(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A not-for-profit that pairs shelter dogs with veterans is highlighting a fundraiser this weekend.
Chicago-based K9s for Veterans rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.
A fundraiser based at the Sugar Grove Ace Hardware and Pet Supply asks people to buy or donate dog food, treats and toys. This Saturday, visitors can meet a veteran-service dog team.
“We haven’t been out there to raise any funds, and so this is really a big shot in the arm for us to help us get some food for our service dogs,” Michael Tellerino, CEO of K9s for Veterans, said Friday.
Tellerino, a veteran himself, has a German Shepherd service dog named Samantha.
He tells WBBM Newsradio the dogs are trained in everything from turning lights on and off; getting keys and medicine and doing a complete search of a dark house to make sure it’s safe.
“The most important thing is that if we’re showing signs of anxiety or depression, our service dogs are trained to pick up on that,” he said.
The dogs then distract traumatized veterans by barking at or leaning against them. “They’ll do whatever they can to draw you away from whatever it is that’s causing that anxiety,” Tellerino said.
Since opening in 2016, K9s for Veterans has paired more than 60 veterans with service dogs and has a waiting list of roughly 50 vets.
“We provide all the training, and we provide free food and free medical [care] for the life of that dog,” Tellerino said.
A lifetime of food and medical care comes at no small cost, he adds.
Items can be dropped off at the Sugar Grove location through April 19. Monetary donations can be made at k9sforveteransnfp.org.
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