Well, my wife left yesterday for her deployment. It's now up to Baloo my service dog and his training from Train A Dog Save A Warrior (TADSAW) to keep me going strong. Thank-You for everything you have done Patsy Swendson, Bart Sherwood and Allen Groomer. You guys have such kind hearts and do such an outstanding job for the Wounded Warriors. I'm very thankful for what you have done for me!

AJ

God bless you guys…tears of joy are running down my cheeks just knowing you are there.

Elizabeth Murray-Kolb
Guadalupe County Attorney

What an honor to meet Colonel, a former Tripawds Rescue dog who's now helping returning veterans with PTSD.

Rene Agredano

Reading your blog, I wanted to stop and call, too many tears, not enough breaths. How beautiful that The Colonel "out-ranked" him - Also recall what Rumi said, "God sleeps in the rock, stirs in the plant, dreams in the animal, and awakens in Mankind.

Because of the Captain's book and what an inspiration he is all I can say is I am hooked, dedicated and with cause!

Carol Anne

I'm glad to help spread the word!

Jessica Belasco
Reporter/Columnist
San Antonio Express-News

Patsy,
I was napping this afternoon when Cole came home from school and he was like a little boy who just got a new truck or dinosaur to show me the article about Gunny. He went on and on how this media attention will help PFHF/TADSAW to share what amazing work is done and how much more is needed. I gave him the biggest hug and told him how proud I was of him for what he was able to contribute this summer and he said, "Mom, Gunny is who you need to be proud of. He has changed a person's life forever." Of course, I welled up with tears.

I am having him bring the article to school to show his Upper School Administrator who last year felt Cole was too focused on his dream of playing college basketball and didn't expand his service enough in other areas. I think she will be pleased to see what service help (thanks to both of you) Cole was doing this summer.

Ladies, he is fired up and can't wait to be able to get back in the trenches with you Ms. Michelle and train with Daphne as well. I hope you both understand this junior year of school is a bear, so as soon as he can come up for air from his school work/basketball season, he will be back to be one of your biggest advocates and volunteers. It warms my heart immensely to see the love he has for the special dogs involved with PFHF/TADSAW.

Can't wait to hear all the positive feedback the article brings to the organization and you two amazing women!

Hugs to both,
Patty

I love this story..........it is just amazing the effect dogs can have on uplifting spirits and easing stress.....God bless you Patsy for doing what is in your heart and making such a difference!!!!!

Susan Warren

I train dogs for TADSAW - Train a Dog Save A Warrior!!! This is the most rewarding job I have ever had. I have trained service dogs in the past and for many different purposes but to do it for such a noble cause has brought tears to my eyes more than once!! Yes I am a man and YES I CRY!!!

Allen Groomer

I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to be able to sit and talk with you and Bart about the work you do. Kris talked to me a lot about it after we got home that night. He is truly excited about this program. Thank you both for bringing a great moment of positive feelings for him and us. This past weekend is the most time I’ve been able to talk to him in person since he has been back home. I do see evidence of the brain injury in his short term memory loss and his frustration level (although this has improved in the last 6 months or so).

I really don’t think I can find the perfect words to tell you thank you for what you do. God has picked some very special people to work through to help these wounded warriors. The world is a better place because of your endeavors.

I hope you have a great day and please keep in touch to let me know of any way I can help.

L.C.

A message from the heart of Michael Williams regarding the blessing of dogs!

Nothing corny about that Patsy, I found solace and support in a Shep/Wolf mix that I adopted. She was a blessing to me and really helped with the PTSD. All animals deserve love and respect for what they bring us, especially those in service to our country and via your organization service to those of us that can truly benefit. Dogs and humans alike thrive on acceptance, love, attention, and respect.

Michael Williams

Patsy,
My name is Kelly F. I am currently working on the paperwork to get my husband in TADSAW. I have been reading about the work you are doing that with TADSAW and the various work Penny's From Heaven does and it is truly amazing. It touches hearts like mine with such gratitude for offering these programs to families like ours whose husbands/wives were affected so deeply by the war.

