Shawnee Guadino accepts a check from Kirk Miller, past county American Legion commander.

During a recent meeting of the Chautauqua County American Legion, a check was presented to Shawnee Guadino, Army veteran still serving and the Community Outreach Coordinator for Pawsitive for Heroes of WNY and her service dog.

The money was collected through the Commanders Project for Past Commander Kirk Miller, who awarded the check for $2,000. Pawsitive for Heroes is a nonprofit veteran’s service group that pairs veterans in need with specially trained service dogs. A branch of the Western New York Heroes organization, the group is Veteran run, and all proceeds are returned to veterans by way of K-9 services and training.

Veterans who qualify and are awarded a dog are done so with no initial cost to them, even food is covered for an initial duration. The dogs serve as lifelong companions to their veteran. Commander Miller chose this worthy cause because of his love for dogs, and his strong commitment to veterans. Additional information about this unique partnership can be found at www.pawsitiveforheroes.org.