Community Corner
Fund-raiser Provides Service Dogs to Wounded Troops
Sunday's "Walk for Wounded Veterans" raised money for service dogs, trained companions for veterans who have lost limbs in combat.
People from across Westchester gathered in Yonkers Sunday to raise money for service dogs for wounded veterans.
The first annual "Walk for Wounded Veterans" was held at Tibbets Brook Park in Yonkers. In addition to the fund-raiser, attendees got to mingle with recent veterans who already have service dogs.
The fully-trained dogs cost between $25,000 and $30,000, organizers said, and the Tower of Hope Foundation provides the animals to veterans at no cost. On Sunday, organizers were hoping to raise about $60,000 to purchase two more dogs for injured service members.
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Phil Bauer, a recently retired Army veteran, rattled off a list of ways his service dog helps him in daily life. But the dog means more to him than simply the ability to fetch his prosthetic leg or help him around the house.
"There aren't quite as many awkward moments," Bauer said. "People tend to notice the dog 10 or 15 minutes before they notice the fact that I don't have a leg. People are looking at my dog, not looking at my disability."
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Click the video to the right of this story to watch the service dogs in action, side-by-side with their veteran owners.
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