Ron Flaville Named CEO – Press Release

Ron Flaville Named CEO - K9 Partners for Patriots

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Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

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Press Release

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October 7, 2019

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gregg Laskoski
(352) 397-5306

RON FLAVILLE NAMED CEO, K9 PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS

BROOKSVILLE, FL (Oct. 7, 2019) – At the request of Mary Peter, founder and CEO of K9 Partners for Patriots since its inception in 2014, its Board of Directors has approved her recommended the appointment of Ron Flaville, Chief Operating Officer, to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Flaville was the first veteran to complete the K9P4P program which trains a veteran to train the dog the program provides; becoming the veteran’s own working ‘service’ dog in compliance with specific ADA requirements for that status.

“Ron exemplifies the purpose of K9 Partners for Patriots, which is to help the veteran with PTSD find a positive path forward. That’s exactly what Ron did, together with Sophia, the dog he trained,” Mary Peter explained. “The experience of training Sophia and gaining self-confidence from that effort opened up new possibilities that I’m sure he once considered ‘out-of-reach.’ But he kept working at it and it was clear that he was in a better place. We first hired him as a dog trainer, then as Veteran Liaison, interviewing all the new applicants. Just a year ago he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer; I couldn’t be prouder,” she added.

Ron’s consistent progress enabled Sophia to transition to ‘semi-retirement’, where he no longer needs her to accompany him everywhere but she remains the proud pet of the Flaville family.

“I’m humbled and cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for Mary and this program; because without it, I might have been one of the 22 veterans with PTSD that we’re losing on a daily basis,” said Flaville. “She gave me my life back. She gave me my wife and kids back.”

Mary Peter transitions to Executive Director, Training Operations, which enables her to focus on both training and sharing the K9P4P methodology with like-minded veterans’ organizations. K9P4P is also a founding member of the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans; a group dedicated to the highest quality K9 training standards for service dogs, and, legislative support to make service dogs more accessible for veterans in need.

K9 Partners for Patriots https://k9partnersforpatriots.com is a nonprofit 501c3 organization based in Brooksville, FL. Its mission is to give veterans and active military a second chance at life by empowering those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) through the experience of training and caring for their own service dog.