Kelly F

Hello, My name is John C. and I am a Vietnam Veteran. I attended the job fair in Jacksonville back a couple of months ago and met Bart from TADSAW program. After, visiting with him about your great program, I through back about my some thirty years in law enforcement, In 1978 while working with the Nacogdoches Police Department I was given the job of handling my Department new narcotic K-9 (Trooper). When I returned from Vietnam, I like most of the Vietnam Veterans during those days, returned home fighting the same demons some of our young warriors are fighting today (PTSD) upon their return from war. I like most vets, used alcohol to coupe with these demons. When Trooper came into my life, my whole world changed. The demons I had been fighting for years went away and if they did started to show their ugly heads Trooper would chase them away. In 1982 my department sold Trooper to another department, about a month later the demons returned I was alone to fight them without Trooper help. That when I realized that I need a dog in my life to help drive those demon away. I did just that, from 1982 until 2001 I was never with out a K-9. I retired from law enforcement in August 2001. Keep up this great program, you are saving our young warriors from their demons.

John C.

I am pleased to tell you that Penny's From Heaven Foundation is approved and
listed at www.akc.org/akctherapydog .

Mary R. Burch, Ph.D.
Director, Canine Good Citizen - AKC - American Kennel Club

I also wanted to tell you that I have been reading your inspiring and motivating new blog. I saw it posted at the end of your e-mail. It's beyond fantastic! Thanks for writing it. It really spoke to me in a time of need. Plus, you are a talented writer too. My sister is undergoing breast cancer, and it has been a difficult journey for her recently. So, in essence, your written words were comforting to me and needed. Thanks!

Suzyn D.

You rock Penny's from Heaven, we had a Veteran in the shop last week with a canine companion, it was awesome to talk with him and see the bond they shared. Bless your hearts for the light and love you share with these heroes.

Mary Winkler Balmes

I think you are a living example of what it means to serve our fellow men and women. Your love and concern for our veterans only reinforces the affection that my daughter and I have for the PTSD vets we work with every week.

Anonymous

Thank you both for all you do for our four-leggers, as well as encouraging us two-leggers as well. Cole is a walking training manual of Michelle when he comes home telling us what they did, why they did it, what they need to do better, other special training stories, etc.... He is absolutely loving every minute and I know Will feels the same way too! Michelle is absolutely an expert at her profession, yet someone you just want to hug for all she has to give. We could never thank you both enough for giving the boys an experience of a life time! You both are so special!! Do hope your 4th of July was a meaningful one?
Best,

Patty and Hank

I thank you all for your support. I appreciate what you do for us Servicemen and women. Thank you!

Robert Molina

The following quote from Kat Honaker, wife of wounded warrior Jeremiah in Tennessee, wrote this after receiving photographs of Gunny, Jeremiah's future TADSAW Support Service Dog.

"Oh my gosh! He is absolutely beeeeeeeeautiful! I love the blue picture. His silver chain looks like my husband's medal he wears all the time! So proud looking! My husband has just looked and looked! He said "there's my buddy!" Oh what a wonderful story and one that will pair up to us as a family of fighters! We are so excited and I can't believe no one wanted him and was in animal control! ,

We love him already and Jeremiah is already talking about him like he is here. He will email you soon as well. I had to take him to the store with me today but he is just talking away about the dog! Sooooo very appreciative and I can't ensure we will love him as much as you do because you have had him since the beginning, but we will give him all the love we have and promise that he will be so well taken cared of. It's not just any dog, it's Gunny, and he is our adopted family! You have paired the two up so well its perfect!

Jeremiah is already making plans! Thank you so much. This just brought so much joy to all of us today!"

Kat

Bart has been so nice to my family and well, just treats us like we are normal people not lepers. I know you know this...but you picked the right person for the TADSAW program. It wasn't just an application and paperwork, he dug deep to find out who we are as individuals, who we were before and has even taken the time to ask me how my children are when he calls. It's like talking to a friend now. Speaks VOLUMES to me. You can't get all that on an application.

Wounded Warrior Wife
Kat Honaker

We would like to express our most sincere gratitude for your participation in the very first Military Job and Resource Fair held in Jacksonville, Texas. We hope that you were able to make connections and gain resources that will help you...if there is ever anything that we can do to help you please let us know.

I still support you .....I hope all is well and thank you for what you are doing for our service men and women and their families.

