Nearly $11k was presented to Helping Paws Monday evening, an organization that provides service dogs for veterans.
The funds were individual $100 checks – donations from members of the group: 100+Women Who Care in Clare and the Surrounding Area.
Helping Paws founder Lori Shaw said the funds are much appreciated and will be used for equipment and medical care for the veterans’ service animals in training. “It costs an average of $1,700 just for the medical care we provide for the first year that the veterans and service dogs are paired,” She said.
Add to that the cost of equipment provided, which includes training and regular collars, leashes, vests, patches, collapsible feeding bowls, potty materials, treats and treat bags, toys and other supplies, even their first bag of dog food.
Lori said they have been doing this for nearly 14 years and during that time have had 87 graduates and are currently working with 17 clients. Of that total, they have provided 48 service dogs to veterans.
Helping Paws is presently fostering four dogs who are waiting to be paired with a veteran.
To donate to Helping Paws for Veterans, send a check to Helping Paws for Veterans, 3400 West North County Line Road, Farwell, MI 48622 or for more information call Lori Shaw at 989-387-9435.
Anyone interested in joining 100+Women Who Care can call founder Stephanie Graham at 989-429-7295. The non-profit organization now has approximately 115 members who may each donate $100 every three months (each quarter) for a worthy cause in the area selected by the whole group at their quarterly meeting.
Visit their Facebook page to learn more at https://www.facebook.com/groups/277841630363214