by Sue Wolinsky, Family Member IL National Guard
all photos by Sue Wolinsky
Paws and Stripes is a safe, welcoming place. You can feel it when you walk through the gate, as the dappled sunlight highlights some of the many heartfelt words of appreciation of donors and graduates on beautiful grey concrete blocks. “God bless all who serve,” one stone shouts out among a few memorials to soldiers who have passed. “Pets and vets,” another smilingly boasts. “Kindred spirits” reads another. Many blank stones await the loving testimony of future graduates of the Paws and Stripes animal-assisted programs and other therapies offered at this unique facility in Albuquerque.
When you walk inside, the welcoming spirit and sense of calm grow stronger. You see therapy animals and pets relaxing near their persons. With a trauma-informed staff, calm tones, caring expressions, and soothing body language are key for helping those going through the various programs.
Veterans’ lives.
Their families’ lives.
And the dogs in their canine therapy programs.
Their families’ lives.
And the dogs in their canine therapy programs.
Paws and Stripes saves lives.
AN EMPOWERING VISION: Lindsey Kay, the family member of a veteran, started Paws and Stripes in 2010 out of a van in Rio Rancho, intent on saving veterans and dogs together. This veterans’ mental health organization has moved twice as its programs outgrew its space, as its fundraising increased, and as discussions about mental illness have encouraged veterans and their family members to seek help. To learn more about Lindsey and Paws and Stripes, apply for a program, and donate – click HERE.
“We continue to grow to meet our veterans’ needs. We’ve had 150-200 graduates of our programs,” said Rob St. Mary, Director of Development. “We have had waitlists for our programs, from both in state and out of state. (Some veterans have moved to New Mexico to access these programs.) We’re looking into ways to make our services even more accessible to our veterans across the state. We offer telehealth therapy appointments and are having discussions with other organizations to provide Albuquerque area housing for veterans to take part in our programs here. If we have the resources, we build capacity.”
Paws and Stripes is at a crossroads now – a crossroads any organization would be proud to face: building on the vision of founder Lindsey Kay and feeding on 14 years of success. Lindsay has decided to move on.
Paws and Stripes is at a crossroads now – a crossroads any organization would be proud to face: building on the vision of founder Lindsey Kay and feeding on 14 years of success. Lindsay has decided to move on.
“After many wild and rewarding years since founding Paws and Stripes in 2010, I decided 2024 was the year I would move on. After 14 years, I can honestly say Paws and Stripes is the strongest it has ever been. It is an organization comprised of a passionate, professional, and diligent team – some of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. I leave knowing the people we serve, and our beloved donors are in the best possible hands. This is a positive change for the organization and myself. You can rest easy knowing our services will not change and the mission will not cease.”
The board is currently conducting a search for a new executive director. In the meantime, the staff is deeply committed to its mission, has a broad range of appropriate professional training from dog training to psychotherapy (a combined 50 years of experience), and offers the warm welcoming smile that veterans need when seeking help. “Although the guard is changing, Paws and Stripes is ever vigilant – focused on creating a place where every veteran and dog lives without isolation,” Lindsay proudly said.
Lindsey was among those recognized for her work at the Organization’s Celebration of Heroes held April 27 in Albuquerque. The celebration focused on the programs’ graduates and their dogs, and thanked their corporate partners and other donors, as well as volunteers, many who are veterans themselves. (See photos at end of article.)
TREMENDOUS IMPACT: “Paws and Stripes changes lives,” said Allison Ritscher, secretary of the organization and a member of the DPNM VMFC. “One of the things I love about the military, you have shipmates or soldiers you work with. When one is in crisis, you help. You must help. You do it willingly. Paws and Stripes does that for veterans. I don’t know the clients, but I know I would want them to have the help that Paws and Stripes offers.”
This veteran-focused, mental health, non-profit organization has raised over $12 million to meet their mission and vision since 2010. They do it very cost effectively, funneling 81 cents of each dollar donated into programs, according to Rob St. Mary. This is much higher than the 60% that the American Institute of Philanthropy recommends for non-profits.
The board is currently conducting a search for a new executive director. In the meantime, the staff is deeply committed to its mission, has a broad range of appropriate professional training from dog training to psychotherapy (a combined 50 years of experience), and offers the warm welcoming smile that veterans need when seeking help. “Although the guard is changing, Paws and Stripes is ever vigilant – focused on creating a place where every veteran and dog lives without isolation,” Lindsay proudly said.