MARY E. GARR
COL, USA, MS
Commander

502d Mission Support Group
1206 Stanley Rd, Ste #A
Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234

YOU are a being we all wish to inspire to dear wonderful person, that is part of the healing, know that not only do you reach them, you touch a place in our hearts too.

Mary W.B.

These Pockets of Peace, Patsy, are sometimes the only sunshine we see some days. How wonderful to be so certain of your life's mission.

Moe

... isn't this just an awesome organization, way to go Penny's from Heaven, I know I've told you that before but it can't be said enough, the healing you provide in the Universe and that you share the joy with us is above inspiring.

Mary Balmes

... told me about what you are doing with the Bunky the (Therapy) Buffalo, and while it made me laugh at first, you know man, whatever it takes. The simple intrinsic fact that someone cares is what it's all about — and if you want my opinion, it's easy in America not to care if everyone is at the mall.

Anonymous

You are so awesome! Thank you so much for sending this wonderful photo of Michael & Kingsley! Remarkable! It's so amazing to know that something like this can be so powerful and helpful and full of blessing!

Yes... that is exactly why you do what you do... and I am so glad you do it... and do it so well!

Likewise, I say back to you, thank you for this gift you give to so many soldiers and doggies!

Suz
Michael's Case manager

Patsy-while at the VAMC yesterday for the weekly graduation ceremony and our weekly visit there, a married couple, both of whom have PTSD, told me that they keep the POCKETS OF PEACE BOOK TWO close by at home, that they find comfort and solace in that book. I had also given Book Two to one of the social workers there, and she told me later that she had read the book and found comfort in the book.

That little book is one of the finest of its kind that I, and others have said, that they have read. There is comfort, good advice, and hope in that book, Patsy. Good on you for having the imagination and the skill to author that book.

W.L.

Bart and Patsy and all involved in this foundation are such wonderful loving ,caring people . thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Tank you for introducing us to Luther he is a sweet dog.

God Bless You,

Myra and Sam

Mr. Sherwood,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for spending the time and effort today to talk to me about the “Train a Dog – Save a Warrior” program. It is largely because of people like yourself, that veterans from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan are getting the help they so desperately need. I was particularly impressed with your policy of talking with each and every veteran that applies to your program, insuring that his or her unique, individual needs are understood and met right from the beginning of their entry into your program. Furthermore, it demonstrates an exemplary level of personal commitment and dedication to helping veterans that have come to you for your assistance.

I sincerely hope I qualify for your “TADSAW” program and that I get the opportunity to get a dog to work with me. I will be looking forward to receiving your application package via e-mail sometime over the next few days and filling it out and returning it to you for your consideration.

Once again, thank you for the time you spent talking to me and for all the things you are doing for all veterans. It was my privilege talking to you.

Most Sincerely,

T.

As a Marine Corps veteran, and a member of a team which serves and assists the veterans at Denver's VA Medical Center treatment program for combat veterans with Post Trauma Stress Disorder, we provide each new veteran in the program with a copy of your Pockets of Peace Book Two. This is a beautiful written, beautifully illustrated booklet, and I highly recommend it to any veteran or a veteran's family. I personally keep my own copy of this booklet on my coffee table, and refer to it frequently for inspiration.

Forrest (Woody) Leigh
U. S. Marine Corps

I am currently deployed in Afghanistan, and my husband and I are big supporters of animals. It's our pleasure. Just ran into your program for the first time.

Please use your assessment as to where it (the donation) needs to go. You would know better.

Thank you goes to you and your team for thinking so much of what I feel is just as important as our Soldiers. May God bless you and all you do to support.

v/r
Katrina

Thank you, for all that you do, and all that you will do for us all. :) I for one, love you and care for what you do - thank you!!!!!!!!:)

Michael - Wounded Warrior
Center Point, TX

Bill is still deployed just outside Baghdad and we are hoping for him and his unit 113th 30th HBCT Bravo Battery to be home in February. Thanks for all you do. Your are a blessing to these soldiers and make the world a better place.

Thank you so much for the follow-up email on Bagger and Murphy! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see that they are both on their way to providing invaluable therapeutic services to those in need. I would like to see the collaboration between ACS and Penny’s From Heaven increase, as our partnership not only supports the healing of human wounds but also provides a second chance for homeless dogs that, if given a chance, will dedicate their lives to loving and caring for their human family.

