Dog Stroll Supports Veterans In Lower Makefield Township

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —He's known as the Birthday Lawn Bandit.

But Nicky Christopher, a 14-year-old Lower Makefield Township resident, has taken his interest in decorating lawns for birthdays to new heights, finding another cause that takes place with an event on Saturday.

The 2nd Annual Strolling for Service Dogs Fundraiser will be held between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the 911 Memorial Garden of Reflection and feature a food truck, face-painting, raffles, and vendors.

The fundraiser is for Alpha Bravo Canine, a non-profit, Philadelphia-based organization that teams service dogs with U.S. veterans suffering from debilitating medical and psychological problems as a result of their active combat duty. Register here for the event

Sara Christopher, Nicky's Mom, and Tracy Ruepp, Alpha Bravo's puppy-raising director, spoke with Patch about the event this week and the need to offer veterans support.

The first dog walk last year generated about $18,000 in donations and about 150 participants, Ruepp said.

"We did incredibly well and it was a nice turnout from the community," Ruepp said.

But while those donations may have been impressive, they didn't cover the cost of one service dog, Ruepp said.

That cost can be between $20,000 and $25,000 for one dog that needs to be trained and have its medical bills paid. She said the organization brings in puppies —they are all Labradors —that are eight weeks old.

The organization, founded in 2015, has placed nine puppies with veterans and has another five in training, Ruepp said. The dogs are named after fallen veterans.

She also makes sure that the dogs are donated to veterans and that all costs (food, treats, etc.) are covered for the first year.

"We want to take pressure off the veterans and say thank you for your service," Ruepp said.

She added that research indicates that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in America due to PTSD and combat-related disabilities.

Christopher said her son Nicky understands the plight of veterans.

"My son was diagnosed with autism so he knows about being secluded and having no friends," she said. She said that Nicky had an emotional support dog as well.

So during the pandemic, Nicky started decorating lawns for people's birthdays. He's done 400 lawns and has donated half of his proceeds to Alpha Bravo Canine.

Nicky matched up with Alpha Bravo through his friendship with Ruepp's son Ben, his mother said.

"We wanted to create awareness, to let people know about them," Christopher said.

The cost is $25 for the walk. Each registrant will receive a special swag bag, including a T-shirt.

Anyone who can't attend the event but would like to donate can send a check to: Attn: Birthday Lawn Bandit 1488 Merrick Rd. Yardley, PA 19067 payable to Alpha Bravo Canine

Vendors, Volunteers, and Sponsors

• Vendors: Abbey’s Bakery, Saint Rocco’s Treats, Backyard Buzz, Frank’s Fine Swine and Beef, Chop’t Creative Salad, Rebecca’s Garden (Goat Soap), and Mr. Big Stuffed Cookie Co.
• Pennsbury School District student volunteers: Abigail and Henry Moser, Jake Ruepp, Kathleen Miles, Nicholas Christopher, Benjamin Ruepp, Caitlyn and Taylor Lewis, and Lucia Betman, a former student who recently moved but still volunteers.
• Gold Sponsors: Shoprite of Yardley, Tail Waggers Academy, Carlucci’s/Villa Rosa restaurants, FIELDS Printwear, and Ace Designs.
• Silver Sponsors: Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Brusca & Davis Trial Lawyers, Michaels Jewelers, and Angel On A Leash.
• Bronze Sponsors: Rocco D’Armiento, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Angela Krukowski, Realtor, Weidel Real Estate; Barner Murphy Plumbing, Joe of all Trades, Stu’s EZ Auto Remotes, Firehouse Cycles, Homestead Wildlife Control; Jamie Fazzalore, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services; Glo Derma, Fellah Auto Group, Bucks Academy of Fencing, Big Oak Citgo, Pure Eco Wellness Salon and Spa, Big Whiskey Band, Sense Zero Float Center, NJ Advance, Miles Construction, Pizza Yeah, Dogs and Cats Rule, Yardley Florist, Pup Cuts Dog Grooming, and Back Yard Buzz.