Service Dogs of Distinction

     Service Dogs of Distinction hosted its annual Howling 5K, Dog Walk, and Halloween Fest on Oct. 30 at Wilson Park to raise money for training service dogs for veterans with PTSD. 

     Marsha Wyatt, co-founder and dog trainer of Service Dogs of Distinction, said all of the money raised from the event goes directly toward acquiring and training service dogs for veterans and people with PTSD and related illnesses. All members of Service Dogs of Distinction, such as trainers and board members, are unpaid volunteers.

     There was a $25 fee required to take part in the event. Everyone who attended the event received a shirt, goodie bag, breakfast, and a raffle ticket. The raffle included donated prizes from local businesses such as gift cards, backpacks, and dog friendly CBD products.

     The event consisted of a 5K run, one mile dog walk, and Halloween-themed activities. There were also dogs from local animal shelters up for adoption during the event. 

     Linda Gershon, a board member of Service Dogs of Distinction, helped run the event. She said this was their fifth time hosting the run since the founding of the organization in 2015. They were unable to host it last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It costs several thousands of dollars to train a service dog,” Gershon said. “Fundraisers like this are the only way we receive the money to do so.”

     Gershon said Service Dogs of Distinction sources their dogs from local animal shelters. She said the organization provides veterans with more than just a service dog. Veterans receive supplies such as crates, dog food, treats, leashes, and service vests when they start and end the program. Service Dogs of Distinction provides these services at no cost for their clients. 

     In addition to hosting fundraising events, Service Dogs of Distinction raises money through profit-shares with local businesses, individual fundraisers, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Wyatt said COVID-19 was hard on nonprofits because they were unable to host fundraising events, such as the Howling 5K. She said nonprofit organizations rely on hosting events now more than ever because of the hit they took from the pandemic.

     Don Gardner, co-founder and dog trainer of Service Dogs of Distinction, said veterans with PTSD and similar illnesses can apply for a service dog through their website. He said the application process is long because they need to verify that the client is committed to taking on the responsibility of owning a service dog. Non-veterans with these illnesses may also be eligible for the program. 

     Gardner said Service Dogs of Distinction has provided 48 people with a service dog at no cost because of donations from the community.