Eric
Animal Care Services

Patsy - every day you give even a tiny bit of time or effort to 'your' Soldiers, you make a difference by making it easier to survive back home. The military is very good at training civilians to become warriors, and all the tasks associated with going to combat. However, they have no clue how to train us to survive once we get home, some of us with physical wounds or at least mental issues we didn't have before. That's why people like you are so vital to our survival; they allow us to heal a little easier.

The Penny's From Heaven foundation and your many wonderful volunteers have made a substantial difference in my life.

Thank you for being so selfless.

Tara

I would like to say Thank You for caring about the vets & their pain! I sincerely am thanking God that there are folks like you out there for our current batch of battered vets... there were none visibly apparent when we came home from Vietnam, but fortunately we found some later & betwixt them they helped patch a bunch of us "wounded healers" up to want to live another day.

Penny K.

Thanks for doing the work you do.

Best,
Amy

Thank you so so much! Wow, after the week I've had with the Dr's, and STILL trying to figure out what's wrong, your package TRULY MADE MY WHOLE WEEK so much better!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I can't WAIT to start reading, "Penny's from Heaven."

Nicole Buehner Arbelo
Author ~ K9 Heroes

We gave out Christmas stockings a week ago to our PTSD vets at the VAMC, and included copies of Pockets of Peace Book Two. Those were a monstrous hit with the guys. We are also including copies with each brochure that we give to each new patient in the program. I like reading those Pockets of Peace from time to time. They are full of reassurance not only to our battle vets, but to me also. You may never know how you've touched the lives of so many.

Bless you Patsy, and continue your good work.

Anonymous

I LOVE IT!! You actually made me cry with that. DAMN YOU! It's easy to tell others how you feel about your dog because it becomes repetitive but when you read your own words or the words used by others to describe those feelings its suddenly a lot more powerful. You're an amazing woman Patsy. You might want to watch out. I may steal you away to Turkey with me! You're doing a wonderful thing Patsy. You really are.

Nathan M. Combs

I must tell you that your Pockets of Peace are immensely popular with the PTSD guys we work with. I need to order another 50 copies.

F. Leigh
Boulder, Colorado

Thank you Ma'am, the pleasure and rewards and blessing were all ours, as we cannot do enough for these Heroes...having been a Army Ranger for 28 yrs, I have a true love our our Troops and all of us, and especially Cowboys, love what we "get to do" because of men and women who fight for our everyday freedoms. I really appreciate Shorty (bullfighter) and Chris (bull rider) for taking time out of their schedules to come see our Troops.

I agree with you and appreciate all you do. I am a 110% animal lover, bulls, dogs and especially cats. I always had a big dog growing up to roll around in the dirt with, so feel it is important...dogs are so comforting. I always say, they are glad to see you if you are gone 5 minutes or 5 days.

Rob Benton - Professional Bull Riders

"Gosh Patsy you never seize to amaze me with your beautiful words. I try so hard but every time I read your little pockets I get a lump in my throat. I should actually call them big pockets because you do so much for me and all of us at the WFSC. I love you Patsy!"

Sgt. T.O.

I apologize for the delay in my response to you, please understand, I think about all you and your dog have done for someone like me! God’s creatures are able to touch us in ways other humans can not. You are a hero and I personally appreciate all that you do! I am not as alone as I have felt with your sincere hugs! You are my Angel! I have been at some pretty deep low points and your hugs and acceptance have elevated me to a point you will never know!
Thank you for the unconditional caring you have shown me!

God Bless You,
Brian

You truly have a giving spirit. You are a great inspiration to me upon many others. Your site is quite impressionable. I have already shared it with many others; with great pride and respect.
Suzette Cerrillos

Army Nurse - BAMC

We are excited about giving the Pockets of Peace to each of our PTSD vets. That is one of the most beautiful little books I've ever seen. I've read it about 3 times myself. The thoughts, prayers, and sayings are worth the read, every day, especially for PTSD vets.

Forrest Leigh
Boulder, Colorado

Yesterday, my 'bunker' was quietly reading your last blog, Patsy. I always know your incredible insight and pockets of peace will bring me back to the present and grateful for that moment.

JM

Thank you Patsy... Your vision with Penny's From Heaven and now Train a Dog Save a Warrior is an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you for what you do. I'm glad to be working with so many Angels!

