Thanks to Those Who Serve

In honor of Veterans Day, let us all pause and remember those brave men and women who served or are currently serving in the military. We civilians can’t really begin to understand the sacrifices made by these brave service men and women, as well as their families back home.

If you’re a dog lover, consider supporting organizations that place service dogs with disabled veterans. Check out the websites for:

- New England Assistance Dog Services who provide dogs for Veterans in their Canines for Combat Veterans program
- American’s Vet Dogs Veteran’s K-9 Corps
- Canine Companions for Independence
- The Dog Tags Program
- Patriot Paws Service Dogs

For more inspiration check out these Fit As Fido Celebrity Spotlights on servicemen and women:

- 2nd Lt. Timothy Francis, currently serving in Afghanistan
- Meg Grogan, retired Marine currently supporting our troops as a defense contractor in Iraq
- Allen Parton, disabled Veteran from the British Royal Navy who’s an advocate for service men and providing service dogs to disabled Veterans

Let us each reflect on those many men and women who serve daily at home and abroad so that we can enjoy our wonderful lives and freedoms. If you live in the Pittsburgh area, consider supporting local Iraq Veteran James Fair, who lost his sight and arms and now uses a service dog. The local pet company, Misty Pines, sponsors events to raise money to help offset the costs of having a service dog. Check out their full list of events. And, if you have a very well trained dog, consider attending the upcoming Down-Stay Cafe day on Saturday, December 5th from 12-3 PM at the 17th Street Cafe on the South Side. Call Misty Pines for more details at 412-364-4122.