Fifth Annual K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk Saturday, June 3

SEA GIRT, N.J. – The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund, in conjunction with the Middletown Lions Club, will present the 5th Annual K9 Sgt. Denny Dog Walk at the New Jersey Army National Guard Training Center, Sea Girt, NJ, at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 3. The dog walk supports military working dogs and service dogs for wounded warriors.

The K9 Sgt. Denny project has provided funds to support the sponsorship of 43 service dogs. All but 10 (33) of the sponsored dogs have been trained and graduated. These dogs are used to support wounded service members who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). These dogs are sponsored for $15,000 each. Service dogs are trained to help wounded warriors with these health issues that they face upon returning home from combat. For those returning home from combat, the transition back into society can be overwhelming. All of these service dogs are ADA approved and certified.

Nearly 600 military dogs are serving to protect our soldiers around the world. Much is made of the bond among soldiers, but the union between soldier and dog in a combat zone is just as tight. Funds raised from this event will go toward supporting our military working dogs that are currently serving overseas. Often the role of the military working dog goes unrecognized. These animals are brave soldiers working with their handlers. The Zilinski Memorial Fund currently sponsors more than 60 military working dogs serving overseas. While their basic needs are met, a care package sends a message that both dog and handler are honored and remembered for their bravery by those of us back home.

The event will begin with a special ceremony and feature demonstrations by military working dogs and police department K9’s. There will be awards for most patriotic costume, biggest, smallest, farthest traveled, most unique dogs. If you love dogs and love your country, join us at this fantastic event and help us support our men and women in uniform.

Pre-event registration is $25 per dog; day-of-event registration is $30 per dog. For information, please visit www.runwithdennis.org/sgtdenny.asp

Media Contact: Greg Schmalz (732) 785-9317 greg@schmalzcommunications.com