Think I could go a week without Mischief? Not a chance!
I have lots of Mischief still to tell you about, however, today I just wanted to interrupt normal service to tell you about a truly amazing, humble, lady and how she’s making a massive difference to the lives of both Dogs and Veterans.
Let me tell you the story…..
I was contacted earlier this week by the people at Pet Armor to see if I could help them spread the word about Mary Cortani, founder of Operation Freedoms Paws.
She’s in the final 10 in the CNN Global 2012 Hero of the Year Contest - an honor that spotlights “everyday people changing the world.”
The winner receives $250,000 to help their cause. There were over 10,000 global nominations.
This is one of the Dogs from Operation Freedoms Paws
As I read about the story I discovered that not only did Mary found this non-profit in Northern California, where I live, she actually runs it in my very town!
A few years ago, by chance, Mary had discovered there was a problem – Many Veterans needed a Service Dog in order to help them try to regain a normal life – there weren’t enough Service Dogs ready – She also knew that many Dogs are in Shelters unable to find their forever home – Mary decided to do something about this and find away to help them all!
I worked with Pet Armor to see up a meeting with Mary and Mum and I went to meet her for coffee. I loved her straight away and gave her a big hug!
What is Operation Freedoms Paws?
Operation Freedoms Paws’ mission is to match war veterans, many with PTSD and other invisible wounds, with shelter dogs. Through a 32-week program, their program trains veterans and others with disabilities with their service dogs as a team. This unique approach leverages the ability of the canine-human relationship to help veterans regain their sense of purpose, worth and value to society and their community.
How are PetArmor® and OFP Working Together?
In September, PetArmor® experienced Mary’s work first hand and captured an amazing video,
Through the video you will be able to see how dogs and veterans train together and ultimately save each other. PetArmor® is working to generate awareness of Operation Freedoms Paws through its social media channels and is seeking to encourage fans, friends, veterans and all pet lovers to vote for Mary Cortani as the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year. If you’re also moved by what Operation Freedoms Paws is accomplishing please vote - Voting ends on November 28 – so we haven’t got long left to vote and spread the word!
Every email address and Facebook user can vote 10 times each day if you like – that’s a lot of votes and could make a huge difference to a lot of lives! Mary would love to expand this program to reach more veterans (and civilians) further afield. What a great way to honor veterans as we approach Veterans Day! 
It sure was an honor to meet Mary and Mum and I are making plans to work with her in the future too – Yay!!
Before I go, I can’t resist just sharing one little teenie weenie bit of Mischief with you!! Tee Hee
Yep, I ‘found’ Carly’s slipper looking all lonely!!
I’m in the Monday Mischief Blog Hop -
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Want to join in the Monday Mischief fun too? Just click on the link below and connect your post -
Even if you’re ‘Non-mischievous’ you can join in too – anything Pet related is cool !! I can’t even imagine not being a Mischief Maker – Tee Hee
I voted!
Loved your mischief, Snoopy!
Sage recently posted..Muddy Monday Mischief
Hey Sage,
Thanks so much buddy – You Rock!!
I hope you’re having a fun day,
Snoops
What a good story. And what did you find? BOL
Benny & Lily
Hi Guys,
I found Carly’s slipper – I think it wanted to play!! Tee Hee
Wags to all
Snoops
I did it! I voted! I really hope we win — it sounds like Mary is doing a very important job!
When I was in puppy jail I met another dog who has been there a very long time and just couldn’t find the right family. Then she went to a place where they helped veterans and they loved her so much. After all that time she finally found a really big family of people who helped her and who she could help too
Remy recently posted..Look Who I Met!
Hey Remy,
Thanks so much for voting buddy
Your story made Mum tear up, so happy your buddy found the perfect family for her
Big wags,
Snoops
Hi Snoopy! Wow! What an amazing and important organization Operation Freedom Paws sounds like and Mary sounds just amazing! We voted and wish her the best of luck!
Jen recently posted..The Leroy Challenge.
Thanks so much for voting Jen,
It sure was such an honor to meet with her and hear what she’s doing to make such a difference!
Hope you’re having a fun day
Snoops
I just voted. I love how the veterans and the dogs are being helped – and that the veterans are paying it forward by helping others. But I’m sure glad you added some mischief at the end Snoopy. Oh yeah, my person saw a dog dressed up just like you for Halloween.
