Dogs for Life invited guests to “swing into the 1940s” at an inaugural USO-themed Patriots for Puppies fundraiser at the Heritage Center to help fund programs for disabled individuals and veterans through the nonprofit founded in 2001 by Shelly Ferger.
DFL programs include Service Dog Training, Veteran Service Dog Training, Veterans Training Veterans, PTSD and Veteran Support Groups, Puppy Raising, the Foster Dog Program, and its Off-Leash Dog Park.
Attendees turned out attired in a wide array of patriotic garb, from an iconic Rosie the Riveter to a platoon’s worth of GIs, stepping back to a time reminiscent of the USO dances held at the Heritage Center during World War II.
But the real stars of the evening were several of the DFL pups in various stages of training, that ranged in age from 9 weeks to 9 months.
“For over 20 years Dogs for Life has been task-training service, hearing and mobility dogs,” said Cynthia Ryan, DFL executive director, introducing dogs-in-training Swift, Chip and Rosie, explaining that puppies begin training at 8 weeks old.
“It’s an incredible process, and it’s very time-consuming. It costs about $40,000 per dog to train them until they’re fully trained. It’s not something that happens overnight.”
She said classes start with basic obedience training, and move into specific tasks based on the needs of the person they have been paired with, ultimately enabling their owners to lead lives of independence and self-reliance. The dogs can assist with a host of issues, such as hearing, mobility and anxiety, or even dialing 911.
“Over 50 percent of our service dog teams are veterans. With Vero having a strong military history, especially during World War II, it was fitting that we have a USO-themed event here at the Heritage Center, just as it was back then,” said Ryan, before introducing Jasper and his human companion, Kris Hasenauer, who were paired 18 months ago.
“When I left active duty, my PTSD got the best of me. It got really bad for me for a while,” said Hasenauer.
“Jasper is my grounding mechanism when things don’t go right. He is an amazing companion. I can’t thank him enough, and I appreciate everything you guys have done,” said Hasenauer, reflecting that he previously was not comfortable in social settings.
Over the past several years, Ryan said there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans needing service dogs, which she attributes to the influx of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
To address the need, DFL hosts Veteran PTSD and Recovery Support groups in collaboration with American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River, Next Generation Veterans, and the Mental Health Association. A notable increase in women veterans has also sparked the need for a female-only group.
In addition to the ‘star’ dogs of the evening, the event featured the 20th St. Jazz Band and the Almost Andrews Sisters, and Joe and Shari Tessier of Swingsation’s 14th Ave Dance Studio put a little pep in everyone’s step with a swing dance demonstration and instructions.
World War II veteran Jay (Bird) Miller, who had played at USO dances at the Heritage Center some eight decades ago, attested to the authenticity of everything from the music to the dancing.
There was also a generous array of auction items, a bountiful buffet by Wild Thyme Catering, a photo booth to capture lasting memories, and a vintage camper where folks could grab a cup of Joe.
With 50 active teams in training, Ryan said they are always looking for volunteers and funding to cover expenses.
For more information, visit dogsforlifevb.org.
Photos provided
