IOWA COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Amanda Wiebold’s idea to support veterans while rescuing pets was in the works for years, but she says it all came together in one day.
“It was a chaotic 24 hours with all the elements working together,” Wiebold said. “I always thought how great it would be to use the funds from this $5,000 to purchase a service dog for Iowa County Veterans.”
Wiebold serves as deputy vice president of the Foreign Service Veterans Auxiliary and is a longtime volunteer at Safe Haven of Iowa County.
She said her mission became a reality when Safe Haven’s puppy, Colt, qualified as a service dog.
“He will be doing puppy training for four to eight weeks, and once that training is complete, he will begin training for PTSD and therapy,” Wiebold said. “From there, he will partner with a veteran.”
She said this was all possible thanks to the 5K she helped start with a fundraiser called “Support Veterinarians, Save Pets.”
She said she wants to help other veterans after seeing firsthand the impact pet adoption has on veterans.
“I’m married to a veteran, so I understand the struggles many veterans have when they return from overseas,” Wiebold said. “Animals change the quality of people’s lives.”
Wiebold said the community has rallied behind her mission and supported the 5K, which has raised more than $14,700 so far.
She said she has received far more support than she expected and is already making plans to expand the program next year.
“We have one service dog this year. Next year’s goal is to have two,” Wiebold said. “I just want to get bigger, anything is possible.”
If you are interested in registering for the November 9th 5K, please visit supportavetsaveapet5k.ludus.com/.
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