The first-ever Yappy Hour for Heartland Service Dogs was a startling success.
Actually, it was a 3-hour-long event Tuesday at Boston's Gourmet Pizza, 7216 W. 191st St. in Tinley Park. The restaurant gave up its outside patio as space for the fundraiser for PAWS and Heartland Service Dogs, 11315 192nd St. in Mokena.
This particular fundraiser was organized to net enough money to buy a special training harness for Buggs, the shelter-dog-turned-service-dog. The special harness costs $532.
Read: What's Up, Dog? Help Nonprofits Pay for a New Harness for Buggs
Linda Fox, director of Heartland Services, greeted guests and their canines with a wide smile and a tender hand. She chatted with more than 100 guests looking to help out the service dog program. Boston's Restaurant donated 10 percent from each fundraiser participant's meal.
Buggs' trainer, John Greenan, is on the board for PAWS. He is volunteering his time with Heartland Services to train Buggs for his new career.
Greenan said he appreciates all the support he has received.
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