VFW to raise funds to secure VetDog for Illinois veteran
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2149 in Wood Dale needs your help!
America's VetDogs is a program that teams disabled veteran's and service members with specially trained assistance dogs. These dogs can help our nation's heroes regain the lives they once led. The Wood Dale VFW is raising funds to ensure that one VetDog will be given to a deserving Illinois veteran in need of assistance. Fundraisers have been held at the post and we are very near our goal!
We need your generous donations to complete our mission!
One Illinois veteran that we have made acquaintance with is Dawn from Dixon, Ill. She is trying to gain a VetDog for her own. Dawn served seven years in the service as an Army specialist. She was in a serious vehicle accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Dawn would never be alone with a VetDog by her side.
America's VetDogs consider it their obligation to provide the finest and most professionally trained assistance dogs in the nation. Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Labrador/golden crosses, standard poodles and German shepherds are trained by an expert staff. There are four dog programs that they focus on.
Guide Dogs are trained to find and follow a clear path, maneuver around obstacles and stop at curbs. A user with a guide dog gains enhanced mobility and independence.
Service dogs are specially trained to help people who have disabilities other than visual impairment. This dog may be rained to provide balance, fetch and retrieve dropped items or aid an amputee in getting in and out of a chair.
Combat Stress Control Dogs are specially trained canines are deployed in theater with combat stress control teams. They offer emotional support for active duty service-men and women dealing with combat stress, homefront issues and sleep disorders.
Specialized facility dogs are trained to provide physical and occupational therapy assistance at military or VA hospitals for wounded soldiers. They may also make visits to VA nursing homes or hospices.
You can help the Wood Dale VFW secure a VetDog for one of our Illinois veterans.
Send your contributions to: VFW Men's Auxiliary Post 2149, Attn: D. Mattson Fund, 510 Georgetown Square, Wood Dale, IL, 60191.
For more information, please call (630) 766-0334.
For further information on the VetDogs program, visit www.VetDogs.org or call (866) 838-3647.