Denise Muha

It was a pleasure to have met you as well. I too enjoyed our little heart to heart and I think those are important things to have from time to time. In my passion for ‘purpose’ I sometimes struggle for what exactly was ‘your’ purpose in my life. That question seemed to come easily answered as I left on Saturday only to have an 1 hour and 45 min drive home to soak all that in. As you stated, there are ‘reasons for the seasons’ and I would have to step outside the box and say the reason for your purpose in my life is that even though I struggle with fitting in, feeling like no one else understands me, you kind of wiggled your way into my broken heart/soul and made me aware that you have the ‘passion’ to WANT to understand people like me with an open mind and an open heart.

From one heartfelt individual to another, the absolute most important gift you can give a veteran is the gift of your ears. Listening, what a powerful phenomenon that little ingredient can do to a humans life when needed the most. You posses a real knack for just offering your ear Patsy and that is to be commended and envied. Thank you for taking the time to pull me aside and allow me to just talk, I really appreciate that. I would love to whiteness the power of what Animal Therapy can do for our Vets.

JM

Patsy, You are such a beautiful writer. You always touch me. It helps ease the pain. Thanks so much once again for sharing. It is such a wonderful way of caring and connecting.

Pam F

I really enjoyed hearing Patsy speak. What a truly amazing foundation. We are so proud to be a part of it.

JM

I know you do a lot for the soldiers and they appreciate it. Thank you for all you do.

Janis Roznowski
Director & Founder
Operation Comfort
San Antonio, Texas

All the best - thanks again for everything you've done and continue to do. It means a lot to these soldiers and their families.
Sincerely,

Kyle Fisher
Fisher Foundation - The Fisher Houses

You are right – we owe our warriors so, so much for all they do, and have done, for us. Thank you for your work with them.
Sincerely,

Gloria Gilbert Stoga
Executive Director
Puppies Behind Bars
NY

I am walking out to the mailbox in a minute with a check for $1000,00. I hope one of our wounded boys gets a (PTSD SUPPORT) dog. Have a prosperous and blessed day.

Kathleen

Patsy, you have such a gift! A gift of putting into words, just the right thoughts that help me stay grounded. You are so "big" in my eyes. I hope that the day we meet, I can hug you long enough that even just a small part of your gift rubs off on me. Thank you for "pockets".

Jean M.

Patsy, what a wonderful story. I have forwarded this to Michelle, my wife, and I know that she will share it with family and friends. Thank you, Patsy.

Joe

I am so glad we had the opportunity to talk this morning :) You're an amazing person!! The work you're doing is absolutely extraordinary and I want to be a part of it.

As soon as I get things straightened out here, I'll be contacting you to come down for a visit. I'm more than excited about it! To be quite honest with you, I've been all over your website, but hadn't looked at your specific personal page until after we spoke this morning. You are so humble for all that you've accomplished!! You life has been a constant testimony to the human-animal bond! The world is a better place with you in it Patsy.

Carly R.

You have a gift for helping people and your organization has great credibility in my book. Thanks for all you do.

Jerry Hardy
President, Board of Directors
Fisher House
Lackland AFB, TX

Please, please, please bring one of the Goldens to the funeral - and thank you for your wonderful tribute.

Suzanne

My favorite part of attending the Yellow Ribbon events is petting the dogs from Penny's from Heaven Foundation.

SPC Scott Case

It was great to connect with you and your team at the Yellow Ribbon event in Austin on Saturday. Thank you for your time and for what you do to support the Texas Veterans!

Tim Stroud
TexVet Manager
Partners Across Texas - TexVet

I'm glad you were able to come out. We'd love to have you and your dogs come out especially your PTSD dogs. I always enjoy seeing you.
Thanks again for coming out.

Janis Roznowski
Director & Founder
Operation Comfort
San Antonio, Texas

Debby Glasser,
I just wanted to drop a note to thank you and Whopper for attending the Yellow Ribbon event in the Woodlands over the weekend. Penny's Therapy Dogs sure lit up the briefing room and undoubtedly provided comfort to family members of deployed Airmen as well as families and Airmen in the Post Deployment stage.

