Dog Tags Chewy Shoe

Next time you shop for Fido, invest in something that will not only keep him entertained for hours but also supports military veterans.

Like this red, white and blue chew toy from My Good Dog, pictured on the left.

Created from the same molds used for military boot soles, the Dog Tags Chewy Shoe toy ($16) is made out of natural rubber in the U.S. With every purchase, $2 is donated to the Dog Tags program, which teaches puppies how to become service dogs for soldiers overseas. Additionally, other dogs such as Labradors or golden retrievers are trained to assist disabled veterans back in the States.

“I have learned a lot about dogs and even more about the human spirit through our program,” said Gloria Gilbert Stoga, founder and president of Puppies Behind Bars, in a statement.

“The joy that comes from working with these dogs — both for the inmate trainers and the eventual companions — has been incredible to witness,” she added.

Service dogs learn how to open and close doors as well as assist in grocery shopping. Others, specifically trained for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, are able to alert companions to take medications and help them cope with anxiety.

First launched in May 2009, the program has since made more than $36,000 in donations for Dog Tags, a program that is part of Puppies Behind Bars.

“Every sale of our red, white and blue Chewy Shoe toy is a thank-you from us and from pet owners to our courageous men and women in the military,” said Luke Pfeifle, vice president of sales for My Good Dog, in a statement.

“We look forward to continuing our support for Dog Tags and our veterans.”

(Via Unleashed)