The Association for Linen Management (ALM) is proud to partner with America’s VetDogs to raise funds at the 2022 Clean Show to provide trained support dogs for veterans. 100% of the proceeds raised during the ALM Give Back Event will go directly to America’s VetDogs, thanks to event sponsor Laundry Design Group, LLC, who has underwritten the expenses, according to a news release.
Clean Show attendees will have the opportunity to meet Joe Worley, U.S. Navy veteran, his service dog Galaxie, and other dogs currently in the program or graduated and currently assisting veterans cope with life after service.
“I was in so much pain. I felt helpless. Galaxie has made my life so much easier,” says Worley. “I am extremely lucky.”
To breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog costs over $50,000; however, all of VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and community organizations.
Donations for the ALM Give Back Event are currently being accepted online at ALMnet.org/VetDogs, or Clean Show attendees may donate in-person and meet these treasured dogs on Sunday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET at ALM’s booth #1036.
“As a leader who happens to see the daily benefits of this program, it is important to continue to support those who have returned from serving our country,” said James Mangini, RLLD, Director of Linen Services for Maine Medical Center Linen Services and ALM’s incoming Board president.
Founded in 2003, America’s VetDogs (vetdogs.org) was created to provide enhanced mobility and renewed independence to United States veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities, allowing them to once again live with pride and self-reliance.
VetDogs trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals.
In 2013, America’s VetDogs became the second assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International; the Guide Dog Foundation was the first.
