Golfing for Guide Dogs in Huntington

Help the nation's veterans while relaxing on the green at the third annual Huntington Country Club VetDogs Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 27.

VetDogs is a nonprofit offshoot of The Guide Dog Foundation whose sole mission is to provide assistance dogs to disabled veterans, active service personnel, and the military.

The organization provides guide dogs for veterans who are blind; service dogs for those with other physical or emotional disabilities; physical and occupational therapy dogs to work with amputees in military and VA hospitals; and combat stress control dogs to be deployed on the ground, all at no cost to the veteran.

Sergeant Tony Larson will be one of the featured speakers at an awards dinner Monday. Larson spent 18 months in rehab after suffering injuries in Iraq in 2005, including the loss of his right leg below the knee, mild traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He was partnered with service dog Tomme in 2007. In the five years since they became a team, Tomme is an integral part of Larson’s life.

“I couldn’t do it without him,” Larson said. “Tomme has been by my side helping me overcome barriers.”

The demand for service dogs far exceeds VetDogs’ current resources. The cost of one service dog for a disabled veteran is in excess of $50,000, which includes everything from birth to training to placement and a lifetime of aftercare support. There is never a charge to the veteran for his assistance dog and training.

Army veteran Sgt. Kent Phyfe will also be a special guest speaker. Phyfe was a career soldier until his medical retirement in 1996. He received his service dog in September 2011.

The 2011 golf classic raised nearly $130,000 to support disabled veterans. This year, organizers hope to exceed that amount. The classic will be held on Aug. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Huntington Country Club. Registration information can be found at America's VetDogs Golf Classic.