Community News

Paws Of War Hosts Patriotic Paws Pet Wellness Program In East Islip

In support of their mission of giving back to veterans and first responders, non-profit Paws of War recently hosted their “Patriotic Paws Pet Wellness” event at the AMVETS Post 18 in East Islip, where they provided 22 service animals with free veterinary care, which included wellness checks, flea and tick medications, vaccinations and microchipping service. The organization partnered with U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino and Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo for this event.

“Today we were able to give back and show appreciation for our veterans, and make sure their service animals and pets are taken care of,” said Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo. “I am so proud of the partnership we have built with Paws of War to continue to support our Nation’s heroes.”

“Paws of War is an incredible organization that offers invaluable services to our veterans. I was proud to partner with the organization for this event to bring free veterinary care to service animals here in East Islip,” said. Rep. Garbarino. “It’s a privilege to be able to give back to the brave men and women who have given so much of themselves to this country and to our community.”

The pandemic has brought financial challenges to veterans and first responders. Many disabled veterans live on low or fixed incomes and their service animal’s medical care is essential so they can provide the level of support and comfort upon which the veterans depend.

“As a former veteran, I know how critical it is to take care of these pets. They are more than just pets; these animals provide emotional support and tasks for these heroes when it is needed most,” said Kelli Porti, Veteran & Community Outreach Liaison for Paws of War.

Dr. Marissa Altieri, DVM, volunteered her expert veterinary care to the pop-up clinic and its patients, donating her time to assist Paws of War as a way to give back to the community and support the non-profit’s mission.

The mobile veterinary clinic is a continual program hosted by Paws of War that gives back to service men and women by providing free veterinary care for their service animals; their wellness is essential in providing their exceptional service to their owners who are U.S. military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war.

For more information about Paws of War and their Hearts and Heroes program, visit their website, https://pawsofwar.org.

Related Posts