The Ladies Auxiliary of Amvets Post 76 from Bay Shore has continued their mission of providing support for local veterans by presenting a $500 donation to America’s VetDogs.

Bill Koral of America’s VetDogs, along with his dog Max, gave a presentation to the Post members to explain the programs offered by America’s VetDogs—a local 501(c)3 charity located in Smithtown that provides service dogs to veterans at no charge. 

Through the placement of service dogs, America’s VetDogs provides mobility and independence to our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities. VetDogs trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals.

While the total cost of breeding, raising, training, and placing one assistance dog is $50,000, services are provided to veterans at no charge thanks to generous donations from our communities.

Members of the Ladies Auxiliary of Amvets Post 76 fundraise throughout the year, raising money through raffles and hosting events. The women were excited to contribute to an organization centered around veterans.

“We chose this organization because they raise and train dogs for veterans in need, whereas some of the other organizations give the dogs to anyone in need,” said Charlene Lanigan, president of the Ladies Auxiliary. “Although they are all worthwhile to give a service dog to, we prefer the dogs being trained for veterans.”For more information on how to contribute to America’s VetDogs, or how to get involved with the Ladies Auxiliary, visit https://www.vetdogs.org.