Paws of War recently hosted its second annual car show at its headquarters in Nesconset to raise money to support a local veteran in the Long Island community. The event raised more than $30,000 which will support the organization’s mission of providing a disabled Long Island veteran or first responder in need with a service dog. The car show, judged by the Fabulous 50’s and 60’s Nostalgia Car Club, included more than 250 vintage, classic and custom cars and military vehicles. The pet friendly event also saw many attendees bring their dogs.
“Our programs at Paws of War support the mental wellbeing of the veterans and first responders here on Long Island. The money raised from the car show will further Paws of War’s mission of ‘Helping Both Ends of the Leash’ and directly fund a lifesaving companion or service dog for one of our local heroes,” said Paws of War, co-founder Robert Misseri.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. With the support of everyone in attendance, we are able to give back to the heroes who have sacrificed so much for this country. As a volunteer, it is critical to host events like the car show to bring the community together and create meaningful relationships between the community and our heroes,” said Ray Meyer, Paws of War Volunteer and Car Show Organizer.
Service dogs focus on meeting their owner’s specific needs, providing them with peace of mind and the confidence needed to cope with PTSD and traumatic physical injuries. Having service or companion animals has proven to be an effective way to enhance mental wellbeing and reduce veteran suicides.
Paws of War’s service dog training program is designed to train these animals to cater to their owner’s specific needs, which in turn will provide the veteran or first responder with peace of mind as they learn to cope with PTSD and other traumatic physical injuries. These animals bring comfort and joy to local heroes, which is proven to enhance their quality of life and save lives.
For more information about Paws of War and their programs, please visit, www.pawsofwar.org.
About Paws of War
Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organiza-tion that provides assistance and a wide range of programs to active, retired and disabled military members. To learn more about Paws of War and the programs provided or to make a donation, visit its site at: http://pawsofwar.org.
