Bedding company donates to America’s VetDogs in Smithtown

America’s VetDogs is a nonprofit organization based out of Smithtown which provides specially trained service and guide dogs to first responders, veterans and active-duty service members. VetDogs was created by the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in 2003.

On Thursday, May 4, Bedgear, a Long Island-based company which produces what it calls performance bedding, donated all-new items for the dormitory at America’s VetDogs.

VetDogs’ employees introduced some of the dogs to the Bedgear employees and put on a display of the dogs’ training, including opening doors for their owners and comforting them during nightmares. The company representatives then unpacked the new bedding, including dog beds, and set everything up in the rooms in the dormitory.

VetDogs staff were appreciative to Bedgear and its employees for their generous mattress donations as well as their time to set up the rooms. 

“Our clients really are going to love having these incredible mattresses, pillows, sheets,” said Allison Storck, director of marketing and public relations for America’s VetDogs. “Your donation is going to reach so many folks that come through our doors here every year.”

Chief marketing officer of VetDogs, Mike Rosen, also expressed his gratitude. “It’s so extraordinarily generous, and it’s going to make such a huge difference in our clients, our students, feeling at home,” he said.

“Our veterans and our guide dog recipients are going to be blown away,” said Laura English, VetDogs’ chief administrative and financial officer. “We are so appreciative.”

America’s VetDogs organizes two-week programs for veterans and others from all over the country. The nonprofit provides transportation as well as meals and housing, while visitors bond with their guide or assistance dogs and learn to utilize the aid that their dogs provide.