IOWA COUNTY, Iowa (KCRG) – Amanda Wiebold’s idea to support veterans while rescuing pets has been in the works for years, but she says it all came together in one day.

“It was a chaotic 24 hours with all the pieces working together,” Wiebold said. “I always thought how great it would be if we could use the money from that $5,000 to pay for an Iowa County veteran’s service dog.”

Wiebold serves as vice president of the Foreign Affairs Veterans Auxiliary and is a long-time volunteer at Safe Haven in Iowa County.

He said his mission became a reality when Colt, a puppy from Safe Haven, qualified to become a service dog.

“He trains the puppy for four to eight weeks, and once that training is completed, he will begin his PTSD and therapy training,” Wiebold said. “After that, he will partner with an experienced player.”

She said this was all possible thanks to a 5K fundraiser she helped start called ‘Support the Vet, Save the Pet’.

He said he wanted to help other veterans after seeing firsthand the impact adopting a pet can have on a veteran.

“I am married to a veteran, and I can see the challenges many of our veterans experience returning home from overseas,” Wiebold said. “An animal changes a person’s quality of life.”

Wiebold said the community has rallied behind its mission and stepped in to support the 5K, which has raised over $14,700 so far.

He said he’s received more support than he ever imagined and is already planning to expand the program next year.

“We have one service dog this year. My goal next year is two,” Wiebold said. “I just want to get bigger, anything is possible.”

If you would like to register for the 5K on November 9, you can go to: supportavetsaveapet5k.ludus.com/

Copyright 2024 KCRG. All rights reserved.