Local business donates to life-changing service dog program for vets
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
For the men and women who have sacrificed for their country, the road to healing can be long and difficult. But for many, that journey becomes a little easier with four paws and a wagging tail.
L.E.B. Electric of Amityville recently became the latest business to support Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that provides expertly trained service dogs—free of charge—to people with disabilities, including military veterans.
The company donated two “To Go Canine Care Kits,” which are given to veterans receiving a service dog. Each kit contains essentials such as food and feeding supplies, grooming tools, bedding, toys, flea, tick and heartworm medications, and a certified service
dog vest for public use—ensuring both dog and veteran can begin their partnership fully equipped.
For veterans learning to navigate civilian life again, or for children with disabilities discovering new ways to engage with the world, these dogs are more than helpers— they’re lifelines.
This isn’t just about giving a dog. It’s about restoring freedom and dignity to people who have given so much. Canine Companions does extraordinary work by helping our nation’s heroes reclaim their independence and quality of life.
“This isn’t just about giving a dog,” said William Parker, president of L.E.B. Electric. “It’s about restoring freedom and dignity to people who have given so much. Canine Companions does extraordinary work by helping our nation’s heroes reclaim their indepen-
WILLIAM PARKER,
President of L.E.B. Electric
org.
dence and quality of life.”
Since 1975, Canine Companions has placed more than 7,700 service dogs with children, adults and veterans living with disabilities. With demand growing, the organization relies on the support of volunteers and donors to continue its mission.
For more information on Canine Companions, how you can help or get help, visit: canine.
Here are five key things to know about Canine Companions
1. Dogs with a purpose Canine Companions trains Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and LabGolden crosses to the highest standards as a founding member of Assistance Dogs International. These dogs don’t just sit and stay—they retrieve dropped items, open doors, assist with prosthetics and alert individuals with hearing loss to important sounds. But most importantly, they provide unconditional companionship and support.
2. Serving a broad community
These dogs are carefully matched with individuals across a wide spectrum
of needs, including adults and children with physical or cognitive disabilities, veterans facing physical challenges or post-traumatic stress disorder, and professionals in healthcare, education, visitation and criminal justice settings.
3. The journey begins with a volunteer
At just 8 weeks old, each puppy begins life with a volunteer puppy raiser who provides socialization, basic training and love for approximately a year. It’s a crucial first step before entering formal service dog training. Anyone can apply to become a puppy raiser by calling 1-800-572-2275 or visiting shorturl. at/62gCC.
4. Every gift matters
Whether it’s a corporate sponsorship like L.E.B. Electric’s, a one-time donation, or participation in a fundraising event such as DogFest—set to take place on Long Island on Sept. 13—there are countless ways to support the mission. To give or learn more, visit canine.org/ donate.
5. A bold vision for the future
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in July, Canine Companions has set a powerful goal: to become the only service dog organization to provide expertly trained dogs, free of charge, to all qualified applicants by 2028.
For veterans learning to navigate civilian life again, or for children with disabilities discovering new ways to engage with the world, these dogs are more than helpers—they’re lifelines.
Courtesy Canine Companions
Canine Companions instructor Colleen Buckley with Truffle II; Debra Dougherty, executive director of the northeast region of Canine Companions; instructor Winona Fuller with Lefty III, and William Parker, president of L.E.B. Electric
Instructor Fuller with Gonzalo.
HERALD NEIGHBORS
Residents—and the President—weigh in on LI’s mascot fight
By CAROLYN JAMES & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cjames@liherald.com cbabirad@liherald.com
Recently President Donald Trump came out in support of school districts in New York maintaining their Native American logo, saying they honored Native American Heritage. He focused on Massapequa where school board members and residents are taking the fight to court, along with Wyandanch and Wantagh School Districts.
In a decision in Albany in April 2022, the New York State Board of Regents banned school districts in New York from using Native American names, mascots, imagery or logos. Failing to do so, the state noted would place school districts at risk of losing funding for noncompliance.
Trump issued a statement on social media in support of Massapequa keeping its team logo, The Chiefs. In the comment, he called the New York State mandate “ridiculous.”
Last week, the White House posted a photo of the President holding a Massapequa Chiefs T-shirt, once again drawing attention to the issue.
The Herald went out into the communities and spoke to residents asking them what they thought of the President’s intervention in the controversy. Here’s what they had to say.
“I grew up in Massapequa and my ex-husband was Native American, and I think it’s a respect issue.”
Robert Iannucci - West
“I grew up in Massapequa and I don’t see what the big issue is. If it’s not derogatory and it’s preserving history, then it should remain; Long Island is filled with Native American history.”
Lisa Lander - Massapequa
“I’m happy he’s supporting Massapequa. I’m sure he has other things to do with his time but he’s a New Yorker and I’m glad he’s supporting The Chiefs.”
“I’m indifferent to a mascot name being changed; there are more important things in this country that haven’t been addressed.”
Veronica King - Copiague Harbor “I support the mascot staying The Chiefs.”
Babylon
Maggie Smith - Central Islip “I think that if the Native Americans find it offensive, it should be removed.”
Tessa Vecere - Bay Shore
Jenn Pannullo - Deer Park
Courtesy The White House
President Donalt Trump holds Massapequa tee shirt. He has come out against NYS’s prohibitionn of against schools using Native American logos.
