Katy, TX News – Rover Oaks Pet Resort Launches Operation: War Dogs
Katy, TX News (May 29, 2014) – Rover Oaks Pet Resort has officially launched its fourth annual month-long donation drive, Operation: War Dogs, to support non-profit organization United States War Dogs Association (USWDA). The drive officially began on Memorial Day and ends on Independence Day, July 4, 2014. Last year, Rover Oaks raised over $15,000 for USWDA through Operation: War Dogs.
USWDA exists to provide much needed support to the Military Working Dogs serving in the United States Armed Forces. They facilitate adoptions of retiring War Dogs; support returning troops and service dog organizations such as Military Working Dogs, Police K-9 units, and Search and Rescue units; establish War Dog Memorials, and educate the public on the history of all U. S. Military War Dogs from all wars.
During Operation: War Dogs, donors can stop by Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Houston near Reliant Stadium or Rover Oaks Katy near Katy Mills mall to make a contribution or mail a check to Rover Oaks made out to United States War Dogs Association. Rover Oaks will be giving away a free night of lodging at their facilities to every donor who contributes $100. Donations of $25 will receive a commemorative army dog tag necklace or USWDA bandana. In addition, Rover Oaks will decorate their facilities with patriotic paw prints presenting the names of the clients and community members who contribute to USWDA. Every dollar counts and anyone interested in donating is encouraged to stop by either Rover Oaks location to make a contribution in their name or in honor of a soldier or war dog they wish to recognize. These donations will provide an abundance of critically needed items including K9 medications, food, grooming tools, bedding, and other necessities. The donations also cover travel costs and facilitate adoptions to bring our war dogs home.
“This will be our fourth year to host Operation: War Dogs, and every year we see an even greater response from the community. I am so honored to see how generously our community responds to raising funds for our war dogs,” said Steve Smith, owner of Rover Oaks Pet Resort. “It’s evident that helping the dogs who serve in our armed forces is a cause near and dear to the hearts of Houstonians. Our soldiers, both two and four-legged, risk their lives every day to ensure our freedom; and we are so lucky just to have the opportunity to honor them in some way.”
“It’s donations like these that enable us to do what we do,” said Ron Aiello, President of United States War Dogs Association. “The dedication of these Military Working Dogs and their handlers saves lives and prevents terrorist and illegal events daily around the world and in our communities at home. To honor these noble canines and their handlers is a tribute to our way of life.”
Today, all branches of our armed forces are utilizing Military Patrol Dogs specializing in drug and bomb/explosive detection. Currently, there are approximately 600 – 700 of these canines in the Middle East in such places as Kuwait, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, patrolling bases, military compounds, ammunition depots, and military check points. They are guarding and protecting our military personnel with courage, loyalty, and honor.
Donations will be accepted at either Rover Oaks location. Rover Oaks Houston, 713-662-2119, is located at 2550 West Bellfort, Houston 77054. Rover Oaks Katy, 281-693-7687, is located at 24250 Kingsland Blvd., Katy 77494.
