training to US military veterans with PTSD and TBI, using local rescue dogs. All services provided by Paws and Stripes are free of charge to veterans that complete the program.

Tickets for the event are on sale for $100 per person and sponsorship opportunities are still available at different levels. In order to learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit pawsandstripes.org or call the office at 505-999-1201. Additionally, individuals or organizations that are unable to attend can purchase tickets on behalf of Paws and Stripes graduates and their guests for a discounted rate of $50 each.

Current sponsors of the event include: Senspex, Inc.; Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM); US Bank; PNM; Strategies 360 – New Mexico; Navy Federal Credit Union; 3D Security Training Solutions; Bank of the West; Concerned Veterans for America; Pregenzer, Baysinger, Wideman & Sale, PC; VCA; CliftonLarsonAllen; Alliance Audio Visual; Enterprise Builders; Rescue Riders Motorcycle Club; Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits of New Mexico, The Southwest Life Real Estate Group and Action RV. Media partners include New Mexico CW; Fox New Mexico; Cumulus Radio; Weekly Alibi; and Albuquerque Journal.

It is Paws and Stripes’ vision to inspire hope by matching shelter dogs with our nation’s heroes in order to work together to overcome the daily struggles associated with living with PTSD and TBI. The Celebration of Heroes event allows Paws and Stripes to recognize the hard work put forth by veterans and their dogs to reach the milestone of graduation. As an independent, registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Paws and Stripes relies on the support of the community to continue its mission. Funds raised at Celebration of Heroes go towards directly supporting the program to continue assisting as many disabled veterans and shelter dogs as possible.

“Thanks to Paws and Stripes, hope returned to my life quite literally, because that is what I named my dog, and that is what she gives me every day.”