Paws & Badges Inc. graduated its fifth class Oct. 15 at Callahan Road Baptist Church. The graduation honored those who have completed the training program and their canines were recognized as PTSD service dogs.
Michael Bartleson
Powell guy Michael Bartleson started the nonprofit after retiring from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. He was able to use his training as a former K-9 handler to turn his retired canine into a service dog.
The genius of his program is the savings. The average cost of training a service dog is $20,000. By rescuing shelter dogs, Bartleson is able to train and provide free service dogs to first responders, veterans and civilians living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Donations allow the organization to provide free training, service dog vests, leashes, collars and vest patches. And the dogs live with their partner from day one. The complete training process takes nine months, and Bartleson hopes to train 25 dogs per year.
A 50-minute video of the graduation ceremony is on YouTube. And photographer Diane Spence Fox has more than 200 photos on Facebook.
Notes
PBPA’s morning coffee will be Thursday, Oct. 20, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Rural Metro Fire, 7607 Bishop Road.
Powell Church, a United Methodist community, is seeking volunteers and vendors for Trunk or Treat 2022, to be held Sunday, Oct. 30, from 4-6 p.m. in the church parking lot at 323 W. Emory Road.
Kiwanis Club of Northside Knoxville meets every Wednesday noon-1 p.m. at The Foundry, 747 World’s Fair Park Drive. Info: info@northside-kiwanis.us or visit our website at northside-kiwanis.us.
Ham N’ Goody’s and the Halls Business & Professional Association are co-sponsoring the community Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 7-9 p.m. at 7117 Regal Lane. There will be free food, candy and music.
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