Community Corner

What's Up, Dog? Help Nonprofits Pay for a New Harness for Buggs

Buggs was a PAWS rescue who has been trained to be service dog. But he needs a special harness for the job. That's why the shelter and Boston's Gourmet Pizza in Tinley Park are teaming up Tuesday to help this canine's 'new career.'

Do you remember the story of Buggs, the dog who was adopted and returned to PAWS in Tinley Park multiple times because of his separation anxiety? 

What started as a sad story had a happy ending when Buggs received training to become a service dog thanks to the efforts of PAWS board member John Greenan, volunteer Meg Seth and Heartland Service Dogs in Mokena.

Although he hasn't been officially paired with an owner who needs a service dog, Buggs has done so well with his training that Heartland is making sure to explore all the options available to the organization, Greenan told Patch recently.

READ: Rescue Dog Learns New Tricks to Rescue Others in Need

Initially, Buggs was to be paired with a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, Greenan said. But the dog has proven to be stronger and more agile than trainers had initially thought, he said, adding Buggs could end up with a veteran dealing with mobility issues because of that. 

The biggest concern for Buggs right now is that he needs a mobility harness, which costs more than $500, Greenan said. That's why Heartland and PAWS, both nonprofit groups, are looking for help Tuesday to raise money to pay for that harness with a special event at Boston's Gourmet Pizza at Brookside Marketplace. 

Customers who show the flier attached to this article will have 10 percent their purchase go toward a harness for Buggs during the restaurant's business hours 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 23.

That day also coincides with Yappy Hour at Boston's, a joint effort between the restaurant and PAWS that lets owners and their dogs dine on the patio from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Fundraiser for Buggs


When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 22
Where: Boston's Gourmet Pizza, 7216 W. 191st St., in Brookside Marketplace, Tinley Park
What it Helps: Raise money to purchase a $532 mobility harness for Buggs, a PAWS rescue who is being trained to be a service dog.
Don't Forget: Download this flyer from this article or PAWS' website so 10 percent of your purchase will go toward Buggs' new harness. 
More Info: Go to the PAWS website for details.

Other Upcoming PAWS-Boston's Fundraisers


Dine2Donate
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday, July 30
What to Expect: Customers can help raise money for PAWS by putting 30 percent of their purchases toward the rescue shelter.
Don't Forget: You need to download this flyer from the PAWS website and bring it with you to the restaurant.
More Info: Go to the PAWS website for details.

Car and Dog Wash
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 17
What to Expect: Get your vehicle clean, as well as your dog during this event. Plus, there will be raffles and other fun. 
More Info: Go to the PAWS website for details.


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