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Newly Pawsitive in the CSRA

The image is a blue circle with a black paw print in the center. There is white text inside and around the blue circle that reads Pawsitive for Heroes. Each side has 3 red stars.

Since 2008, September has been recognized as National Service Dog Awareness Month. It’s a time when we celebrate the unique role of dogs whose special purpose in life is to provide enhanced independence for people with disabilities. Walton Options is celebrating by highlighting a new service animal organization to the area.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines service animals, typically dogs, that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals work to guide the blind, alert people who are deaf, alert and assist a person having a seizure, calm those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and much more. Service animals are protected under federal law. Animals whose sole function is to provide emotional comfort do not qualify as a service animal under the ADA.

Pawsitive for Heroes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization providing service dogs for Veterans based out of Buffalo, New York, and is growing in many other locations in the country. It is sponsored by individuals, local businesses, and large corporations who sponsor service dogs and save Veterans’ lives. Its mission is to restore quality of life to those who gave so much to our country and sustain their dignity at the same time. Pawsitive is new to the CSRA and is looking to help local Veterans.

Sara Hillyard is an Army combat Veteran who moved to the CSRA in 2022. She and her service dog, October, joined Walton Options as an Independent Living Advocate working with our CareerBoost program. Sara received October from Pawsitive for Heroes. With her relocation to the CSRA, Sara wanted to share Pawsitive for Heroes with Veterans in the area. She is now a local coordinator for the program.
Join Sara, October, Walton Options, and Odell Weeks for exciting informational events to learn about service animals and their impact on the community. This event will include inspiring stories from Veterans in the Pawsitive for Heroes program, provide an overview of federal laws regarding service animals, and an opportunity to connect with local Veterans, business owners, and community members. Dwight Bradham, Director of Aiken County Veterans Affairs and other associated organizations will be the guest speaker. Sign up today for one of the two events.

  • Wednesday, October 16, 10:00 am until noon at Odell Weeks, 1700 Whiskey Rd., Aiken
  • Thursday, October 17, 10:00 am until noon at Walton Options, 948 Walton Way, Augusta