Therapy dogs are of obvious benefit to those dealing with physical disabilities; but their positive impact on less observable disorders like depression and PTSD is of equal importance. Penny's from Heaven really does it all and we are blessed to host at national guard Yellow Ribbon events. I look forward to working with you in the future:)

Ivory B. Harlow
Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist
TX ANG Camp Mabry
Austin, Texas

Wow! I just read your blog. I am speechless. I couldn't help but come to tears as I kept reading and figured out you were talking about me. I am so happy to know I could make a difference in your day and maybe even someone else's who is lucky enough to read your blogs. I was right when I said you are an angel.

SGT O.

I hope we can become a good team for "therapy" to those who "hurt". So much hurt these days that oft times cloud the beauty of the many ways we are blessed. Thanks again for all you do.

Jean D

"Okay here is what I think. I think every soldier should have a therapy dog. There would be less need for medicine, less need for alcohol, and more compassion. It would make a difference in all of their lives. Just sitting here with Chase and Kelsie has made a difference in mine. They don't care whether I have legs or not, they are simply peace. Many of us have lost all compassion."

From a double amputee back from Iraq

Patsy,
You, your staff and your dogs are such a wonderful asset to RIOSA!

David Mork
CEO HealthSouth Rehabilitation Institute of San Antonio

Thank you very much Patsy for that great honor of being on your blogspot. You didn't have too, but I know how big your heart is and I say again THANK YOU! You truly are a blessing to ALL American service men and women. Thanks again for your continued blessings and support.

James Rybacki and MWD Torca

I've read and re-read your "Pockets of Peace" book #3 - how can I get 25 copies of this publication? I have 8 grandchildren (ages 24 to 5 years) - this will be my gift to them as they move through life; it is magnificent in it's simplicity! I will also share with my fellow members at VFW Post 8800 at Canyon Lake. THANX for your efforts on behalf of AWHGC and the multitude of others to whom you offer love and compassion.

Louise L.

My name is Sina Teofilo and I am a contractor for the Texas Army National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program and I just wanted to say that the staff and the overall program is wonderful!! The first time I saw your organization attend our event was last month in San Antonio at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The feedback that we received on our surveys was overwhelming with comments on your organization and how great you all were with the service members and their families. I just wanted to say thank you to your staff because they were friendly and very informative. I hope you all know how helpful and beneficial your program is. It is one of a kind and I hope that it continues to grow and prosper. Thank you for all that you do.

Sina Teofilo
Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist
Contractor for Army National Guard
Yellow Ribbon Support Services

Thank you for the Pockets of Peace books - very nice reading for strength. My bilateral amputation went well and I am doing well. Thank you.
Alan V.

Penny's From Heaven Foundation are Fisher House Angels.

Julie Verschoyle
Volunteer Manager
Fisher House Inc.
Lackland AFB

Your transparent words of honesty, compassion and insight express the true meaning of what we all need to be thankful for.

Sandra G.

I loved it! It was very touching to see how the patients reacted to Kelsie and Chase. I think that the perfect example was of the man with the burns. I could see many benefits to that one interaction: occupational therapy, sense of purpose, relaxation, distraction from pain, socialization, confidence, and just plain bliss! The smile on his face was priceless! I cannot wait to get started in the program! Thanks for inviting me to visit!

Sarah R.

...Wow! I haven't had a good cry since I've been in Texas, and this did it!! Thank you so much! Often I try to write about our story but struggle to find the words. You found the words for me, for us. I am deeply touched. (See Goosebumps story on Stories of Healing page) One of other greatest things that has come out of this journey of injury and healing is the many great friendships we have been able to form along the way. I count you among one of these. Thank you.
Gina H.
Army Wife

Thanks for all you do. You are truly an angel for us and all the MWD (Military Working Dog) teams deployed.
James R.
Afghanistan

Oh how you brighten so many lives! Thank you for your friendship.

Charlotte Weiss, LTC
OIC Behavioral Health
Texas Military Forces

Well thank you for coming! We appreciate your support and we will definitely ask for your support at future events.

Nicole Higgs
Yellow Ribbon Support Specialist
Contractor for Army National Guard
Yellow Ribbon Support Services

... let me say thanks for all the great help you provided us for our story on Tuesday

Daniel Morales
Reporter
KTMD-TV Telemundo

Thank you for coming to USAA to talk to our employees on your great work. I had enjoyed your presentation and Shane’s and also the company of your therapy dogs.

