Hunting PLC Donates $135,000 To Patriot PAWS Service Dogs

HOUSTON, May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunting PLC announced that it has presented a check in the amount of $135,000 to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs, an organization dedicated to inspiring and restoring the physical and emotional independence of disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities by providing service dogs at no cost.

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Through the nonprofit, service dogs undergo an extensive training program, where they are taught to perform a wide range of functions, from pulling wheelchairs and opening and closing doors to picking up and retrieving items and supporting patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. 

This training is time-intensive and costs roughly $27,000 for each service dog.  Through Hunting's contribution, the nonprofit will have the funds necessary to train five new service dogs. 

The gift was made as part of the oilfield service company's long-standing tradition of supporting a single well-deserving Texas-based charity through a donation made on behalf of the Hunting Art Prize. 

Winston Lee Mascarenhas' piece titled Rite of Spring won this year's $50,000 award, which is historically one of the largest in North America for painting and drawing. 

"Over the years, we've had the fortunate opportunity of working with several charities that are doing some really great things in our community, and this year is certainly no different," said Dennis Proctor, Chief Executive of Hunting PLC.  "The work of Patriot PAWS is inspiring, motivating, and life-changing.  We're honored to be a part of their efforts and to help them bring more service dogs to those in need."

"Words cannot express how honored we are to have the backing of a company that shares in our conviction and determination for helping others," said Lori Stevens, Founder and Executive Director of Patriot PAWS.  "We're grateful for the support and generosity of Hunting and for giving us the ability to foster new opportunities and hope for those in need."

In addition to Hunting's $135,000 donation, the organization also received another $850 from those who attended the May 3 awards gala and were moved by its mission.

Patriot PAWS was established in 2006, the organization has provided 75 service dogs to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities.  However, 104 are still waiting for their companion. 

Since 2006, when the Hunting Art Prize moved to Houston after a quarter-century in the United Kingdom, Hunting has contributed more than one million dollars to underserved nonprofits in Texas. 

For more information about the Hunting Art Prize, visit www.huntingartprize.com. 

About the 2014 Hunting Art Prize Charity
Patriot PAWS Service Dogs was founded in 2006 as a nonprofit entity providing service dogs to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities at no cost in an effort to inspire and restore physical and emotional independence.  Depending on the needs of each individual, service dogs complete a customized training program and learn to perform a variety of functions, including supporting patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.  For further information, visit http://patriotpaws.org. 

About Hunting PLC
Hunting PLC is an international oil services company providing support solutions to the world's largest oil and gas concerns. Established in 1874, it is a fully listed public company, traded on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.hunting.plc.uk