From Canvas to Canines, Veterans Gallery Gives Back For many people, art is a way to express creativity. At the Veterans Art Gallery, it has become something even greater – a path toward healing, connection, and recovery for those who have served our country in the military or as first responders. Now, the gallery is taking that mission one step further with a community fundraiser to provide a fully trained service dog to a veteran living with PTSD. The goal is to raise $30,000, enough to provide not only the dog, but also the specialized training, veterinary care and certification needed to prepare the dog for its new role. James Agesen, owner of the Veterans Art Gallery, says, “We’re going to try to do it once a year.” The dogs are trained through Ballistic Canine, a company that specializes in service dogs for veterans. James explains that while training a service dog can cost as much as $50,000, Ballistic Canine has provided a significant discount to help make the Veterans Art Gallery program possible. Unlike traditional obedience training, each dog is trained specifically for the veteran who will receive it. Over the course of two years, the veteran and puppy work together, building a bond while progressing through increasingly advanced training. Depending on the veteran’s needs, the dog may learn to interrupt anxiety, wake its owner from nightmares or, before it escalates, recognize the signs of an impending PTSD episode. “The dog is trained specifically to what that particular veteran needs,” James explains. The fundraiser is especially meaningful because James knows firsthand the difference a service dog can make. His own dog is currently completing its training and has already had a profound impact on his life. “It’s given me companionship,” he says. “It’s given me a reason to get up and go. It can read my anxiety now. It comes over and settles me down or distracts me enough to get me out of that funk.” James believes that same opportunity should be available to more veterans, regardless of their financial situation. “My dog was publicly donated too,” he said. “I want to give back. It’s paying it forward. There are a lot of people who need service dogs who, because of the cost, just can’t get them.” Community members can support the campaign by making a donation through the gallery’s website or by scanning the fundraising QR code featured here. Simply visiting the gallery
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also helps. Sixty percent of every artwork sale goes directly to the artist, while the remaining forty percent supports the gallery’s programs and community initiatives. Profits from merchandise sold in the gift shop are also reinvested into those programs. Now, with the community’s support, the gallery hopes to help another veteran find healing, one paw at a time. RUSH HELLOS
The Veterans Art Gallery is located in Port Stanley and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Whether you make a dona- tion, purchase a piece of artwork or simply stop in to learn more, every visit helps support veterans on their journey toward recovery. $25 added value
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Port Stanley Villager • September 2026 • Page 3
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