Nydia
USAA

I don't know if we thank YOU enough for the battles you've struggled through, some of them on your own, and the discouragement when things didn't happen or didn't happen quickly. Thanks for being a wonderful role model and always having a smile on your face. I pray that we don't let you or the cause down as often as we may think we do. We're inspired and thank you, most of all, for that.

Paula

Patsy, Any worthwhile organization has to have a leader who inspires her “pups” and that leader would be you! We thank you for being you!

Andra

Yes! The children here in Iraq absolutely love the stuffed animals. That would be great! It is my honor to serve you and the people of the world.

PFC Stephen L.

I can't tell you how moving that was to me!! What a beautiful gift you have! I hope this story touches as many hearts as it did mind and inspires more people to be real. It honors Kevin so truly and so deeply. I'm proud to know you and pray you continue to bless lives with your work and your gift with words.

Love, Teresa

Patsy, I wanted to let you know how much your presentation touched me today. I am a big dog lover and have always been fascinated with therapy dogs and their ability to help people in need. Linking that with our wounded military sealed the connection for me. I left a check for your cause, but I would also like to volunteer my time. Please let me know how I can help. Yours is a great mission!

Barbara

Thanks again Patsy for all you do to serve our troops, families and our nation. Thanks again – God bless you -

Russ Murphy
Composer Welcome Home Soldier, Welcome Home

My husband and I love your Pockets of Peace book for the wounded warriors. Your heart and soul are just pouring out through each page. God is going to bless for your works. Blessings,

Denise

As an unpaid volunteer coordinator for the four Fisher Houses at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, I have seen firsthand the immense comfort and pleasure the therapy dogs from the Penny's From Heaven Foundation bring to the wounded service members and their families. The foundation has been serving the needs of our injured military men and women since January 2007.

These dogs seem to have a sense of who needs their ministrations and can bring a smile to the toughest wheelchair-bound Marine. Family members have told me how much the service members, who are amputees and burn survivors, eagerly look forward to the dogs' Saturday morning visits. Children living at the Fisher Houses, who miss their own pets, benefit from being around these friendly and loving surrogates.

Who can explain the special bond these dogs forge with those so fragile in body and spirit that lets them trust again? It's magic to watch. And, as great as the medical care is that our wounded are getting at the Army hospital, the dogs from the Penny's From Heaven Foundation, practice their own inimitable form of TLC.

Grace Blancett
Volunteer Coordinator

Ms. Swendson,

THANK YOU so much for taking and sending the photos. I immediately forwarded them to my family and my girls loved them. My wife called me and said my six year old daughter thought the antlers were just the cutest thing ever, she was tickled to see them. THANK YOU again for what you all do for us Soldiers. We are all on the same team as Americans, and we all fight this war over there as well as you do here on the home front, which makes you all Heroes. I cannot express how happy I was to see and play with the dogs. I really, truly had a great time, and felt no pain while I was with them. I am forever in your debt for giving me that time as well as the breakfast too!! I wish the best for you and yours this holiday.

God bless and Merry Christmas Always,
Jud Mount

I just reviewed your webpage and I can see why Penny is so much help to so many. She is a great dog, you just have to love her. I can see how our soldiers think she's from heaven. Like you, my mission is to help those heroes who are coming home with problems from the trauma of war and not have them suffer for 30 plus years like so many Vietnam Vets did."

Tom Criser Author - The Ghost in the Orange Closet

"I can't tell you how much yesterday meant to me. When I saw Cindy, I just about fell to me knees and wept. She KNEW I needed her and came to find me. I have no family to speak of, and my dogs are my whole life. My soul just aches to hold them and let them know how much I love them. Cindy allowed me to find a little peace with all I've been through."

SSG Kimberly I.

"Thanks for bringing this charity to our soldiers and community. It is refreshing to get good news and positive information for a change. What a great contribution you are to us all!"