Lindsey was among those recognized for her work at the Organization’s Celebration of Heroes held April 27 in Albuquerque. The celebration focused on the programs’ graduates and their dogs, and thanked their corporate partners and other donors, as well as volunteers, many who are veterans themselves. (See photos at end of article.)
TREMENDOUS IMPACT: “Paws and Stripes changes lives,” said Allison Ritscher, secretary of the organization and a member of the DPNM VMFC. “One of the things I love about the military, you have shipmates or soldiers you work with. When one is in crisis, you help. You must help. You do it willingly. Paws and Stripes does that for veterans. I don’t know the clients, but I know I would want them to have the help that Paws and Stripes offers.”
This veteran-focused, mental health, non-profit organization has raised over $12 million to meet their mission and vision since 2010. They do it very cost effectively, funneling 81 cents of each dollar donated into programs, according to Rob St. Mary. This is much higher than the 60% that the American Institute of Philanthropy recommends for non-profits.
(Learn more about it in this NPR broadcast: Rating the Performance of Charities : NPR.)
Mission
To provide animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military Veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma.
VISION
Veterans and their dogs living without isolation.
Paws and Stripes has an impressive track record meeting these lofty goals. In 2023 alone, they have:
- Served 88 individuals and loved ones.
- Continued saving two lives at a time – the veteran’s and the dog’s.
- Continued to offer their programs at no cost to veterans.
- Clocked 1,000 individual hours of therapy.
- Provided 22 suicide prevention workshops (250 workshop hours), thanks to the SSG Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program made possible by Congressional grants administered by the VA. Paws and Stripes is the only veterans service organization in New Mexico to receive this grant. New Mexico has the fourth highest suicide rate in the country.
- Held 61 other educational events.
- Have rescued 90% of their service dogs locally.
The programs, which are as varied as the veterans’ needs, include two canine programs, workshops, traditional and non-traditional therapy.
The Veteran Service Dog (VSD) Program where veterans leran how to train their qualified rescue dogs. This flagship veteran-led Service Dog Program is what started the organization in 2010. It has been accredited by Assistance Dogs International. This is a rigorous program that includes training with their dog. individual and group therapy, and training in regulating emotions, and coping mechanisms. This program has a limit of 15 veteran-dog pairs per year.Companion Animal Program provides a shorter option for veterans with a different type of support. Dogs in this course graduate with a basic obedience certificate. Twenty-six veterans have been in this program this year. Humans who graduate from this course receive group sessions, psychoeducation, art therapy, and individual counseling to initiate the healing process.
Workshops for veterans, families and loved ones, focusing on more than 10 topics: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), substance use, chronic pain, moral injury, and thoughts of suicide, depression, loss, anxiety, and anger.
Tradition and Non-Traditional Therapy focusing catered clinical services, peer support, and case management; services that teach life skills: insight to deal with everyday stressors of civilian life; ways to decrease dangerous thoughts and behaviors; and non-traditional therapy such as art therapy, mindfulness, and self-care education.
Here are some of the heartfelt words from veterans going through and graduating from the programs. They are posted for all to see in the dog training area, conference room, kitchen, and other places veterans gather. They are testimony to the veteran’s (and the dog’s) lives that are saved at Paws and Stripes.
Workshops for veterans, families and loved ones, focusing on more than 10 topics: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), substance use, chronic pain, moral injury, and thoughts of suicide, depression, loss, anxiety, and anger.
Tradition and Non-Traditional Therapy focusing catered clinical services, peer support, and case management; services that teach life skills: insight to deal with everyday stressors of civilian life; ways to decrease dangerous thoughts and behaviors; and non-traditional therapy such as art therapy, mindfulness, and self-care education.
Here are some of the heartfelt words from veterans going through and graduating from the programs. They are posted for all to see in the dog training area, conference room, kitchen, and other places veterans gather. They are testimony to the veteran’s (and the dog’s) lives that are saved at Paws and Stripes.
Paws and Stripes is a safe, welcoming place. You can feel it when you walk through the gate, as the dappled sunlight highlights some of the many heartfelt words of appreciation of donors and graduates on beautiful grey concrete blocks. “God bless all who serve,” one stone shouts out among a few memorials to soldiers who have passed. “Pets and vets,” another smilingly boasts. “Kindred spirits” reads another. Many blank stones await the loving testimony of future graduates of the Paws and Stripes animal-assisted programs and other therapies offered at this unique facility in Albuquerque.
