Fitzpatrick Meets ‘America’s VetDogs’
National organization based in Smithtown supplies guide dogs to injured war veterans

Pictured above (clockwise, left to right) is Service Dog Trainer Sebastian McPherson, Chief Executive Officer Wells B. Jones, and Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.

Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R,C,I-Smithtown) met last week with representatives of the Smithtown-based Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind concerning the creation of America’s VetDogs, the Veteran’s K-9 Corps, that will provide highly trained assistance to disabled war veterans. Fitzpatrick praised the Foundation’s dedication to providing our American heroes in need of daily assistance once they return from combat.

“Over 23,000 troops have been injured since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began,” said Fitzpatrick. “These veterans made a great sacrifice for all of us, and I would like to thank VetDogs for showing a commitment to ensuring these brave men and women receive the assistance they need.”

Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has been pairing guide dogs and service dogs to veterans, free of charge. The creation of America’s VetDogs is in response to recent military action that has caused an increased need for veteran assistance. While the new program will continue to train and provide guide dogs for visually impaired veterans, they have also expanded to collaborate with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to train service dogs that will provide balance, fetch items, and carry a backpack.

Among the representatives pictured above that were here in Albany to meet with Assemblyman Fitzpatrick and introduce the program, were Chief Executive Officer Wells B. Jones, and Guide and Service Dog Trainer Sebastian McPherson. According to McPherson, 2-month-old puppies bred by VetDogs spend the first year of their life in a volunteer’s home. Following a one-year stay with their “puppy walkers,” each dog undergoes a personality evaluation and four-to-six-month training period in a particular field. After program completion, a dog is paired with a disabled veteran and the two undergo a three-week to 25-day introductory period, during which time the veteran and their new service dog learn to understand one another.

Pictured above is Veteran Service Dog, “Tomme.”

Fitzpatrick even had the opportunity to meet one of VetDogs highly trained graduates, “Tomme,” a black Labrador service dog that has granted a veteran amputee the opportunity to live an independent life.

It costs VetDogs $30,000 to train a guide dog/veteran team. Fortunately, VetDogs is fully funded through the generous donations of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and service and fraternal clubs. If you or someone you know would like to contribute, become a puppy walker, or find out more information on the Guide Dog Foundation and the VetDogs, call 1-866-VETDOGS or visit www.vetdogs.org.

“After serving 15 years on the Town Council, and now as a State Assemblyman, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that the Guide Dog Foundation has had at bringing independence and dignity to our disabled citizens,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud that they call Smithtown home.”