Veteran will kayak thousands of miles for veterans in need of service dogs

Service dogs have been proven to be beneficial for veterans to adjust back to civilian life, but they’re expensive.

To help raise funds and make it possible for veterans to have their own dog, Army veteran Jimmy Thomas is kayaking all the way from Glenville Maalwyk Park to Key West, Florida and then cycling back.

The Glenville Rotary Club and Principessa Elena Society are the host of the Doggie Paddle for Veterans fundraiser. People that donated in today’s event were able to enjoy food, music, and a chance to win some really nice gifts through raffles.

By traveling thousands of miles, Thomas hopes to raise awareness on how important service dogs are for veterans. He says he was fortunate to receive his dog, Boots, for free, and he’d like to make that possible for others.

"He [Boots] would have cost probably $33,000 plus training. So I feel like I was super lucky, I have a good job, I’m healthy and there are a lot of people that aren’t, and so I feel like if I could help one other veteran I feel like that’s payment back, and I would do that every time," he said.

For those interested in donating, or following the journey, click here.