America’s VetDogs Support Military Personnel, First Responders

Garden City NY

10 May, 2021

9:42 AM

Description

The best friends for men and women certainly are extra special to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities. For people who have sustained physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, hearing and vision loss, or seizures, highly-skilled service and guide dogs provide them with enhanced mobility and renewed independence. The mission of America’s VetDogs (371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown) is to assist the men and women who honorably have served the country. During the last year, however, the pandemic has provided unique challenges for the organization. When James C. Metzger of The Whitmore Agency and retired U.S. Army colonel and attorney E. David Woycik learned about the issues related to COVID-19, they extended their support to America's VetDogs. Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret.) United States Army was raised in Huntington and resides in Garden City. He is a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at The Sanders Law Firm of Mineola. Woycik knows first-hand about the many difficulties faced by veterans and first responders who put the lives of others before their own. He has supported America’s VetDogs for many years following his service overseas in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. Woycik is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Legion Of Merit, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. “These wonderful animals help our veterans and first responders reclaim their lives as best as possible before the person experienced a severe injury,” said Woycik. “They truly become the best friends of these men and women who have sacrificed themselves to serve others.” Late last year, a double figure donation was presented to America’s VetDogs in Woycik’s honor by Metzger, a personal friend and fellow Hofstra University alumnus. The founder and owner of The Whitmore Agency of Garden City provides insurance and estate planning. Metzger is well-known across Long Island for his business services and his dedication to the sport of lacrosse along with extensive philanthropic support for athletic, education and other community programs. His contribution to America’s VetDogs allowed the organization to continue to provide the services (transportation to and from the campus, instruction and additional support) at no cost to the men and women who require trained canine companions. Coping With COVID During the pandemic, the organization adapted to safety protocol conditions by reducing the size of each service dog class but holding more classes to allow dogs to be placed with disabled veterans and first responders at close to the pre-COVID pace. Student trainers, observing all health and safety guidelines, spend more time at their homes with the dogs rather than at the organization’s classrooms. Founded by the Guide Dog Foundation, an industry leader in guide and service dog training that is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, America’s VetDogs spends more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one assistance dog. The organization relies on contributions and volunteers from individuals such as Woycik and Metzger along with the support of corporations, service clubs and foundations. The professional sports community nationwide has extended its support. This includes the National Hockey League and specifically the New York Islanders. During fiscal year 2019, the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs placed a record number of guide and service dogs with people who require assistance. Though facing similar issues associated with all nonprofits during the 2020-2021 pandemic—fewer donations and volunteers while attempting to maintain a high level of services—America’s VetDogs still has been able to expand its national recognition and public awareness. With this has come an upsurge in demand for services. America’s VetDogs probably received its broadest national attention when it became the home for Sully, service dog to President George H.W. Bush. Today, Sully serves at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as a member of the facility dog program. Sully is just one of thousands of canines that have represented the organization and the Guide Dog Foundation since 1946. At that time, five community leaders founded a guide dog school in Queens that provided free trained guide dogs for blind or visually impaired people, including World War II veterans who had returned from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific. Photo: Courtesy America's VetDogs