Paws 4 Liberty

Most people wonder what they can do to help after a disaster strikes.  For Heidi Spirraza, the answer was clear after 9/11. Heidi recognized there would be a need for service dogs to assist disabled veterans. She happened to have several German Shepherd pups, and she set out to train them for that purpose. This is how Paws 4 Liberty came to be.

 Over the years, the non-profit organization has graduated over 150 service dogs for disabled vets right here in Palm Beach County! Heidi recently retired from her position as Executive Director, but Donna Rainey accepted the role after several years’ service as Director of Veteran Services. Donna provides equal passion and a commitment to carry out the organization’s mission:

“To help veterans with disabilities regain their independence and confidence through the assistance of professionally trained service dogs.”

Paws 4 Liberty welcomes vets to bring a dog they’ve already chosen, or the staff will help find a suitable dog from a local rescue group, shelter, or through donation. The trainers do a thorough assessment of the vet’s needs, and then they teach the dog the necessary skills.

Most of the veterans who reach out to Paws 4 Liberty suffer from Post Traumatic Stress. Their lives are immeasurably changed when they have the support and comfort of their service dog. Their four-legged companion might be trained to recognize imminent night terrors, or trained to keep strangers at a distance when the vet goes out.

    What makes Paws 4 Liberty’s training so special is that it’s offered free to any qualifying vet in Palm Beach County! Many trainers charge $10,000 to $25,000, and often the skills taught are either limited in quantity or not customized to the vet. The trainers at Paws 4 Liberty begin with a checklist of the vet’s needs, and the trainers don’t mind spending 6 months to a year checking off all the boxes. 

Paws 4 Liberty recently rented a modest house they call “Paws Home” in Palm Beach Gardens. There, the veterans can feel relaxed while training with their dogs. No one lives at the house, but the rooms serve as the training ground where helpful skills can be taught. Sometimes a group of students or “alumni” will gather there for the socialization that is so important to vets. A backyard filled with toys like Jolly Balls and agility equipment help the dogs release energy and bond in a fun way with their handlers.

The training is conducted by head trainer 

Mycaela McCorry and Sheridan Rainey. Each has her own reason for commitment to

 the cause.  Sheridan sees the daily needs of her dad, Joseph, a 

 disabled vet who now serves as Director for Paws 4 Liberty.

Mycaela’s husband is a firefighter. Through her private business “Black Pirate Pup Co.”, she trains therapy dogs for first responders. She hopes to train several rescue dogs that will live in firehouses to provide emotional and physical support to the crew.

Paws 4 Liberty may be a small organization when defined by the number of staff members, but what it manages to accomplish is renormouos! Just ask any of the vets they’ve worked with!  

Paws 4 Liberty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and depends on donor funds to operate its program. As you can tell, we're big fans! If you’d like to donate to Paw 4 Liberty, click here.

If you’d like to donate toys or supplies, check out their wish list  and we’ll be happy to deliver to them.

If you know a vet who could benefit from their free services, please share this information!

https://www.paws4liberty.org/