WDRV's Give a Vet a Pet Campaign Raises Over $113K

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, March 3, 2025

''Give a Vet a Pet''

WDRV (97.1 The Drive)/Chicago and its morning hosts, Sherman & Tingle, have concluded their eighth annual "Give a Vet a Pet" campaign, raising $113,164 to provide service dogs for veterans coping with PTSD. The funds, raised in partnership with the American Veterans Service Dog Academy (AVSDA), will cover the cost of pairing seven veterans with highly trained service dogs, each costing $15,000 for training, care, and ongoing support.

Sherman & Tingle said, "Another year, another incredible show of support from Driver Nation! Our listeners continue to prove their dedication to empowering Chicago-area veterans. This overwhelming generosity not only helps our service men and women navigate the challenges of PTSD but also strengthens organizations like AVSDA, allowing them to make an even greater impact. We are beyond grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible."

AVSDA Program Director Eric Carlson also highlighted the significance of this long-running partnership. "2025 marks AVSDA's 12th year, and for eight of those years, we've been fortunate to partner with Sherman & Tingle, The Drive, and Hubbard Radio Chicago. Through their platform, we've connected with incredible people, businesses, and charitable organizations-each playing a vital role in continuing our mission of saving veterans, one dog at a time," Carlson stated.

He also acknowledged the key supporters who have made the program possible. "If not for Sherman & Tingle and 'Give a Vet a Pet', we wouldn't have had the privilege of meeting key supporters like Mike Randell of the Irving and Phyllis Millstein Foundation, the J. Edward Mahoney Foundation, and the amazing veterans at the McHenry VFW. Thanks to them-and to the dedicated listeners of Driver Nation-we're able to keep going, changing, and saving lives."

The American Veterans Service Dog Academy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to pairing and training service dogs for veterans struggling with PTSD. Their work provides not just trained service animals but also life-changing companionship, helping veterans regain confidence, independence, and emotional stability.