PUTNAM — The Sixth Annual Dog Walk to support the NEADS “Canines for Combat Veterans” Program will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Putnam Farmers’ Market Pavilion on Kennedy Drive.

The Putnam Lions expect to have a number of pet education, animal rescue and other related groups in attendance. Over the past five years, the dog walk has raised more than $15,000 for NEADS. There is no cost to participate,however, donations and pledges are gratefully accepted.  Downloadable forms are available at www.winyradio.com or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request forms. For more information about this event contact Stu Neal at        (860) 928-4960. 

Major sponsors to date are BOW WOW Bakery at Victoria Station Café, The Citizens National Bank, Linemaster Switch, Putnam Bank and Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. 

  NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services) located in Princeton, Mass., provides service dogs for disabled veterans at little or no cost. In October of 2006, NEADS graduated its first class of “Canines for Combat Veterans” to aid in the rehabilitation of injured soldiers. Over 70 dogs have been trained to serve the needs of veterans ranging from wheelchair and prosthetic aid to hearing and balance conditions caused by roadside bombs. Companion dogs are trained to aid in treatment of post traumatic stress disorder.

 Many of the hearing dogs are rescued from shelters, some are fostered, and others are trained by inmates in the Prison PUP Partnership, giving both inmates and canines a new lease on life. Having a canine companion instills a sense of independence and confidence and plays a profound role in the lives of veterans and their families. 

 

 

Service dogs also are a cost effective alternative in addition to physical and psychological therapy.