SPARTAN PAWS 4 WARRIORS
Here at Spartan Paws 4 Warriors, we are dedicated to giving back to those who have served our country and community. This program was designed to provide combat veterans and disabled law enforcement agents with dogs for companionship, service, and love.
SPARTAN PAWS AND THEIR WARRIORS!
PAUL AND ZIVA LEXIE
Some time ago, I received a heartfelt message from a wonderful mother who expressed interest in donating to Spartan Paws 4 Warriors. Here’s her message:
“Hi Torri -
I wanted to reach out to express my interest in donating to your Spartan paws 4 warrior efforts.
I do not believe in coincidence. In my quest to fulfill an act of giving this year I wanted my gift to be something my daughter would’ve wanted. My daughter Lexie , passed in August from a rare form of cancer , she was 23. She was a warrior in her own battles with anxiety , substance abuse and then cancer.
Lexie had an enormous heart and a passion for all animals , especially dogs. Through all her life she found comfort in the company of her animals , Leo and Binx.
In my ideas about assisting a family my thoughts went to service dogs and my google search found you and your program.
I would love to help offset some of the cost associated with your next placement of a dog to a veteran. Both of Lexie’s grand fathers were army veterans. My dad a true patriot serving in WWII.
My only request to you would be that maybe you name the dog in honor of Lexie . Of course a picture and the name of the lucky warrior recipient.
Please let me know if this is something that you would be open to.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Deb.”
I messaged her back right away thanking her for reaching out to donate in her daughter’s name and for sharing her story. I gave her my word I would fulfill her request.
The veteran recipient, Paul, served in the Army, 2nd ID. He did a tour in Korea and 2 tours in Iraq and was injured by an IED on his second tour in Iraq. Paul unfortunately lost his right leg and suffers with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to his injuries, he of course has trouble getting around and has to rely on a prosthetic leg and wheel chair for mobilization. Also, he deals with extreme anxiety when going out to do basic things we all take for granted.
Everyone, please meet Ziva Lexie!
