One of the least covered but most affecting portions of Healdsburg City Council meetings is often the issuance of Proclamations, just after the Pledge of Allegiance. Last Tuesday, Sept. 2, a city employee gave several minutes to thank Canine Companions in recognition of National Service Dog Month. Benjamin Veith, who described himself as a veteran with PTSD, appeared with his dog Mateo, his companion for over 10 years.
“One of the first things I learned about him is that he likes treats. I also like treats,” declared Veith as he told their story to the council. “The second thing I learned about Mateo is he was able to save my life.”
Just a few days later, Veith and Mateo showed up at Garrett Hardware for a Saturday morning celebration recognizing 50 years of service by the local exemplar of service dogs in the field, Canine Companions. The two Garrett stores, in Healdsburg and Windsor, are supporting Canine Companions throughout the month of September. They hosted a modest “puppy party” and pizza roast for local participants and supporters of Canine Companions on Sept. 6.
Among those on hand was Paige Mazzoni, since 2018 the CEO of the organization. “We actually invented the concept of the modern service dog. There were only guide dogs before us,” she said. “We provide service dogs that help people with over 65 disabilities, including hearing loss, PTSD for veterans, all kinds of mobility and neurological disabilities, and autism for kids.”…