When you walk inside, the welcoming spirit and sense of calm grow stronger. You see therapy animals and pets relaxing near their persons. With a trauma-informed staff, calm tones, caring expressions, and soothing body language are key for helping those going through the various programs.
Veterans’ lives.
Their families’ lives.
And the dogs in their canine therapy programs.
Their families’ lives.
And the dogs in their canine therapy programs.
Paws and Stripes saves lives.
AN EMPOWERING VISION: Lindsey Kay, the family member of a veteran, started Paws and Stripes in 2010 out of a van in Rio Rancho, intent on saving veterans and dogs together. This veterans’ mental health organization has moved twice as its programs outgrew its space, as its fundraising increased, and as discussions about mental illness have encouraged veterans and their family members to seek help. To learn more about Lindsey and Paws and Stripes, apply for a program, and donate – click HERE.
“We continue to grow to meet our veterans’ needs. We’ve had 150-200 graduates of our programs,” said Rob St. Mary, Director of Development. “We have had waitlists for our programs, from both in state and out of state. (Some veterans have moved to New Mexico to access these programs.) We’re looking into ways to make our services even more accessible to our veterans across the state. We offer telehealth therapy appointments and are having discussions with other organizations to provide Albuquerque area housing for veterans to take part in our programs here. If we have the resources, we build capacity.”
Paws and Stripes is at a crossroads now – a crossroads any organization would be proud to face: building on the vision of founder Lindsey Kay and feeding on 14 years of success. Lindsay has decided to move on.
Paws and Stripes is at a crossroads now – a crossroads any organization would be proud to face: building on the vision of founder Lindsey Kay and feeding on 14 years of success. Lindsay has decided to move on.
“After many wild and rewarding years since founding Paws and Stripes in 2010, I decided 2024 was the year I would move on. After 14 years, I can honestly say Paws and Stripes is the strongest it has ever been. It is an organization comprised of a passionate, professional, and diligent team – some of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. I leave knowing the people we serve, and our beloved donors are in the best possible hands. This is a positive change for the organization and myself. You can rest easy knowing our services will not change and the mission will not cease.”
The board is currently conducting a search for a new executive director. In the meantime, the staff is deeply committed to its mission, has a broad range of appropriate professional training from dog training to psychotherapy (a combined 50 years of experience), and offers the warm welcoming smile that veterans need when seeking help. “Although the guard is changing, Paws and Stripes is ever vigilant – focused on creating a place where every veteran and dog lives without isolation,” Lindsay proudly said.
Lindsey was among those recognized for her work at the Organization’s Celebration of Heroes held April 27 in Albuquerque. The celebration focused on the programs’ graduates and their dogs, and thanked their corporate partners and other donors, as well as volunteers, many who are veterans themselves. (See photos at end of article.)
TREMENDOUS IMPACT: “Paws and Stripes changes lives,” said Allison Ritscher, secretary of the organization and a member of the DPNM VMFC. “One of the things I love about the military, you have shipmates or soldiers you work with. When one is in crisis, you help. You must help. You do it willingly. Paws and Stripes does that for veterans. I don’t know the clients, but I know I would want them to have the help that Paws and Stripes offers.”
This veteran-focused, mental health, non-profit organization has raised over $12 million to meet their mission and vision since 2010. They do it very cost effectively, funneling 81 cents of each dollar donated into programs, according to Rob St. Mary. This is much higher than the 60% that the American Institute of Philanthropy recommends for non-profits.
The board is currently conducting a search for a new executive director. In the meantime, the staff is deeply committed to its mission, has a broad range of appropriate professional training from dog training to psychotherapy (a combined 50 years of experience), and offers the warm welcoming smile that veterans need when seeking help. “Although the guard is changing, Paws and Stripes is ever vigilant – focused on creating a place where every veteran and dog lives without isolation,” Lindsay proudly said.
Lindsey was among those recognized for her work at the Organization’s Celebration of Heroes held April 27 in Albuquerque. The celebration focused on the programs’ graduates and their dogs, and thanked their corporate partners and other donors, as well as volunteers, many who are veterans themselves. (See photos at end of article.)
