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By Terri Hendry
(Las Vegas, NV) – The Nevada Humane Society’s G.I. Dogs Program is this month’s “Veteran Supporter of the Month.”

The G.I. Dogs Program is a free service that transforms abandoned animals into service dogs for military veterans and their families. Through the program, veterans are matched with a service dog, with all fees waived. All pets are spayed and neutered, micro-chipped, and vaccinated before adoption. The dogs receive professional training and ongoing support.

No other such program exists in Nevada. The closest is in the Bay Area but there is an extensive application process that takes about six months and another two years for a dog to become available.

The program consists of a network of community businesses and skilled volunteers. Program Director Mitch Schneider is a veteran, dog trainer and former manager of Washoe County Regional Animal Services. He has trained dogs at the highest levels in obedience, field and police K-9 work, including dogs for television commercials and movies.

Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Department of Veterans Services are pleased to announce the selection of the G.I. Dogs Program for this award based on its innovative and outstanding work benefiting Nevada veterans. The program received the award and recognition on Thursday, June 22, 2017 in a ceremony at the Capitol Building in Carson City, Nevada.

This award is part of Governor Brian Sandoval’s commitment to make Nevada the “friendliest State in the nation” to its military and veterans communities. It is provided through the Nevada Department of Veterans Services.