An organization that offers service dogs to former service members received a boost of assistance from the Petco Foundation, it was announced this week.
Petco donated $10,000 to Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, a nonprofit founded in 1998. The nonprofit has two programs: Leash-On-Life Program that was developed to assist children and families who have been impacted by autism and the At Ease Program that was created to serve the needs of our country’s Wounded Warriors.
The grant was made possible through the Petco Foundation’s annual Helping Heroes fundraising campaign, in partnership with Natural Balance Pet Foods. During the campaign each October, customers are invited to donate in Petco stores across the country to support service and therapy animals and organizations.
The Petco Foundation investment will help Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs to assess and train more shelter dogs to become service dogs to help wounded warriors or children with autism.
“We are so grateful for this recognition of our programs and for these funds that will help us to increase the number of shelter dogs we are able to train as service dogs to serve the members of our community,” said Karen Shultz, president, executive director and trainer at Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs.
The Petco Foundation donates approximately $15 million a year to make a difference in the lives of millions of animals. The organization is funded through donations raised during fundraisers conducted in Petco’s more than 1,300 stores across the country, as well as from Petco associates, vendors and corporate contributions.
