Nessaquake Middle School Student Launches Online Fundraising For VetDogs

Nesaquake Fundraiser Sponsors Service Pups 

Nesaquake Middle School seventh-grader Matthew Redlein, pictured with America’s VetDog representative Hugh Reilly and service dog Hula, launched an online fundraiser and raised $6,500 to sponsor a puppy from America’s VetDogs. Smithtown-based America’s VetDogs, a sister organization of the Guide Dog Foundation, visited Nesaquake Middle School in the Smithtown Central School District on Jan. 19. 

The school is currently holding several fundraising initiatives to sponsor a VetDog puppy. Thanks to the efforts of seventh-grader Matthew Redlein, who launched an online fundraiser, they have already raised $6,500 to sponsor one puppy. 

Nesaquake is hoping online fundraising efforts and a lollipop and bracelet sale, headed up by the seventh-grade activities club and Nesaquake school counselor Kimberly Richardson, will garner enough money to sponsor a second VetDog puppy. As a puppy sponsor, Nesaquake will be given the right to name a puppy in the America’s VetDog program, as well as be updated on the puppy’s progress as it is raised and trained to become a service dog. 

America’s VetDogs is a not-for-profit organization that provides disabled veterans and first responders with service dogs that help provide independence, enhanced mobility and companionship. VetDogs assist veterans or first responders with physical and emotional disabilities and those with hearing or vision loss. 

To make a donation, visit mattsfundraiser.vetdogs.org to help Nesaquake reach its goal.

 Photo courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District