(MENAFNEditorial)
KANSAS CITY VETERAN RECEIVES SERVICE DOG FROM
THREE DOG BAKERY & F.I.S.H. VETERAN’S DAY PROMOTION
Brandon and Taz to Meet for the First Time
KANSAS CITY – U.S. Army Veteran Brandon Garrison will meet an important newcomer in his life – Taz a service dog specifically trained for Garrison’s needs. The two will meet for the first time at Three Dog Bakery’s Kansas City franchise 602 W. 48th St. on Friday February 13th at 10:30 a.m.
Garrison 28 was an automatic logistical specialist with the Army’s 3rd Brigade 10th Mountain Division and was deployed to Afghanistan between 2006 and 2007. During that time he suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) significant hearing loss and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Taz a two-year-old Austrian Shepherd was trained to provide Garrison with both daily assistance and companionship upon command.
“I met Paul Chapa the founder of FISH and we started talking about what FISH does for returning veterans” Garrison says. “Then I was surprised to hear from Paul that I would be the recipient of the Three Dog Bakery Veteran’s Day promotion. And it’s happening just before my 29th birthday so it’s a nice early birthday gift!”
Three Dog Bakery’s 2014 Veteran’s Day promotion raised $5000 via a percentage of its November 11th sales from its growing national and global bakery franchises retail outlet and online. In December Three Dog Bakery presented a check to FISH – Food Industry Serving Heroes – which was used to train two service dogs. Garrison is the first recipient of the donation which was designed to make a difference in the lives of returning military personnel who benefit from the highly specialized service dogs. He will receive a year’s supply of Three Dog Bakery food and treats as well.
Veterans face a myriad of challenges that can be aided with the use of a service dog from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to immobility. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the U.S. has 1.6 million veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts 21 percent of whom suffer a service-connected disability. Service dogs perform a multitude of tasks help veterans find a new level of independence in their post-combat life. People paired with service dogs show significant improvements psychologically socially – even economically.
Garrison says Taz will be a valuable addition in his life. While receiving support for his wartime injuries Garrison is currently coping with his father’s terminal illness. His own children live in another state so Garrison says the companionship of a service dog is extremely important to him. And because of his injuries he also suffers from vertigo and uses a cane. Having Taz to help with his balance and retrieve items for him is another plus.
Service dogs are in high demand with wait times up to three years. Training begins when the dogs are young. These highly trained canines work on average eight to 10 years before they retire.
According to Chapa Taz has been trained to respond to certain commands both in English and German due to her breed.
“This is a highly intelligent and full service dog. She will be able to go everywhere with Brandon from restaurants to airplanes” Chapa says. “Brandon is just one of thousands of returning veterans who deserve this type of support.”
With 50 million dog owners in the U.S. Three Dog Bakery appreciates the support of its loyal four-legged friends and their pet parents. Three Dog Bakery pioneered its annual Veteran’s Day promotion just as it did the canine bakery concept more than 25 years ago – that’s 175 years in dog years! Popular among canines and their owners alike its products feature a diverse array of premium all-natural made in the USA treats and food for those special times in a dog’s or family’s life.
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About Three Dog Bakery LLC
Founded in 1989 Three Dog Bakery is America’s “original bakery” for dogs. Headquartered in Kansas City the company provides all-natural oven-baked treats pastries and food for dogs in 35 retail bakeries across the U.S. Canada and Hong Kong as well as in many national independent pet and mass retailers. Three Dog Bakery’s expanding franchise segment is creating opportunities for business owners around the globe. For more information about becoming a Three Dog Bakery franchisee contact Jamie Wiebrecht at 816-994-0727 or visit www.ThreeDog.com.
About Food Industry Serving Heroes
The Food Industry Serving Heroes (F.I.S.H.)is a 501C3 non-profit established in 2013.The mission of F.I.S.H. is to engage the Food and other Industries in serving the men and women who have sacrificed to guarantee our freedoms. Our programs will improve the quality of life of our troops our veterans and their families. Nothing is more fundamental to our country than the freedom these soldiers sailors marines airmen and coast guardsmen provide.
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