Ride for Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD)
Tax deductible
Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Patriot Assistant Dogs (PAD), and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
Patriot Assistance Dogs mission statement says it all. PAD provides highly trained, certified, psychiatric service dogs to qualified US Military Veterans. They do this at no cost to the Veteran.
Since 2011 PAD grows every year, they work hard to train dogs, 88% of the dogs are rescued or surrendered, and then introduce them to Veterans so they may continue the rescuing of each other. With over 200 dog and Veteran teams, with over 50 Veteran owned dogs, its proven that they are changing lives. Dogs that do not make it through the program for one reason or another, such issues as allergies or cancer survivors, will be adopted out with first preference given to Veterans. These dogs will continue to serve as pets and companions.
PAD qualifies Veterans through an application and interview process. The Veteran must be under the care of a mental health provider and have a letter of support and a release of information that allows PAD staff to communicate with the provider, the Veteran must agree to work with a sponsor or mentor to assist in troubleshooting anything that may come up while the teams bond, and complete a two year probationary period.
Classes are held quarterly, January, April, July, and October, with Veteran Owned (VO) dog classes in May and December. PAD holds two, one day clinics to evaluate the skills of both the dog and Veteran to get them ready for the VO Classes.
2018 PAD certified 38 Dog and Veteran teams in 2018 alone. Veterans will attend a week long class where they learn ADA guidelines, how to conduct their team in public, and care for their team. This class helps PAD evaluate the how the team functions once the dog picks his or her Veteran. At the end of the class we will send out a “GO BAG” or a pack filled with care and grooming products to get the Veteran started. They leave with confidence and all that is needed to care for the team. The cost to for each dog to be trained and receive medical averages about $15,000.00.
We believe that Veterans and dogs are entitled to be treated with respect and care for their emotional and physical well-being. This results in highly trained, competent dogs and confident teams who continually improve their quality of lives.
Where does the Ride for PAD come in? August 7-9, 2020 I will out to conquer riding across North Dakota from the Montana border to the Minnesota border in three days. This ride is a fundraising event where the proceeds will be given directly to the PAD. I am asking individuals to either donate funds raising much needed funds to assist PAD in providing dogs to deserving Veterans. My goal is to raise $50,000.
I am training hard to be ready to accomplish this mission. I will provide updates as the date comes closer. I thank you all for your interest and donation.
Sincerely,
Drew
07/04/2020
Happy 4th of July!!!! I have been training since April 2020 and have ridden a total of 800 miles. I have had a few set backs with some injuries, but neither COVID-19 or injuries will prevent me from accomplishing my mission. I am a little more than a month away from the riding across ND in 3 days. I am excited and nervous but am determined. I will continue to provide updates on my training and progress. While on the ride my support team will update and provide everyone with my progress.
I would like to again ask for your support with sponsoring me on this Ride PAD any contribution will be appreciated.
Until my next update thanks and have a safe a wonderful 4th of July.
Sincerely,
Drew
Patriot Assistance Dogs mission statement says it all. PAD provides highly trained, certified, psychiatric service dogs to qualified US Military Veterans. They do this at no cost to the Veteran.
Since 2011 PAD grows every year, they work hard to train dogs, 88% of the dogs are rescued or surrendered, and then introduce them to Veterans so they may continue the rescuing of each other. With over 200 dog and Veteran teams, with over 50 Veteran owned dogs, its proven that they are changing lives. Dogs that do not make it through the program for one reason or another, such issues as allergies or cancer survivors, will be adopted out with first preference given to Veterans. These dogs will continue to serve as pets and companions.
PAD qualifies Veterans through an application and interview process. The Veteran must be under the care of a mental health provider and have a letter of support and a release of information that allows PAD staff to communicate with the provider, the Veteran must agree to work with a sponsor or mentor to assist in troubleshooting anything that may come up while the teams bond, and complete a two year probationary period.
Classes are held quarterly, January, April, July, and October, with Veteran Owned (VO) dog classes in May and December. PAD holds two, one day clinics to evaluate the skills of both the dog and Veteran to get them ready for the VO Classes.
2018 PAD certified 38 Dog and Veteran teams in 2018 alone. Veterans will attend a week long class where they learn ADA guidelines, how to conduct their team in public, and care for their team. This class helps PAD evaluate the how the team functions once the dog picks his or her Veteran. At the end of the class we will send out a “GO BAG” or a pack filled with care and grooming products to get the Veteran started. They leave with confidence and all that is needed to care for the team. The cost to for each dog to be trained and receive medical averages about $15,000.00.
We believe that Veterans and dogs are entitled to be treated with respect and care for their emotional and physical well-being. This results in highly trained, competent dogs and confident teams who continually improve their quality of lives.
Where does the Ride for PAD come in? August 7-9, 2020 I will out to conquer riding across North Dakota from the Montana border to the Minnesota border in three days. This ride is a fundraising event where the proceeds will be given directly to the PAD. I am asking individuals to either donate funds raising much needed funds to assist PAD in providing dogs to deserving Veterans. My goal is to raise $50,000.
I am training hard to be ready to accomplish this mission. I will provide updates as the date comes closer. I thank you all for your interest and donation.
Sincerely,
Drew
07/04/2020
Happy 4th of July!!!! I have been training since April 2020 and have ridden a total of 800 miles. I have had a few set backs with some injuries, but neither COVID-19 or injuries will prevent me from accomplishing my mission. I am a little more than a month away from the riding across ND in 3 days. I am excited and nervous but am determined. I will continue to provide updates on my training and progress. While on the ride my support team will update and provide everyone with my progress.
I would like to again ask for your support with sponsoring me on this Ride PAD any contribution will be appreciated.
Until my next update thanks and have a safe a wonderful 4th of July.
Sincerely,
Drew
Organizer
Andrew Nathan
Organizer
Hillsboro, ND
Patriot Assistance Dogs (Pad)
Beneficiary