When Katie Sell’s mom challenged her to do something nice for someone else on her 12th birthday, Katie decided to donate all of her presents to Big Paws. Inspired by her generosity, other individuals and organizations have sent donations to help Big Paws train service dogs and match them to a veteran who needs them.
“The capabilities are kind of endless when it comes to the dogs. They can learn so many skills and the vets have so many needs that it works really well,” said Katie’s mother Julie Sell.
Many veterans attended Friday’s event in Brookings, including those who have benefited from Big Paws.
“I lost the use of my legs due to a stroke because of COPD,” said veteran Ricky Crudden, who was accompanied by his dog Tracer, “he saved my life. He woke me up in the middle of the night.”
Now, because of this Deubrook sixth grader’s kind heart, more veterans will have a four-legged best friend of their very own.
“It gives me a good, tingly feeling inside because I know I’m helping a lot of people,” said Katie Sell.
Katie got to see the joy of receiving a dog firsthand, one vet attending the party was surprised with the service dog he’d been waiting for.