America’s VetDogs, a national nonprofit provider of accredited service dogs to veterans, active-duty service members and first responders with disabilities, has hosted its Salute to Sully H.W. Bush celebration in Washington, DC.
The event honored the legacy of President George H.W. Bush’s service dog, Sully H.W. Bush, who currently serves as a facility dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
It also marked Sully’s upcoming ninth birthday on 14 July, while kicking off “Giving Bark Thursday,” a 24-hour online fundraising campaign to help America’s VetDogs continue to provide its life-changing service dogs to more of America’s heroes at no cost to the individuals the organization is honored to serve.
The event brought together veterans, bipartisan Capitol Hill leaders and local lawmakers, other veteran service organizations, media and members of the America’s VetDogs community with their working service dogs and future service dogs in training.
As well as the star of the event, Sully H.W. Bush – to highlight the organization’s critical mission and continued need to support the health and wellbeing of our nation’s veterans and first responders.
John Miller, President and CEO of America’s VetDogs said: “It was an honor to recognize Sully H.W. Bush, highlight the work of America’s VetDogs, and acknowledge the veteran and first responder communities we serve nationwide.
“Sully’s continued service illustrates the essential role service dogs play in supporting the independence and wellbeing of these extraordinary Americans.
“Events like this allow us to demonstrate the tangible impact of our programs and the ongoing need for resources.
“Giving Bark Thursday provides an opportunity to help ensure more veterans and first responders receive the highly trained service dogs they need to live life to its fullest.”
In a statement, America’s VetDogs shared: “Thanks to the generosity of donors at events such as Salute to Sully H.W. Bush and the annual Giving Bark Thursday online event, America’s VetDogs is able to provide service dogs free of charge to veterans and first responders with disabilities in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and beyond.
“This ongoing support ensures those who have served our country and communities receive the life-changing assistance they need and deserve without the financial burden.”
Paul Sullivan, a United States Marine Corps veteran and first responder, who received his service dog, Sal, from America’s VetDogs said: “America’s VetDogs doesn’t just train service dogs; they build lifelong partnerships and support systems.
“Today’s event which honored Sully’s continued service, shows how America’s VetDogs stands by veterans and first responders even after the match is made.
“Every dog is provided at no cost, and the care doesn’t stop at placement. America’s VetDogs helped to provide a community that never stops showing up for me and my fellow veterans and first responders.”
America’s VetDogs has hosted its Salute to Sully H.W. Bush celebration in Washington, DC, to honor the legacy of President George H.W. Bush’s service dog, Sully H.W. Bush.
