Gala Tomorrow Supports Service Dogs for Veterans

A fundraiser Saturday night will raise money to provide needed comfort to combat veterans.

The Northwest Battle Buddies Gala at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West tomorrow evening is intended to raise funds and awareness of the benefits that a canine companion can bring to a veteran suffering from PTSD.

Shannon Walker is the CEO and founder of Northwest Battle Buddies. She says she started the non-profit organization seven years ago after she met a veteran that asked her in her capacity as a professional dog trainer to help him train his dog to help him with his post-traumatic stress issues.

Walker says the dogs go through 7 months of professional training, then the veterans go through 6 weeks of training learning how to navigate life with their service dog.

Because the cost to train each dog and veteran is around $25,000, Walker says fundraisers such as the gala on Saturday night are essential. She adds that in the last 7 years their organization has provided 85 service dogs – four of which are in the Cody and Powell area.

Registration for the event starts at 4:30 tomorrow. There will be a silent and live auction, live music, food and festivities.