Coming to our Metro Detroit Data Center open house? Bring a dog bowl. (Explanation below)

Are you planning to attend the open house celebration at our new Metro Detroit Data Center on Tuesday?

If not, there’s still time to register. We’d love to see you there.

If so, we have a favor to ask: Bring a leash. Or a dog bed. Or some flea and tick preventative.

No, we’re not supplementing our data center business with a doggy daycare. We’ve teamed up with the southeast Michigan chapter of Pets for Vets and are collecting supplies and monetary donations for the very worthy cause.

Laurie Carr is the director of the chapter, which started as a state-wide organization in 2011 before narrowing its focus this fall. (Another chapter remains focused on the west side of the state.)

She said the organization’s mission is two-fold: 1) To show military veterans a debt of gratitude by matching them with an ideal companion pet that can help heal emotional wounds, and 2) To give shelter dogs a second chance at health and happiness.

Here’s how it works: Interested veterans complete an application on the national organization’s website. Those from southeastern Michigan go to Carr, who completes an in-depth interview and home inspection that helps define what kind of dog would best complement the veteran.

At that point, Carr and her three certified dog trainers start searching dog shelters for the ideal dog. Once found, the dogs undergo rewards-based training for between three to eight weeks before being given to the veteran at no cost.

Along with a new companion, the veteran receives a dog owner start-up package. That’s why we’re looking for donations of the following:
• Six-foot nylon leashes
• Nylon collar with a clip
• EZ Walk Harness
• Frontline Flea/Tick Preventative
• Stainless steel dog bowls with a rubber base
• Small, medium and large dog beds
• Small, medium and large dog crates
• Dog treats
• Dog toys
• Dog shampoo

Carr said monetary donations to help cover the cost of the organization’s overhead are also welcome.

Here’s a quick look at what Pets for Vets offers our military veterans and shelter dogs:

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