At first glance, $12,000 might just look like a goal on a fundraising graphic. But when it comes to providing a life-changing service dog to a veteran in need, that number tells a much bigger story.
Through our annual Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, the Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement is proud to support Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH), a pioneering nonprofit that helps veterans facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury. On average, it costs about $35,000 to raise, train, and place just one service dog from puppyhood and professional training to lifelong support. Thanks to the generosity of our members, we’ve already raised the substantial amount of $23,000, and we are just $12,000 away from fully funding the cost of one service dog.
So, what does that final $12K really represent?
Two Years of World-Class Training
Each PPH service dog begins their journey at just a few weeks old, entering a rigorous two-year training program guided by professional trainers using methods developed by the Bergin College of Canine Studies. These dogs are taught to perform dozens of specialized tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, and interrupting nightmares and flashbacks for veterans with PTSD.
Importantly, no two dogs or veterans are alike. This is why PPH conducts detailed temperament and personality assessments to ensure that each dog is matched with the right veteran whose needs and emotional bond align with the dog’s qualities.
View just some of the tasks that PPH service dogs help with in this video.
Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy®
One of PPH’s most innovative offerings is Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy®. In this program, veterans help train the very service dogs that will go on to support others. This process is both therapeutic and empowering, giving participants a renewed sense of purpose, structure, and emotional connection. The experience often serves as a powerful step in a veteran’s own healing journey, even before a dog is permanently placed.
See some service dogs from the Ruther Glen facility in training here.
Facility and Service Dog Placement
Depending on a veteran’s individual needs, PPH places both service dogs and facility dogs:
- Service Dogs are placed with veterans to assist with daily life tasks, such as supporting physical mobility, reducing anxiety, or helping navigate public spaces with confidence and safety.
- Facility Dogs work in clinical settings like Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals, military clinics, and therapy centers, providing comfort and emotional support not only to veterans but also to staff, families, and caregivers.
No matter the placement, each dog represents the culmination of extensive training, love, and support. View the impact of PPH service dogs after placement in this video.
No Cost to Veterans
From training to placement and ongoing support, every PPH dog is provided to veterans entirely free of charge. That means your contributions help cover tangible needs like veterinary care, equipment, training materials, food, and more.
Help Us Close the Gap
On August 20, we will gather once again at the scenic Whiskey Creek Golf Club for a day of golf, camaraderie, and community. But beyond the course and good times, this tournament is about making a lasting impact on a veteran’s journey towards healing.
We hope to see you there!
To register for the Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, click here. You can register a foursome, as an individual golfer, or to enjoy the scenic views from the veranda club.