Recently, the Mineola Middle School PAWS Club received a visit from the organization PAWS of War. They are an organization on Long Island that assists veterans and first responders by providing service animals, veterinary assistance, animal rescue and many other related services, all free of charge.

Last spring, our club ran a school wide pet food and supply drive and collected over 50 items for this organization. The students were overwhelmed with excitement to meet the individuals from PAWS of War, as they spoke about what services they offer and how the supplies we donated truly helped. Mike Kilano (Iraqi veteran) and Rob Weisberg (9/11 firefighter) spoke and shared their background stories, how they discovered PAWS of War and how it saved their lives.

Chip the service dog listened attentively and allowed the learners to pet him after the presentation!!