At Company Distilling, we believe in the power of community and honoring those who have served our nation. This March, we are honored to announce that America’s VetDogs – The Veteran’s K-9 Corps has been selected as a recipient of our Gather Around Giving Grant.

About America’s VetDogs

Founded in 2003 by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, America’s VetDogs was created to provide assistance dogs to America’s wounded veterans to help them return to a life without boundaries. In 2006, it became a separate corporation, and for over 20 years, America’s VetDogs has remained committed to helping veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities live with dignity and independence. In 2013, America’s VetDogs became only the second assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International, reinforcing their reputation for maintaining the highest standards in the humane and ethical treatment of dogs.

Services Offered

  • For Veterans, Service Members, and First Responders: America’s VetDogs provides comprehensive service dog programs tailored to individual needs. They train and place service dogs for those with physical disabilities, guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision, PTSD service dogs to help mitigate the effects of combat-related or work-related post-traumatic stress disorder, seizure response dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs for military sexual trauma. Students attend a two-week in-residence training program at their 10-acre campus in Smithtown, New York, where they bond with their new dog and learn to work together as a team under the guidance of highly empathetic certified trainers.
  • For Military and VA Facilities: America’s VetDogs places military facility dogs and physical and occupational therapy dogs at military medical centers, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. These specially trained dogs work under the supervision of therapists with wounded service members recovering from amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious injuries. Reaching 150 to 250 patients per week, facility dogs help soldiers walk on prosthetic legs by providing balance, open doors for veterans in wheelchairs, and provide emotional support critical to the healing process.

Impact

Since 2003, America’s VetDogs has placed hundreds of assistance dogs with disabled veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders, transforming lives across all areas of service. While it costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Their commitment to excellence has earned them prestigious recognition, including the Secretary of the Army Public Service Award – the second-highest level award given to civilians for exceptional service to the Army’s missions.

How You Can Support America’s VetDogs

Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have served our country. Here’s how you can help:

  1. Donate: Financial contributions enable America’s VetDogs to continue breeding, raising, training, and placing assistance dogs at no cost to recipients. Your tax-deductible donation helps cover the $50,000+ investment required for each service dog team.
  2. Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support various programs and initiatives. From administrative support to event assistance, volunteers play a crucial role in America’s VetDogs’ mission to serve those who served.
  3. Raise a Puppy: Join their Puppy Raising program and help socialize and train a future service dog in your home. America’s VetDogs provides guidance, support, and covers all veterinary expenses while you prepare a puppy for their important future role.
  4. Spread the Word: Raise awareness about America’s VetDogs by sharing their mission within your networks and on social media. Help connect eligible veterans and first responders with this life-changing opportunity.
  5. Corporate Sponsorship: Consider partnering through their Puppy With a Purpose program or other corporate giving initiatives. Companies can sponsor a service dog in training while raising awareness for veterans and first responders with disabilities.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Company Distilling, our Gather Around Giving program empowers communities by supporting organizations like America’s VetDogs. We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting America’s VetDogs, you contribute to a cause that honors our nation’s heroes and helps them regain independence, mobility, and the companionship these remarkable dogs bring.

Visit America’s VetDogs website to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can help those who served our country live without boundaries.

Company Distilling’s Gather Around Giving program supports non-profits that create positive change in their communities. To learn more about our initiatives and how you can participate, visit our Gather Around Giving page.