Supporting communities through giving has always been a cornerstone of our business, and a belief that guides so many of our decisions. Every year, we continue this commitment that’s been growing since our inception, in 1964. Through contributions, leadership, and volunteer efforts, we help create stronger, healthier places for our clients, customers, and associates. We strongly believe that all businesses have an obligation to leverage their power for positive change, using their resources for those in need, while addressing inequality in our communities.
As you may know, our company continues to sponsor “A Shelter Dog With A Purpose.” Some of our past rescues are now working in law enforcement, family courts, with disabled veterans, and children with special needs.
The Dogs of Mind64
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The Dogs of Mind64
River – End of Watch April 1st 2024
It all started in August of 2014, by rescuing River, a black retriever-mix who was hours away from being euthanized at a 7-day kill shelter in rural Alabama. With the help of The Department of Veteran Affairs, we created a program to draw attention to our U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. River received 100’s of hours of specialized training, to help disabled US veterans live their lives with dignity and indpendence. River provided support and motivation to help wounded veterans tackle their medical challenges. As an Ambassador for Disabled Veterans, River traveled extensively to help raise awareness and financial support. River visited military bases, VA Hospitals, schools, and hospices. River attended The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, raising funds to support many organizations, including America’s Vet Dogs and Paws of War. While River flew first class, went to 5-star restaurants, and chased Sandpipers on the beach, he was always a working dog – even on his days off, he just wanted to train…it was in his DNA. River touched and helped so many people in his short life – his legacy will continue with our commitment to rescue and honor those who have served our country.
Say Hello To – Bear, a black Retriever-Mix, barely survived on the streets of Minnesota before coming to our company. Besides the fact that it would be hard to find a cuter fellow than Bear, our goal was a serious one: To draw attention to our U.S. military veterans living with combat related, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Bear now works with wounded soldiers at military and VA hospitals, visits nursing homes and hospices, in addition to being an Ambassador for Disabled American Veterans. Always “Minnesota Nice”, Bear had 100’s of hours of advanced training to prepare for his final certification. To arrange a visit with Bear or any of our Dogs of War, call us at 212-840-0500.
Bear
Rose
Say Hello To – Rose, a Sarplaninac (shar-PLA-nee-natz ) mix that was living on the streets of Novi Sad, Serbia. Gaunt and sick with Giardia, Rose was scavenging discarded food from a nearby flower market, hence her name. We immediately had her treated overseas and then, with the help of Paws Of War (www.PawsOfWar.org). she was brought to the US. Šarplaninac or Sharr dog is is named for the Šar Mountains or Šar Planina range in the Balkans where they were bred as guardians of livestock. After extensive training, our Gentle Giant, Rose, is still a “guardian” at heart but now works entertaining children suffering catastrophic illnesses throughout the Tri-State area
Say Hello To – Snejana, a black Retriever mix was a homeless “street dog” who came to us after traveling for over 19 hours in a crate from Serbia. Snejana only understood Serbian, and now that she was going to become a US citizen, we learned that her name translated to Snow White. Severely underweight and in poor health, we knew she deserved a new lease on life. Snowy was quickly adopted by our very own Lynne Lecher. Lynne welcomed Snowy to her family, cleaned her up, and showed her lots of love. Because Snowy was so friendly, Lynne took her to classes to become a certified therapy dog. Snowy now visits senior citizens and nursing homes where residents can’t own their own dog. Snowy brings them joy and brightens up their lives. Snowy had a rough start in life, but she holds no grudges. She makes people smile wherever she goes.
Snowy
Twister
Say Hello To – Twister, a Catahoula mix. Rescue workers did not see him — nobody did. They couldn’t hear him either — starving, dehydrated, too weak to even whine. Twister was buried: Trapped in the rubble under a broken air-conditioner, amid piles of debris that lay sad testament to the strength of Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that hit Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. There were still people unaccounted for and, in the midst of widespread loss, the needs of animals often come last. But against all odds and 2 weeks after Hurricane Michael blew through — the little dog was found by an Army drone. Soldiers waded through broken appliances, sharp nails, and glass until they reached the location where the drone detected a tiny patch of heat. Because of Twister’s sweet demeanor he is now working as a therapy dog for children with Down Syndrome and Autism. He can often be seen on national television raising awareness of the importance of service dogs for children.