The Quakertown Business and Professional Women's Organization is supporting the BPW/PA Project called Tails of Valor.

            The members heard from Tracy Hausknect, Program Director of the Tails of

Tracy Hausknect, program director of the Tails of  Valor, with Ash.  Hausknect addressed the Quakertown town Business and Professional Women's organization.

Valor (TOV). She shared that they are known as a group that provides service dogs to veterans. They are dedicated to providing rehabilitation through nonmedical therapies with service canines to Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and physical disabilities.

            There are over 50 very active volunteers in their canine training program. They provide interaction and human/canine bonding. They receive no federal funding, nothing from the Veterans administration and rely on their own fund-raising efforts. Tracy was delighted to team up with BPW/PA this year. She has been busy traveling the PA Federation presenting programs to our local clubs.

            The classes for the dogs always remain small, from five to seven dogs. In the class are veterans who would like to have a dog. The dogs pick their vet; the vet doesn't pick the dog.

            Hausknect brought a standard poodle who is nearing the age and amount of training where she will be choosing her vet. The dog's name is Ash named for Ashley Moyer, a soldier from Bethlehem who was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Iraq.

            The cost of sponsoring a therapy dog is $15,000. It is the goal of the BPW/PA that we reach this amount and can provide a trained rescue companion under ADA laws and TOV guidelines to a veteran.

            The Quakertown Business and Professional Women's Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the McCoole's Arts and Entertainment Center on Main Street, Quakertown. Please contact Judy Guise, president, if interested in joining us at 215-536-5196.