The work behind the bond: training, trust, and real-life impact
We’re honored to share that Operation Freedom Paws was recently featured on CBS News, highlighting the life-changing work happening every day at our training program in San Martin.
Watch the full CBS News feature here:
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/bay-area-woman-helps-fellow-veterans-train-their-service-dogs/
The segment follows our founder, Mary Cortani, as she works alongside veterans and their dogs, guiding them through the process of building trust, communication, and independence together.
Featured is veteran Tommy Aldridge and his service dog, Chip. Tommy, a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, lives with PTSD. During the training session captured in the interview, Chip begins to show subtle changes in behavior, something our trainers immediately recognize. He’s alerting to early signs of rising anxiety. With guidance, Tommy pauses, checks in with himself, and uses the moment to regain control.
It’s a powerful example of what these partnerships can do.
Service dogs are trained to detect changes in stress levels, often before the person is fully aware of them. But as Mary explains, the goal isn’t just the alert, it’s giving clients the tools to respond, regulate, and move forward with confidence.
That mission started more than 17 years ago, when Mary made a promise to a fellow veteran to help him get a service dog he couldn’t afford. Since then, Operation Freedom Paws has supported more than 600 clients, pairing them with dogs, many of whom are rescued from shelters and given a second chance alongside the people they serve.
For Tommy, this work is deeply personal. He credits a previous service dog with saving his life during a moment of crisis. Today, with Chip by his side, he continues that journey, one step at a time.
At Operation Freedom Paws, we believe healing doesn’t happen alone. It happens in partnership.
Our program is provided at no cost to our clients, made possible entirely through the generosity of our community