By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
BUCYRUS — Pound to Service Dog will join a slew of other organizations, retail businesses, local eateries and many more this evening for the First Friday event in downtown Bucyrus.
The organization was founded in January 2017 by Dale Thompson and is based in Richland County.
“We serve Richland County and all of the surrounding areas,” said Shelli Hines, president of Pound to Service Dog (PTSD).
Hines said the group adopts dogs from local shelters and pounds.
“Dale trains the dogs to become service dogs for any type of disability,” Hines said.
The mission of the organization is: “It is the hope of PTSD to find those unique dogs that are without a home, enhance them through training, and unite them with that special someone for the betterment of both their lives.”
Hines said that one recent example is a little dog named Boris.
“A young man was ill and in the hospital for several days and had barely slept when his family brought his dog that Dale had trained for him,” Hines said. “As soon as he held Boris in his arms, he was so comfortable, he finally got some sleep.”
The 501-C non-profit group will be set up in front of the Fishy Business during the First Friday event.
“We are holding a 50/50 raffle and will have homemade dog treats, T-shirts and other items available,” Hines said.
The group is hosting fundraisers with one goal in mind.
“Our goal is to raise enough funding to construct a building for kennels and a training facility,” Hines said. “Currently, Dale trains and keeps the dogs at his home.”
For more information about the group, visit Facebook page.