Painted Paws for Veterans organized in 2013 as a way to help Veterans connect to dogs from kill shelters for companionship and emotional support. Over time, however, we have become so much more.

Today, Painted Paws specializes in providing a home for dogs from kill shelters that need someone to give them that second chance. This includes pregnant moms, seniors, disabled dogs and those that need a little extra rehab.

Our Ranch seniors and disabled dogs make up the Painted Paws canine sanctuary and therapy program. They love their peaceful home in southeastern New Mexico. Many of these dogs have been surrendered to shelters for no other reason than their age or medical condition. Here they live out their lives in a safe place, showered with all the love we can give them.

Painted Paws for Veterans also provides a home for adult canines from shelters that need a little extra rehab. These are often dogs that haven’t been given a fair chance to be a family companion. It is so critical for puppies to receive the proper socialization and obedience after they become part of a family. Without that, they often become unruly, destructive, and out-of-control young adults that are hard to handle. After they come to the Ranch, we provide them with the love, attention and structure they so desperately need.

Along the way, all of the dogs on the Painted Paws Ranch get the opportunity to participate in our Veteran Therapy Program. We provide visitations to Veteran Nursing Homes and Assisted Living/Memory Centers. They also visit schools and other public events to provide education on PTSD and other Veteran emotional issues.

Our programs are specifically targeted to Veterans, Disabled Veterans, their families and the general public. We adopt to active duty military members on a case-by-case basis only. We made this change five years ago because ninety five percent of canines returned from adopters came from active duty military due to deployments, marriage/divorce and change of duty stations. If you are active duty, but are in the process or getting ready to retire, medically retire or leave the service, and you intend to live in Colorado or New Mexico, please feel free to submit an application for an available canine.

Please browse our site for more information about our programs, and the benefits of owning or spending time with a canine companion.