{"id":2954,"date":"2014-12-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-12-01T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/otava.test\/coming-to-our-metro-detroit-data-center-open-house-bring-a-dog-bowl-explanation-below\/"},"modified":"2014-12-01T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2014-12-01T00:00:00","slug":"coming-to-our-metro-detroit-data-center-open-house-bring-a-dog-bowl-explanation-below","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.otava.com\/blog\/coming-to-our-metro-detroit-data-center-open-house-bring-a-dog-bowl-explanation-below\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming to our Metro Detroit Data Center open house? Bring a dog bowl. (Explanation below)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you planning to attend the open house celebration at our new Metro Detroit Data Center <\/a>on Tuesday?<\/p>\n

If not, there\u2019s still time to register<\/a>. We\u2019d love to see you there.<\/p>\n

If so, we have a favor to ask: Bring a leash. Or a dog bed. Or some flea and tick preventative.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>No, we\u2019re not supplementing our data center business with a doggy daycare. We\u2019ve teamed up with the southeast Michigan chapter of Pets for Vets <\/a>and are collecting supplies and monetary donations for the very worthy cause.<\/p>\n

Laurie Carr is the director of the chapter, which started as a state-wide organization in 2011 before narrowing its focus this fall. (Another chapter remains focused on the west side of the state.)<\/p>\n

She said the organization\u2019s mission is two-fold: 1) To show military veterans a debt of gratitude by matching them with an ideal companion pet that can help heal emotional wounds, and 2) To give shelter dogs a second chance at health and happiness.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how it works: Interested veterans complete an application on the national organization\u2019s website. Those from southeastern Michigan go to Carr, who completes an in-depth interview and home inspection that helps define what kind of dog would best complement the veteran.<\/p>\n

At that point, Carr and her three certified dog trainers start searching dog shelters for the ideal dog. Once found, the dogs undergo rewards-based training for between three to eight weeks before being given to the veteran at no cost.<\/p>\n

Along with a new companion, the veteran receives a dog owner start-up package. That\u2019s why we\u2019re looking for donations of the following:
\n\u2022 Six-foot nylon leashes
\n\u2022 Nylon collar with a clip
\n\u2022 EZ Walk Harness
\n\u2022 Frontline Flea\/Tick Preventative
\n\u2022 Stainless steel dog bowls with a rubber base
\n\u2022 Small, medium and large dog beds
\n\u2022 Small, medium and large dog crates
\n\u2022 Dog treats
\n\u2022 Dog toys
\n\u2022 Dog shampoo<\/p>\n

Carr said monetary donations to help cover the cost of the organization\u2019s overhead are also welcome.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a quick look at what Pets for Vets offers our military veterans and shelter dogs:<\/p>\n