VFW Calabash Post 7288  and their Auxiliary partnered in 2025 to sponsor a puppy to be trained as a service dog. The $5,000 sponsorship commitment by the VFW helps CFS with the cost of acquiring the puppy, initial supplies to house the puppy including crate, bed, toys, puppy vest, and treats, and a year of veterinary care. A special privilege of this sponsorship allowed VFW 7288 to name the puppy "Jet” as well as receive progress reports throughout the training process.  Members of the post have fallen in love with Jet. "We all want to take him home” confided VFW Auxiliary member Dorrie Mascolo. His popularity has spawned a "Jet” t-shirt for post members to buy showing their support. The funds raised go to Jet during his training to provide him some special treats and comforts.  Jet’s popularity at the post led Commander Wayne Grigsby to announce "We  will continue partnering with our Auxiliary members  to make this a permanent annual donation. Each year we will sponsor a new dog for our great veterans.” The post is anxiously awaiting the next class of puppies to arrive at Canines for Service and are already arguing over names.

Canines for Service is a nationally accredited nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of Veterans through custom-trained service dog partnerships. Founded in 1996, they can proudly claim to be the longest-running ADI-accredited service dog provider in North Carolina, and one of just 97 accredited organizations in North America. Hostess and Executive Director, Bethany Leighton brought Bolt the ambassador dog to the event to meet the attendees. He has completed training but stays with Bethany and represents Canines for Service when they present their program to the public and potential sponsors.

Their mission is to serve Veterans with service-connected disabilities, whether physical or emotional. This is accomplished with compassion, commitment, and a customized approach that, remarkably, provides every dog, training session, and travel arrangement at no cost to those Veterans they serve. Each dog is trained for one specific Veteran. That’s why they call it a partnership, not a placement. Once someone joins the Canines for Service family, they’re with them for life, including access to successor dogs when that time comes. Their goal is simple: help Veterans reclaim their independence, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with life—one dog at a time.

U. S. Navy Veteran Jason Bocchino attended the function, with his service dog Hobbes, as a testament to the success of this partnership. Hobbes became a part of his family last October. They are doing great. "My wife spoils him.” he said. Hobbes helps Jason deal with PTSD and night terrors. Dogs have a remarkable ability to sense human emotions, particularly distress. Canines for Service trains their emotional support dogs to respond by offering comfort. "Hobbes is the most amazing animal for calming. She senses my triggers and is the most calming, loving animal ,not just for me, but others that come to see me throughout the day” said Jason. Research shows that dogs can detect when their owners are upset and will act to provide support. They can even sense distress in others and react demonstrating their strong emotional bond with humans. Hobbes has also been trained to literally support Jason in physical ways. "Hobbes is helping with mobility around town and up hills and stairs much easier. She is also picking up items for me which is easing the pain in my back and hips.” He said. When vertigo caused Jason to lose his balance, Hobbes was at his side as a prop to help him stand up. A service dog like Hobbes can be a lifesaver for veterans dealing with emotional, medical , and physical issues. They help Vets realize that support is not a sign of weakness, but a tool to help them continue to live a useful life. "She has given me the strength to keep serving with purpose, clarity, and heart.” said Jason.