Bongo recently posted..Exploring the Land
Hey Bongo,
Thanks so much for voting buddy – Yay!! Yep, it makes me wag every time I watch the videos and see the difference this program is making
Really? Another Dog had to be a Frog for Halloween? I wonder if they wanted to be a Super Hero too?!
Hope you’re having a fun day
Snoops
That is a great cause and story. There are so many people doing wonderful things in the pet world (and for people). It warms my heart.
Jessica @ YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner recently posted..Black and White Sunday #15
Hi Jessica,
You’re right, it makes me wag when I read about all the good things that are being done
Hope you’re all having a fun day
Snoops
Roooo that is such a good cause, and it makes so much sense when you think abou tit – dogs and humans helping each other. Glad to see you didn’t completely forget about your mischief though! *waggy tail*
Alfie |Alfie’s Blog recently posted..Monday Mischief – The Entlebucher Mountain Dog T-shirt that lied about its size
Hey Alfie,
Me forget about Mischief?! I don’t think it’s possible!! Tee Hee
Yep, this scheme is ingenious in it’s simplicity, some of the veterans were waiting years to get a Service Dog, now with Mary’s charity they can be matched so much faster.
I hope you’re having a fun day buddy,
Snoops
Sounds like a very worthy cause. Best of luck to her.
2 brown dawgs recently posted..Monday Mischief–Killing The Cone Of Shame
Hi Browndawgs,
Yep, isn’t it cool!!
I hope you’re having a fun day,
Snoops
Hey Snoopy, Jet here.
So glad you shared teensy mischief and used your post to share Operation Freedom Paws. We voted IMMEDIATELY! Mom believes SO STRONGLY in programs like this, especially since she and Koko were a pet therapy team like you and Mum and knows how powerfully therapeutic K9s can be.
A big WIN-WIN… thank you again for sharing… we will continue to vote.
Jet recently posted..Mischief Monday: Guess Who Came for Dinner?
Hi Jet,
You and your Mum so Rock Dude!! Thanks SO much – it sure is a WIN-WIN!! Yay!!
I hope you’re having a really fun day,
Snoops
Of course, we’d vote for her. 10 times even. I’m glad you gave her a big hug… I hope all of us were included in that hug.
Haha… I feel sorry for the slippers. Happy Mischief making.
Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee
haopee recently posted..Mischief Monday: A Spoiled Little Shih Tzu
Hi Haopee,
Oh you’re so cool, and sweet, thanks so much for voting – it would be so awesome if Mary wins, especially as she’s a Veteran herself and really understands how much the Veterans need this help. It would be so cool if she could expand the program further!
Yeah, I felt sorry for the slipper too, that’s why I played with it! Tee Hee (no slippers were harmed during this Mischief!)
Wags to all
Snoops
We will jump over and vote too. What a great story.
Roxy the traveling dog recently posted..Monday Mischief….sort of
Hey Roxy,
Thanks so much buddy
Big wags to all,
Snoops
Your first mischief is a beautiful mischief Snoopy
Your second one, the one with the slipper…that’s bad!
Novroz recently posted..Giving Mommy a Panic Attack
Hey Novroz,
You mean bad in a good, cute way right?! Tee Hee
Hope you’re having a fun day
Snoops
That’s a great project. I’ll definitely vote, and help spread the word. That was a nice hug you gave her, Snoopy!
Peggy Frezon recently posted..Brooks Books- A Dog Named Leaf
Thanks Peggy,
You’re so sweet!
I gave Mary lots of hugs, I really like her 
Wags to all,
Snoops
Thank you for telling us about it. That’s a great cause.
Clowie recently posted..My First Halloween
Hi Clowie,
It’s my pleasure, I’m so happy to tell everyone what a great thing Mary is doing for the Veterans and Dogs
Hope you’re having a fun day buddy
Snoops
What a wonderful lady and we wish her and her great cause luck and good wishes. Thanks Snoopy a nice feel good story. Have a lovely Monday with your lonely slipper.
Best wishes Molly
Molly The Wally recently posted..Dogton Abbey Blog, Life’s A Bitch When You Are Rich Episode 2!
Thanks Molly,
Mary sure is wonderful – she’s helped a lot of people and Doggies already
Unfortunately the slipper is back in solitude and all lonely again – I tried!!
Hope you’re having a fun day
Snoops
I’ve voted!!
Misaki recently posted..Email confusion
Thanks Misaki,
You rock buddy!! I have such awesome friends!!
