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Mark Ferri, veteran and Vance County Animal Shelter volunteer, appeared on WIZS’ Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Ferri announced that a “Paws, Tails and Boots” Veterans Dog Walk will be held at the Vance County Animal Shelter, 1243 Brodie Rd. in Henderson, on Saturday, September 26, 2020, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Founded by Ferri in 2016, the program raises awareness of the mental health issues faced by veterans and first responders.

“When you have somebody who is stressed out and nervous with a lot of anxiety, sometimes that can be subdued by other means,” said Ferri. “One of them is interacting with an animal who is also stressed out or depressed, and somehow it works out where you both heal each other.”

The public is welcome, with veterans, first responders and their families strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will walk and interact with selected shelter dogs in an effort to provide companionship and trust-building activities.

Service animals are welcome; however, participants are asked to leave other pets at home.

Ferri said he enjoys the camaraderie of these events. “It has been a pleasure to work with these animals and talk to veterans and first responders. These men and women are out there doing a great job, working and doing their day-to-day thing. If they can get a little helping hand from time to time, it’s a good thing.”

For more information on the Vance County Animal Shelter and its services, please visit www.vancecountyanimalshelter.com.

To hear the interview in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

(Photos courtesy Mark Ferri)