April 19, 2024
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Zero 4 Heroes aims to provide dogs to veterans with PTSD

Organizer gives presentation during Marseilles City Council meeting

By Michael Urbanec
Chance receives pets from Elgin Police explorers during a police therapy dog training session at the Elgin Police Department on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 in Elgin. Chance, a 5 month old pure bred Golden Retriever in the Elgin Police Department's K-9 therapy dog program under Commander Eric Echevarria, is in the beginning stages of his training as a therapy dog with primary handler officer Craig Arnold and secondary handler officer Linda Williamson.

Veterans, first responders and those on the front lines often see events that stick with them forever in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, and Chuck Wood aims to help these heroes treat PTSD with the aid of dogs. (Matthew Apgar)

Veterans, first responders and those on the front lines often see events that stick with them forever in the form of post-traumatic stress disorder, and Chuck Wood aims to help these heroes treat PTSD with the aid of dogs.

Wood attended the Marseilles City Council meeting to discuss Zero 4 Heroes, his charity that provides golden retrievers for those suffering with mild PTSD, along with the first two years worth of food and veterinary costs.

“All of our heroes, whether serving throughout the world or responding to emergencies 24 hours, seven days per week deserve our utmost respect and support,” Wood said. “The organization is honored and humbled to offer this service to as many qualified heroes as possible.”

Wood said there’s an extensive application process to qualify, but the organization’s goal is to provide as much aid to veterans as possible.

Zero 4 Heroes runs completely off donations, which can be made via venmo@zero4heroes, by mailing a check to P.O. Box 221, Marseilles, IL 61341, or by going to the organization’s GoFundMe page.