Southold American Legion Auxiliary Donates To America's VetDogs

SOUTHOLD, NY — The Southold American Legion Auxiliary Unit 803 continued its legacy of giving back Sunday, presenting America’s VetDogs, from Smithtown, with a $2,500 donation check.

According to Denise Zuhoski, the Auxiliary hosts events throughout the year to raise funds for a number of philanthropic causes — including America's VetDogs — hosting yard sales and holiday craft fairs; funds are also garnered through "generous donations from the local businesses and the public," she said.

"The Galaxy Car Club graciously let us make our donation at their event," Zuhoski said. "They had a huge turnout for their luncheon and Chinese auction. All of their proceeds also go toward America’s VetDogs."

According to the America's VetDogs website, the mission of the organization is "to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence."

The service dog programs of America’s VetDogs® were created to "provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance. Not only does a service dog provide support with daily activities, it provides the motivation to tackle new challenges," the page said.

In addition, the page says, VetDogs trains and places guide dogs with people who are blind or have low vision. PTSD service dogs work to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; hearing dogs help those who have lost their hearing later in life; service dogs are trained for individuals with other physical disabilities, and facility dogs are integrated into the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals.

It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual.

For additional information on America's VetDogs, click here.

Patch courtesy photos.