CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Wolfhounds Legacy is conducting its fifth annual Pets for Vets fundraiser this week. The nonprofit organization, based in Cape Coral, trains shelter dogs for veterans in need of physical or emotional support. Over the past five years, Wolfhounds Legacy has matched nearly 300 dogs with veterans, saving two lives with each placement.
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For the veterans, the companionship of a service dog comes at no financial cost. Navy veteran Jeffrey DeMond shared his experience, stating, "I didn't really know how much I even needed a service dog before I had him." DeMond noted that he struggled with anxiety when leaving his house until he received Gus, his service dog, which has significantly improved his ability to go out.
DeMond expressed gratitude for the impact of the program, explaining that when he retired from the Navy, he was in a challenging place and started taking care of house plants. He finds greater meaning in caring for Gus, who, according to him, reciprocates the love.
Mark Fry, President of Wolfhounds Legacy, emphasized that the organization also focuses on rescuing dogs from shelters by selecting those whose personalities fit the needs of the veterans. He pointed out that some dogs may exhibit aggression that training cannot resolve. Each dog undergoes assessment to check for aggressive traits and other factors that may hinder their training process. Once approved, Wolfhounds Legacy covers training, medical, and care costs, averaging about $5,000 per dog, which has increased recently due to rising food prices.
The Pets for Vets fundraiser assists in funding these expenses. Fry mentioned that by providing dogs free of charge, the nonprofit allows Veterans Affairs (VA) to allocate funds to other necessary resources for veterans. He noted, "If you do the math, we’ve done almost 300 dogs. That saves the VA system a tremendous amount of money."
DeMond added that the program helps veterans access support they might struggle to seek without the connection provided by their service dogs. He believes veterans are more likely to seek help when approached in a welcoming manner.
Wolfhounds Legacy aims to raise $15,000 this year, which would support the training of two to three dogs. The organization not only welcomes donations but is also seeking volunteers to foster dogs until they begin training, knowing that the eventual veteran owner will take over care. The fundraiser continues through Friday.