Denise Britt
Volunteer Warrior Family Support Center

"When she walks in a patient's room, with one of her dogs, a peace quiets the surrounding chaos, and for a moment, everything's alright again. As a patient, I don't remember specifics & details, about much of anything, except Patsy's blond hair, smiling face, soft spoken voice & my new furry friends, Penny & Gracie. They're my first memories, when coming to my senses, from a TBI. Compassion, countless hours with patients & scared family members, words of encouragement, someone to listen & to lend a shoulder to cry upon. Patsy is an Angel who walks the trauma halls of San Antonio, with her therapy dogs, blessing families & patients in a desperate time of need. An inspirational team that could only come from the Heavens. Don't know how we would have made it thru without them."

Forever grateful & infinite amounts of love,
Cheri & The Basham Family

"Just recently I received three boxes of stuffed animals from your organization. These stuffed animals brought many, many smiles to the faces of the children of Iraq. When we do medical missions we give these stuffed animals to the parents to give to their children. I LOVE it when you see the smiles ear to ear. It's funny when the children of Americans get something like that they like it for seconds, but these kids carry it around for days. It's beautiful ! Thank you and your organization for the donation."

Chaplain Assistant
PFC Stephen Lober

"You are doing great things for our wounded warriors and as a former soldier, I wanted to say thank you for all that you do."

Sincerely, Mark

"It is very inspiring and motivating to hear you speak so passionately about the great calling that you have: Pet Therapy. What a blessing you are to this world; and what a blessing it was to hear you share the highlights of your Adventure with Pet Therapy. We will be Therapy Pet Prayer Partners."

Sister Jo-Michele Sierra SSCJ
Director
Ministry for Persons with Disabilities
Archdiocese of San Antonio

"You go above & beyond every day."

Robin Goldman
Discovery Network

"OUTSTANDING! I LOVE IT!"

Patti Patton-Bader
Executive Director
Soldier's Angels

"What a wonderful video - so well done. Patsy seems to be a wonderful loving woman and it makes my eyes wet to see her dog with Shane. what a connection. thanks for sharing!"

Lori
Washington D.C.

"I just watched the Discovery Network's video and the work you are doing with therapy dogs is truly inspirational!"

Kirsten Munachen
Marketing & Development Director
Challenge Aspen
Snowmass Village, Colorado

"The work you do is remarkable!"

Sarah WilliamsVolf
Director of Programs
Challenge Aspen

"You are so incredible with your talent of expression... I am crying ... you are truly the most blessed individual I have met! You have managed to put words ... drawing a picture of my dear son.... it couldn't have been said better! God Bless You Patsy!"

Cindy Parsons
Mother of wounded soldier Shane Parsons

"I am very excited for you! It's a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of AAT in the medical community. I have forwarded your message to all of NCTD (National Capital Therapy Dogs) and encouraged them to watch it on the Discovery Network."

Harvey Eisen

"WONDERFUL!!!!! You are really blessed - God is watching out for you and timed this perfectly!!!"

Congratulations, Mary Bryant
Vice President Founder/Director of Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans
Young men and women from Walter Reed & Brooke Army Medical Center & Balboa Naval Hospital

"Congratulations for a job well done and being recognized for the truly remarkable work you and your precious fur babies have been and are doing for our military personnel."

Blessings, Sandra

"I really love what you are doing. It helps the injured soldiers and there families. When I was spending time with Gracie I just forgot, for a second, how my life has changed. Thank you so much for taking your time to visit us here at the Fisher House."

Maria (wife of a wounded warrior)

"What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. I know that it made our hearts smile and brought a tear to our eyes :-) I would like to frame your story with a picture of Ryan and Gracie and proudly display it in my home with your permission. Thank you and Gracie for all you do for our soldiers--a smile in the heart is the best medicine."

LTC Richard and Cheri Casper
Temporary Resident - Fisher House

"I’ve read nearly half your book and find it funny that we both enjoyed our “life in the media” but now find that helping others is the “real” gem in life. Authors are we!"

Tim Dirk
Author: Hi Mom, Send Sheep!
San Antonio Spurs
Former Spurs "Coyote" 

SSgt Dan M. 

"Just finished the book (Penny's From Heaven: Stories of Healing). It's clear that Penny is an unusual dog and one whose therapy activities deserved preserving. And it's equally true to me that you weren't just 'the person at the other end of the leash.' Many times, you took an active part in bringing comfort to someone who was hurting. I salute both you and Penny for your work." 

Harvey Eisen
President, National Capital Therapy Dogs
Delta Society Affiliate
Washington DC/Baltimore
www.nctdinc.org