TREMENDOUS IMPACT: “Paws and Stripes changes lives,” said Allison Ritscher, secretary of the organization and a member of the DPNM VMFC. “One of the things I love about the military, you have shipmates or soldiers you work with. When one is in crisis, you help. You must help. You do it willingly. Paws and Stripes does that for veterans. I don’t know the clients, but I know I would want them to have the help that Paws and Stripes offers.”
This veteran-focused, mental health, non-profit organization has raised over $12 million to meet their mission and vision since 2010. They do it very cost effectively, funneling 81 cents of each dollar donated into programs, according to Rob St. Mary. This is much higher than the 60% that the American Institute of Philanthropy recommends for non-profits.
(Learn more about it in this NPR broadcast: Rating the Performance of Charities : NPR.)
Mission
To provide animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military Veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma.
VISION
Veterans and their dogs living without isolation.
Paws and Stripes has an impressive track record meeting these lofty goals. In 2023 alone, they have:
- Served 88 individuals and loved ones.
- Continued saving two lives at a time – the veteran’s and the dog’s.
- Continued to offer their programs at no cost to veterans.
- Clocked 1,000 individual hours of therapy.
- Provided 22 suicide prevention workshops (250 workshop hours), thanks to the SSG Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program made possible by Congressional grants administered by the VA. Paws and Stripes is the only veterans service organization in New Mexico to receive this grant. New Mexico has the fourth highest suicide rate in the country.
- Held 61 other educational events.
- Have rescued 90% of their service dogs locally.
The programs, which are as varied as the veterans’ needs, include two canine programs, workshops, traditional and non-traditional therapy.
The Veteran Service Dog (VSD) Program where veterans leran how to train their qualified rescue dogs. This flagship veteran-led Service Dog Program is what started the organization in 2010. It has been accredited by Assistance Dogs International. This is a rigorous program that includes training with their dog. individual and group therapy, and training in regulating emotions, and coping mechanisms. This program has a limit of 15 veteran-dog pairs per year.Companion Animal Program provides a shorter option for veterans with a different type of support. Dogs in this course graduate with a basic obedience certificate. Twenty-six veterans have been in this program this year. Humans who graduate from this course receive group sessions, psychoeducation, art therapy, and individual counseling to initiate the healing process.
Workshops for veterans, families and loved ones, focusing on more than 10 topics: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), substance use, chronic pain, moral injury, and thoughts of suicide, depression, loss, anxiety, and anger.
Tradition and Non-Traditional Therapy focusing catered clinical services, peer support, and case management; services that teach life skills: insight to deal with everyday stressors of civilian life; ways to decrease dangerous thoughts and behaviors; and non-traditional therapy such as art therapy, mindfulness, and self-care education.
Here are some of the heartfelt words from veterans going through and graduating from the programs. They are posted for all to see in the dog training area, conference room, kitchen, and other places veterans gather. They are testimony to the veteran’s (and the dog’s) lives that are saved at Paws and Stripes.
Workshops for veterans, families and loved ones, focusing on more than 10 topics: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), substance use, chronic pain, moral injury, and thoughts of suicide, depression, loss, anxiety, and anger.
Tradition and Non-Traditional Therapy focusing catered clinical services, peer support, and case management; services that teach life skills: insight to deal with everyday stressors of civilian life; ways to decrease dangerous thoughts and behaviors; and non-traditional therapy such as art therapy, mindfulness, and self-care education.
Here are some of the heartfelt words from veterans going through and graduating from the programs. They are posted for all to see in the dog training area, conference room, kitchen, and other places veterans gather. They are testimony to the veteran’s (and the dog’s) lives that are saved at Paws and Stripes.
“MY SERVICE DOG HAS BLESSED ME WITH LIFE.”
“MY LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES NOW –
SO MY FUTURE CAN BE WHATEVER I CHOOSE IT TO BE.”
“BECAUSE OF MY SERVICE DOG,
I AM ABLE TO GO AFTER MY DREAMS OF BEING AN EDUCATOR.”
“I HAVE FOUND ANGER IS MORE AVOIDABLE AND LESS FREQUENT.
THAT ISN’T SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT IN THE PAST.”
“MY LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES NOW –
SO MY FUTURE CAN BE WHATEVER I CHOOSE IT TO BE.”
“BECAUSE OF MY SERVICE DOG,
I AM ABLE TO GO AFTER MY DREAMS OF BEING AN EDUCATOR.”
“I HAVE FOUND ANGER IS MORE AVOIDABLE AND LESS FREQUENT.
THAT ISN’T SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT IN THE PAST.”