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Sgt. Denny Project
Help send a care package to our military working dogs in Afghanistan

Sergeant Denny is a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan and trained to detect explosives. His handler is a Monmouth County native whose name cannot be released for security reasons.

Much is made of the bond among soldiers, but the union between soldier and dog in a combat zone is just as tight. Handlers and canines patrol together, day after day, linked by a leash and an innate understanding of each other. These animals are brave soldiers working alongside their handlers. Together, they face the same dangers. Military dogs in Afghanistan die as a result of attacks, heat exhaustion and other causes.

Read the story of Sgt. Stubby, canine war dog hero

Fox News feature on "America's Special Operations Dogs"

Often the role of the military dog goes unrecognized. While their basic needs are met, a care package sends a message that both dog and handler are remembered for their bravery by those of us back home.

You can make a material donation of any of the items listed below, or a financial donation to help cover the shipping costs of these items:

Chitta (PEDD) receives care package

• Tennis balls (new or gently used), which are used as a training reward
  
  
• One-ingredient treats (such as freeze dried liver)
  
  
• Kong toys
  
  
• Nylabone chews and toys
  
  
• Unscented shampoo with oatmeal added to prevent dry skin
  
  
• Collapsible water bowls
  
  
• Leather leashes
  
  

Drop-off Locations

• Koch Florist, 1870 State Highway 35, Middletown, NJ 07748
• N.J. Vietnam Memorial and Education Center, 1 Memorial Lane, P.O. Box 648, Holmdel, NJ 07733
• Atlantic Farms, 1506 Atlantic Avenue, Wall, NJ 08736
• Merrill Lynch, 77 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
• VFW Post 2179, 1 Veterans Lane, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
• Red Bank Title Agency, Inc., 25 Sycamore Avenue, Suite 1, Little Silver, NJ 07739
• Stone Graphics, 5020 Industrial Road, Wall, NJ 07727
• Middletown Street Cutters Barber Shop, 883 Main Street, Belford, NJ 07718
• Jersey Jill's, 594 Park Avenue, Freehold, NJ 07728
• Central Monmouth Animal Hospital, 154 South Street, Freehold, NJ 07728

More About This Project

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund is expanding its mission of providing care and support for those serving our country and their families. The new SGT. DENNY PROJECT will provide military working dogs and their handlers with hard-to-obtain items to support the training and welfare of these canine heroes.

The new program is named for Sergeant Denny, a two year old German Shepherd stationed in Afghanistan. Sgt. Denny's handler is a Monmouth County native whose name cannot be released for security reasons. Sgt. Denny has been a military working dog for eight months and detects chemicals used in the manufacture of bombs. In addition to explosives, military dogs are trained to sniff out narcotics and track humans.

"Having a canine partner gives my son an edge in protecting other soldiers in combat and in disrupting the missions of enemy forces," says Carolyn O'Connell, the mother of Sgt. Denny's handler and also a Monmouth County resident. "Often the role of the military dog goes unrecognized. These animals are brave soldiers working along with their handlers. While their basic needs are met, a care package sends a message that both dog and handler are honored and remembered for their bravery by those of us back home."

Nearly 600 military dogs are serving today in Afghanistan. Much is made of the bond among soldiers, but the union between soldier and dog in a combat zone is just as tight. Handlers and canines patrol together, day after day, linked by a leash and an innate understanding of each other. Sometimes they sleep side by side on military cots and they face the same dangers together. Military dogs in Afghanistan die as a result of attacks, heat exhaustion and other causes.

If you love dogs and love your country, help us with the new SGT. DENNY PROJECT. Your donations will be shipped to Sgt. Denny's unit in Afghanistan as well as other canine units.