Wags to all,
Snoops
that is a wonderful cause and Mary does amazing work! It is very similar to Pets For Patriots which I had blogged about this past weekend…….so glad to see people do such good things to help our Veterans!
Barks and licks and love, Dakota
caren gittleman recently posted..Book Review: Red Dog/Blue Dog: When Pooches Get Political By Chuck Sambuchino
Hi Dakota,
Yes, I was interested to read on your blog about Pets for Patriots, which sounds great!
It looks like the main difference is Operation Freedoms Paws is specifically for people who need Service Dogs (rather than Companion Pets) and Mary also helps train them with the Veteran.
Hope you’re having a fun day buddy
Snoops
Definitely a hero! We voted and will keep voting!
Jackie Bouchard recently posted..Monday Mischief: Playing Dentist
Hey Jackie,
Thanks so much – you’re awesome!!
Hope you’re all having a fun day
Snoops
Mary is doing such a fantastic thing..We will vote
Love the mischief Snoops xx00xx
Mollie and Alfie
Mollie and Alfie recently posted..ANUFFER LITTLE XMAZ TEASER.
Hey Mollie and Alfie,
Thanks for voting guys – you’re all so awesome!!
Big wags,
Snoops
You are a great dog Snoopy, even with your mischief!
Emma recently posted..I Wonder Why | GBGV
Ditto Emma,
You’re too sweet
I hope you’re having a fun day,
Snoops
Wow, Snoopy. I’m going to go vote now. Thank you!
Flea recently posted..Funny Dog Videos
Hi Flea,
Woohoo!! Thanks so much – Yay!!
Wags to all
Snoops
Great story. We voted too!
Diane and Cosmo @ To Dog With Love recently posted..Tiny Dog Dock Diving Video from PetSafe Concord Dog Park!
Yay Diane and Cosmo,
You guys are awesome, thanks so much!!
Wags to all
Snoops
Hey Snoopy, It is very good of you to put your mischief aside and share such a great story. Our Uncle Chris served some time overseas, so it is a cause near and dear to us . . . . we voted!
Hailey and Zaphod recently posted..Mischief Monday by Lee
Thanks Guys,
I love this cause, everyone’s a winner!!
Wags to all and Uncle Chris,
Snoops
Hey Snoopy, this was a great post and it made My Vickie teary. We are heading over to vote now.
Thank you for making us aware.
What a beautiful woman she is.
Your tops in our book too
Love
Bert and My Vickie
Hi Bert,
There are quite a few videos – and Mum gets teary every time she watches them and she watched them quite a bit!!
Thanks for voting guys – You’re awesome!!
I hope you’re having a fun day,
Snoops
WOW! What a great cause! That makes me a lot waggy!
Nice slipper action Snoopy!
Bella recently posted..Remember, Remember, the 5th of November
Hi Bella,
Me too buddy – my tail gets super excited whenever I watch the OFP videos – my favorite is the one about the Veteran describing how tough it was to go into a Grocery Store before he had his Service Dog and how every little sound reminded him of something connected to combat…. Now he and his family can go out to restaurants and do lots of fun things
Wags to all
Snoops
This is awesome Snoopy, I’ll be sure to vote for Mary and share on my social media!!
Jodi recently posted..The Dogs of Blogville Calendar Contest
Wow Jodi,
Thanks so much – you’re awesome too!!
Wags to all
Snoops
Snoopy! Pop over to my blog and vote for a treat!
Flea recently posted..Vote for a Treat!
Oooh Flea,
That sounds good!!
Snoops
What a great story. My son just became active duty today. We all need to help. I’ll be sure to vote and share.
Hi Missy,
Sending big wags to your son and all of you
Thanks for voting
Snoops
Have voted 10 times for your new friend Mary.
Think she does a pawsome work with the veterans and woffies !
Oh Charlie,
You’re such a star buddy – Thanks SO much!!
Wags to all
Snoops
What a wonderful post about your friend, Mary. She warms our hearts and is so deserving of this amazing award. We are off to vote!!!
; ) Katie & Glogirly
Glogirly and Katie recently posted..Get Out And VOTE
Thanks Glogirly and Katie,
You’re so kind – your votes are really appreciated – I have the bestest buddies!!
Wags to all
Snoops
I voted! what an awesome lady Mary is! Snoopy I’m glad to see you still had a little mischief! hehehe
Bassetmomma recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – My Helpers
Thanks Bassetmomma,
You’re so sweet!! No matter what I don’t like to miss out on any Mischief!
Sending you all big wags,
Snoops