A Helping Paw

Photo By Staff Sgt. George Solis | Paige, a facility therapy dog for the 144th Fighter Wing, watches Dr. Stephanie Grant (left), 144th Fighter Wing director of psychological health and Paige's primary handler, as she greets an Airman in her office. Paige is a trained facility therapy dog through Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains dogs to provide services to the blind, children, military facilities and veterans. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. George Solis)  

FRESNO, CA, UNITED STATES

08.04.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. George Solis 

144th Fighter Wing

On any given day Paige, a 4-year-old yellow labrador retriever, can be found chewing on her favorite toy, playing in the water, or taking a midday nap at the home of Dr. Stephanie Grant, 144th Fighter Wing director of psychological health and Paige's primary handler.

But Paige isn't just Dr. Grant's pet, Paige is a trained facility therapy dog, who assists Dr. Grant by helping her to make connections with Airmen at the 144th FW. Paige received her training from Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization that trains dogs to provide services to the blind, children, military facilities and veterans. Because of her reserved temperament, Paige was an ideal candidate to serve as a facility therapy dog.

When Dr. Grant makes visits to the various shops and offices on base, Paige comes along wearing her sage-green doggie vest adorned with unit patches and a chief master sergeant chevron. Paige is always ready to receive some attention and unconditional love.

"Airmen come alive when Paige walks into their office. They stop what they're doing; they have an excited look on their face. She brings joy to the atmosphere when she comes in," said Dr. Grant. "[Paige] has really helped me in my role to connect with people. She has really broken some of those mental health stigma barriers that are prevalent in the military."

Paige's presence allows Airmen to feel more at ease and more likely to seek counsel from Dr. Grant when it is needed. That council may be on any topic that an Airman wants to talk about from workplace stress to domestic issues.

Staff Sgt. Alexandria Panduro, Air Crew Flight Equipment specialist, said that she felt comfortable contacting Dr. Grant for an appointment because she had interacted with Paige before.

"I think at some point everyone needs to talk to someone. I've seen Paige around base and because of Paige, I was able to make that connection with Dr. Grant, speak to her, and be comfortable to do that," Panduro.

At the end of each day, Paige retires to her round worn-in pillow in a corner of Dr. Grant's office to rest her head and possibly think about the numerous head scratches and doggie treats she received from the Airmen she encountered during the day. Even though Paige may not know the tremendous impact she has, she still helps to break barriers and to make people feel more comfortable about seeking help when it is needed.

To visit Paige you can stop by the office of the Director of Psychological Health located in the Wing Building within the Chaplin's Office.

• Date Taken: 08.04.2019
• Date Posted: 09.03.2019 18:39
• Story ID: 334949
• Location: FRESNO, CA, US