Strolling for Service Dogs Nears In Lower Makefield Twp.

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Sara Christopher drives her family crazy this time of the year.

But they understand.

Christopher is once again getting ready for the third annual Strolling for Service Dogs event and the fourth year her son Nicky, The Birthday Lawn Bandit, has partnered with the Lower Makefield Township community to support Alpha Bravo Canine and U.S. veterans.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the 911 Memorial Garden of Reflection.

The cost is $25 with the first 200 people registered getting a swag bag. Children 10 and under are free.

Click here to register for the event

The fundraiser is for Alpha Bravo Canine, a non-profit, Newtown-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.

Christopher said the event promises to be filled with door prizes, giveaways, raffles, food trucks such as Kona Pizza Truck, Pretty Bird complimentary coffee and dessert, Raising Cane's, Panna Gelato, and various other vendors.

Additionally, Pennsbury High Students will be there volunteering for these activities for all ages, including puppy kissing booths, face painting/henna art, doggie balloons kids' games, and new this year, cornhole.

"I can't believe how people have supported us," Christopher recently told Patch.

Last year's event raised more than $29,000, which she said covered the cost of training one service dog, with some money left over, she said. More than 500 people attended.

That dog, Scotty, was matched with a veteran last year soon after our event. This is what it is all about. We can’t thank you enough for your support because we couldn’t do it without you!

The money raised last year has already been exceeded due to this year's new main sponsor, PA Bourbon Squad.

Christopher said the organization held an event last year that raised $9,000 for the service dogs and has generated over $55,000 this year.

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

The organization, founded in 2015, has placed 11 puppies with veterans and has another five in training.

The dogs are named after fallen veterans and are donated to veterans with all costs (food, treats, etc.) covered for the first year.

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

The students involved in the project this year are:

• Pennsybury High School —Rune Perras, Sarah Marthaler, Ben Ruepp, Nicky Christopher.
• Pennwood Middle School —Jet Perras, Slater Perras
• Pennsbury graduates —Jake Ruepp, Ryan and Elaina Frost
• Former Quarry Hill student Lucia Betman

There are more than 25 sponsors this year, including:

• Pure Eco- Wellness Salon & Spa
• CKO Boxing Yardley
• Evan's Detailing
• Fetch Pet Care
• Kona Pizza
• Justin Lucci Real Estate
• Pup Cuts Dog Grooming
• Travel In Expert
• Thread'in Shape
• Shoprite of Yardley/Wakefern Inc.
• VCA Animal Healing Center
• Barner Murphy Inc
• Buck County Fencing Academy
• Firehouse Cycles
• Homestead Wildlife Control
• Jamie Fazzalore, Realtor Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
• Joe of all Trades
• Miles Construction (Deck & patio builder)
• Pizza yeah
• Real Estate Agent
• Sense Zero Float
• Stu's EZ Auto Remotes
• Dress Code Couture
• Carluccis/Villa Rosa
• Tail Waggers Academy
• PA Bourbon Squad
• Michael'S jewelers
• Revival Building Group (RBG)
• Angels on a Leash
• Bubbakoo's Burritos
• Fields Printwear

Sponsors planning on attending the event:

• Abbey's Bakery
• Panna Gelateria & Bakery
• VCA-Yardley
• Bespoke Catering and Custom Sweets
• Karen's Collaflowers
• Rebeeca's Garden (Goat Soup)
• Melody's Munchies
• State Farm Insurance-Ryan Brewington
• The Sweetest Paw
• Pretty Bird/The Vault
• Raising Cane's
• Neighbor In Need