Vermont Paws & Boots

Since its inception, Vermont Paws & Boots mission has been simple and straight-forward, to save the lives of veterans and first responders who are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma, and physical disabilities. None of these are easy to deal with, and many of our veterans and first responders turn to other means to deal with these challenges, none of which are healthy or help them move forward. 

Vermont Paws & Boots has proven itself invaluable in “saving” the lives of veterans and first responders traumatized by one or more incidents associated with their service. Traditionally, this particular group is not good about reaching out for help for their post-traumatic stress or other mental health challenges. Even those who appear to be functioning often turn inward, isolate themselves using alcohol and drugs as a way to cope, until it is too late.  Vermont Paws & Boots is reaching these survivors and helping them get their lives back on track. This happens through a program of pairing and training a rescue dog and handler to become a “service dog team”. They literally save each other.

The magic of the program is that the men and women who participate learn how to work as a team with their dog from day one under the guidance of military veteran and Retired Vermont State Trooper and K9 handler, Michelle LeBlanc. The program is rigorous and requires real commitment. In part, that commitment and follow-through help restore the self-confidence, purpose and self-worth of the participants. 

It is difficult to understand first-hand what these men and women have experienced and endured. To date, nine classes have successfully graduated the program and because of the success of the program, a tenth class will be starting soon.