By: KIMBERLY EWERTZ – Gilroy Dispatch
The slogan of Operation Freedom Paws—”Four paws, two feet, one team™”—rings true for veteran Chris Ramirez, a local Marine Corps sergeant who is now currently suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The nonprofit organization matched him with his service dog, Bobby, last June and provided training support for his four-legged companion.
“He just gets me,” he said about Bobby.
Ramirez is just one of many people Operation Freedom Paws has helped since it was founded in 2010 by Gilroy resident Mary Cortani, who was recently presented with the 2015 KSBW Jefferson Award for the central coast. The award, presented to “unsung heroes” who go beyond their expected duties to help their local communities, was announced April 6.
Cortani’s journey with Operation Freedom Paws began more than four years ago when she received a phone call from a Marine Corps veteran. She worked as a dog trainer at the time, and the veteran told her his name had been on a waiting list for a service dog but nothing had transpired. “I know a dog will help me; why won’t anyone help me?” he asked Cortani. Hearing the desperation in his voice, Cortani knew she had to help.
“If you have ever spoken to someone…and you knew if somebody didn’t do something that person would not be here tomorrow…” she said, explaining her motivation. Since Cortani founded Operation Freedom Paws in 2010, the nonprofit has provided service dogs and training support to veterans and others who suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome, complex PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other physical, neurological, psychological and mobility needs. Service dogs help empower people with disabilities to live quality lives, according to experts.
Operation Freedom Paws carefully matches clients with their specially chosen four-legged companions, most of which come from rescue shelters. The partners then begin a 48-week program that trains the clients to train their own dogs. At the end of the program, they’re certified together as service dog teams.