VFW Day of Service Highlights Community Partnership With Pet Adoption Effort
VFW Day of Service 2026 kicked off across the country with Veterans of Foreign Wars members leading community service projects throughout the month of May. The initiative was designed to showcase the positive impact veterans have in their communities.
Downingtown VFW Post 845 participated in the nationwide program by partnering with Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue of Avondale to sponsor a pet adoption event at the post's parking lot. Originally scheduled for Saturday, May 9, the event was postponed due to rain and was ultimately held on Sunday, May 24.
Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue is comprised of approximately 250 volunteers. The organization maintains a small kennel that houses about seven dogs, as well as an RV trailer called The Cattyshack, which provides temporary shelter for cats and kittens. Their primary goal is to place rescued animals with foster families who care for them until permanent homes can be found.
Mary Bauer, founder and president of Lucky Dawg, explained that puppies and kittens are often adopted within a few weeks. Older dogs and cats, however, may remain in foster care for several weeks or even months before finding their forever homes. If a foster family goes on vacation, the organization arranges temporary care through another foster volunteer.
Bauer also explained the origin of the organization's name. The slang term "dawg" is often used to mean "friend" or "buddy." While the name sounds like "dog," it also reflects the companionship and friendship that pets provide to their adopters.
The Downingtown VFW Day of Service event gave area residents the opportunity to meet and interact with many of the animals rescued by Lucky Dawg. Foster families brought their dogs and cats to the post, allowing visitors to spend time with the animals and, hopefully, find a new companion to take home. Volunteers also brought The Cattyshack, which housed a dozen or so adorable kittens that had not yet been placed with foster families.
Sharon Gilsky, a Lucky Dawg volunteer, said that despite the damp and chilly weather, the organization was pleased with the turnout and appreciated the support provided by the VFW.
Lucky Dawg provides veterinary care for its animals and assists foster families with pet food and other necessities. Adoption fees help offset the costs of spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and other medical care.
Lucky Dawg is always seeking volunteers, foster families, and donations. Anyone interested in learning more about Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue can visit the organization's website by clicking here or Facebook page by clicking here.
