Reverend EvaLyn Carlson with the “Vet Dog” that has helped draw attention to the cause of raising money for America’s VetDogs. The First Congregational Church and American Legion Post 413 have worked together to raise money to support the VetDog program.
From World War II to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Cook County is home to almost 700 veterans. Although the residents of Grand Marais honor their veterans in a variety of ways, some wanted to do more. About a year ago, the First Congregational United Church of Christ and American Legion Post 413 joined forces to raise money for America’s VetDogs, to support its mission to provide guide and service dogs for disabled veterans of all eras, whether or not their disabilities are combat related.
The collaboration, which was introduced by Pastor EvaLyn Carlson of the First Congregational Church, was also a way to bring together people with different theological, political, and social beliefs. No matter what their beliefs about the wars, Carlson knew that everyone could agree that veterans returning home with life-changing injuries needed their support.
The community response was overwhelming and in April the church and Legion were able to send a check for $10,000 to America’s VetDogs. All involved were pleased to learn that a Minnesota veteran, Tony Larson of St. Cloud, was able to obtain his service dog Tomme partly because of the Cook County contribution. During his deployment to Iraq, a truck he was in was hit by an IED. Larson lost his right leg below the knee and suffered mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the explosion.
Larson was teamed with service dog Tomme. Tomme provides balance and stability support and retrieval. For instance, when Larson removes his prosthetic leg at the end of the day, Tomme can act as a brace if Larson needs it. The dog can also bring dropped items if Larson has difficulty reaching down to get them.
The dog also provides emotional support with his PTSD and flashbacks. “Tomme senses my mood and helps me,” he says. “He is a wonderful addition to my life. I couldn’t do it without him.”
To raise funds for VetDogs, members of the church and the Legion held bingo games, raffles, silent auctions and staffed tables at local summer events such as the Fisherman’s Picnic, Dragon Boat Races, and the Art Festival. Look for them again this summer as the event continues, at the request of the community.
“The response by veterans and families has been incredible,” Carlson says. “People would stop by our tables and tell their stories… or just stop and talk about family members who have returned wounded.”
The $10,000 already raised goes a long way toward the $55,000 cost to raise and train one guide dog service dog—from birth to puppy raising to formal training to placement with a veteran and aftercare support. There is never a cost to a disabled veteran for a trained assistance dog from America’s VetDogs.
Carlson encouraged anyone interested to become involved in the meaningful project. She said, “There are many ways of donating to this incredible program for vets from making a donation in memory of or in recognition of a special veteran, purchase raffle tickets, enjoy a meal, or come on out to the Legion for a last-Tuesdayof the-month fundraising dinner.”
Carlson said, “We may not be able to help all the combat wounded vets who are protecting us, but we can make a difference in at least one life.”
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