Two U.S. military veterans and their beloved service dogs will stop into San Diego Friday as part of a 6,000-mile journey across America to help military families experiencing financial hardship.
Marine vet Dan Spangler of North Carolina and Army Ranger veteran Joe Trainor, Jr. of Chicago were both injured during tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, respectively.
The two vets say their post-deployment recoveries have had much to do with the emotional support of their service dogs, Spangler’s pooch, Spanky, and Trainor’s dog, C.T. The vets and their pets have become inseparable over the years.
After connecting with Spanky, Spangler launched A Dog’s Dream: Dreamer’s Foundation, a non-profit focused on helping animals in need. Now, the non-profit has started a new program dubbed “Operation: Keep Your Spanky,” which aims to provide assistance to veterans to help them keep and care for their animal companions during times of financial hardship.
The veterans believe many vets wounded by war rely on pets for comfort, support and companionship. For both of them, their dogs have been lifesavers.
Spangler, Trainor and their dogs decided to raise awareness for the vets and pets program by walking across the U.S. They started their trek on April 26 in Camp Lejeune, N.C., and on Friday, they will arrive at the gates of Camp Pendleton, marking the first half of their cross-country endeavor. The pair will trek back to North Carolina for the second half, dropping into cities like Las Vegas, St. Louis and Nashville on their way back, just to name a few pit stops.
Trainor is losing his eyesight as a result of a traumatic injury sustained during his service. For him, this trek may be his last chance to see the country he fought for.
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To learn more about Operation: Keep Your Spanky and donate to the veterans’ cause, click here.
