It’s National Service Dog Month! Every September, we at pawTree celebrate the fur babies who help people gain
greater independence … In other words, our working dogs!
Service animals offer a helping paw to “hoomans” of all kinds. These dogs are specially-trained to make life easier
for people who live with disabilities. From aiding with day-to-day tasks like turning on the lights, to detecting
diabetic spikes, and providing emotional support, these pups make a life-changing impact on our world and deserve to
be celebrated all month long.
This year, to give a big thank-you to those working pups and the organizations who connect service dogs to their
“hoomans,” we’re spotlighting the Smoky Mountain Service
Dogs!
Who are the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs?
Based in Lenoir City, Tennessee, the Smoky Mountain Service Dog Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps
provide mobility-assistance service dogs to veterans with service-connected physical disabilities.
The Smoky Mountain Service Dog Foundation’s work includes selecting eligible dogs to enter the program, specially training those pups, and
matching veterans across the Great Smoky Mountains region with the right dog. The placement is free of charge for
veterans.
Nearly 2.2 million veterans live with injuries incurred
while protecting our nation’s freedoms; half of those
veterans feel like they aren’t getting all of the support they need through government programs. Organizations like
the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Foundation provide meaningful support by matching our nation’s heroes with working pups who can support
their needs.
Whether the working pup picks up dropped items or provides balance, service dogs improve the quality of life of
those they assist. If you’re an eligible veteran in the Great Smoky Mountain region, you can apply for the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs program here.
Read the heartwarming story about veteran Billy Marshall and his relationship with working pups here.
Exciting “Pupdates”
Three new pups have entered the training program! Silas, Wylie and River II have all started their rigorous (and fun) training through Smoky Mountain Service Dogs. Very soon, they’ll graduate and be providing assistance to veterans.
Wylie |
River II |
Silas |
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Wylie |
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River II |
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Silas |
How does pawTree help?
We’re proud to say that we help the Smoky Mountain Service Dog Foundation by providing products for life to some of
the dogs! From high-quality food to holistic supplements and treats, we offer our best products to help enhance the
wellbeing of the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs — and, by extension, give back to our nation’s heroes.
Learn more about the food that fuels Smoky Mountain Service Dogs here.
How can you help?
There are three major ways to be involved in helping Smoky Mountain Service Dogs: volunteering, donating and raising
awareness.
Volunteer with the Smoky Mountain Service Dog Foundation and raise a puppy! Most volunteer roles entail being responsible for the first
9-12 months of a pup’s life. In some instances, puppies are co-raised with another volunteer, making the workload
more collaborative.
If you don’t have the time or energy to volunteer, you are still welcome to donate here. Every penny counts in a
nonprofit; whatever you can offer today will make a difference.
Last but not least, tell your friends about Smoky Mountain Service Dogs! Talk about service pups this month and spread the word. By doing
so, you might help connect a veteran with a pup partner that will enhance the quality of their life.
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