P.E.A.C.E. Dogs: Bringing U.S. Veterans & U.S. Shelter Dogs Together For A Cause
Photo Courtesy of Wallingford Animal Control
Sarah Marino, owner of DogFitCT, specializes in training dogs of all breeds using force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. Recently, Sarah decided to intertwine her love of dogs with another cause she is deeply passionate about … U.S. Veterans.
P.E.A.C.E. Dogs is an enrichment program that prepares, educates, and empowers veterans by coaching them to train shelter dogs. In this program, local shelter dogs are drafted into Basic Canine Training as Canine Cadets. They’re stationed at Wallingford Animal Control and their missions include field trips to local VA homes. Veterans who volunteer will learn how to train the cadets on manners, physical fitness, and, of course, having fun!
Bella, PVT, is the most advanced Canine Cadet. She’s pictured here with her pal Mike, a veteran at the rocky Hill Veterans Home. (Photo Courtesy of DogFitCT)
There are currently four cadets enrolled in the P.E.A.C.E Dogs program:
Lilly: She’s known for being energetic, fun, and athletic!
Nola: This pup is sweet, intelligent, and spirited!
Bella: She’s a smart and very vibrant achiever!
Sarge: This guy is on a mission to impress and break records!
Lilly is sporting her hot pink harness … she’s ready to tackle her mileage! (Photo Courtesy of DogFitCT)
P.E.A.C.E. Dogs participated in the 2018 Stand Down event. See Zeva on this poster? She’s a former cadet who has since been adopted! Yay!! (Photo Courtesy of DogFitCT)
Their latest mission … all four pups have either walked or jogged for the 2nd Annual Veterans Day Classic 3 Miler Presented by AT&T Veterans ERG CT/NE! P.E.A.C.E. Dogs is proud to support this Rocky Hill-based event as all proceeds go toward veterans outreach programs! While the cadets can’t be there this weekend for the actual race, here’s the mileage they’ve put in to support the cause:
Bella jogged 3 miles
Lilly walked/jogged 3 miles
Nola completed 1mile at her own pace
Sarge ran 4.2 miles (1.2 miles MORE than required … we told you he was out to break records!)
Interested in getting one of these shining stars stationed in a well-deserved forever home? Contact Wallingford Animal Control today!
To learn more or register for this weekend’s event, happening Saturday, November 10th, visit the Veterans Day Classic 3 Miler website! Psssssst … LMG is participating in this event, too! We hope to see you there!
After his vigorous 4.2 mile run, Sarge stops to pay tribute to our veterans. The flag is at half staff in remembrance of those killed at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. (Photo Courtesy of DogFitCT)