The issues veterans often face after returning home from military service have a long history. In the epic 3,000-year-old poem The Odyssey, Homer describes the disorientation felt by the story’s hero, Odysseus, upon returning to his hometown of Ithaca many years after leaving to fight in the Trojan War. As he approaches his house, Odysseus sees an old and sickly dog lying outside. Although the dog is too weak to come to his feet, his ears perk up, and his tail starts wagging upon seeing the approaching Odysseus. It is only then that Odysseus recognizes this is his own dog, Argos, whom he had left behind as a puppy. Even after so many years apart, the unshakeable loyalty of a dog was the one thing this ancient veteran could count on.
Much like Argos, Western New York veterans returning home from active duty can count on the unshakeable loyalty of WNYHeroes, Inc., a non-profit Veterans Service Organization established in 2007. Funded entirely by the public, with 96% of all donations going directly to support disabled veterans and their families, WNYHeroes, Inc. offers multiple free programs and grants.
On July 7, 2026, the Brockport Navy Club Members and their Associates, led by Bob Currier and Joanne Dolles, donated $1,000 to WNYHeroes, Inc.’s service dog program, Pawsitive for Heroes. This program is unique in that WNYHeroes, Inc. covers the full cost of 18 months of dog training. Furthermore, WNYHeroes, Inc. trains both the dog and the veteran together for months to ensure the dog supports that veteran’s unique needs. Some specialized needs, such as training larger dogs to address stability issues, can double the cost of training. Since 2014, Pawsitive for Heroes has provided over 300 service dogs to veterans in need, representing a cumulative 450 years of training by countless volunteers.
Joanne Dolles, President of the Brockport Navy Club Associates, organized the club’s annual Pork Roast in June to help raise funds for Pawsitive for Heroes. She noted, “Not only do these amazing animals assist our veterans, but they also provide a huge relief to the exhausting routines that family caregivers often face in tending to their veteran’s medical needs. These dogs give back dignity and a quality of life that may have suffered from the strain of military service.”
Anyone wishing to help support Pawsitive for Heroes can find information at www.WNYHeroes.org. Also, Brockport Navy Club Ship 1812 is seeking new veteran members and civilian associates to help continue its charitable activities. The Brockport Navy Club is open to all branches of the Armed Services, and information about joining can be obtained by texting 585-967-4935.
Provided information and photo
Brockport Navy Club Ship 1812 Members and Associates presented a $1,000 donation to the Pawsitive for Heroes program, which provides trained service dogs free of charge to disabled veterans. Pictured with service dog Bluey are (l-r) Dave College, Pawsitive for Heroes Board Member; Joanne Dolles, Brockport Navy Club Associates President; Bob Currier, Brockport Navy Club Commander; and Nikki Clark, Pawsitive for Heroes Manager. Fun Fact: Bluey’s sister, who is called Blue, was sponsored and named by the Buffalo Sabres organization.
