KYLE, Texas (KXAN) — VFW Post 12058 in Kyle is holding an all-day telethon Saturday aiming to raise money for veterans needing service dogs.
The telethon kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs through 7 p.m. Silent and live auctions will be held throughout the day. Money goes towards the United States Veterans Service Dogs organization, which helps place service dogs with veterans.
VFW Quartermaster Steve Cook said taking a service dog makes your injury visible.
"For a lot of veterans, it's a big step," he said.
Cook received his own service dog, Guppy, in October. He calls her his "battle buddy."
"My wife can't always be there, so she's with me constantly. She's watching my back, she takes care of me in stores if people get too close," he said. "And she's also threat assessed. So if anybody wants to harm me, she gives me advance warning, that way I can be a little bit more prepared in the situation."
He said Guppy is not only helping him but many other veterans as well. When her vest is off, she greets other veterans at VFW meetings.
"When a veteran gets a service dog, it's not just them--it's a family...their circle around them," he said.
Events will be streamed on the VFW's Facebook page. People can also visit the VFW Post at 107 Veterans Drive where there will be food and service dogs.
There are a few ways to donate:
