Wounded Warriors Weekend uses surplus to provide veterans with service dog before Christmas

Thanks to generous donors from across the country and right here in Saskatchewan, a veteran received a special gift right before Christmas.

Courtesy the Wounded Warrior Weekend project, a needy veteran received his service dog.

The Wounded Warrior Weekend was held over the summer in Nipawin. It brought together veterans dealing with physical and psychological difficulties stemming from their time serving, either as a soldier, EMT, firefighter, police officer or trauma nurse.

The weekend has been a literal lifesaver.

“It has changed so many lives,” said organizer Blake Emmons. “I know of several who were saved.”

The influx of donations meant the organization was more than able to cover their costs, and provide additional soldiers in need with service dogs.

The service dogs were placed I conjunction with the Paws for Veterans program and Alpha Canine Canada.

“The joy for us was we had additional funds,” Emmons said. “Just prior to Christmas we presented another dog to a very needy veteran. I’ve heard it was a turnaround, a blessing. I know from past results, every dog we’ve presented has been lifesaving in various different ways.”

For more on this story please see the Dec. 28 subscription-based print or e-edition of the Daily Herald.