Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

A 'passing of the leash' ceremony is planned at Brighton's American Spirit Center Friday afternoon to donate a new service dog to a local Army veteran.

It's hosted by American Legion Post 235 and local chapter of Veterans Treatment Assistance Corps.

"She is a disabled Army veteran. She did have a service dog, and she lost the dog. So, we're going to donate a replacement for that dog," said VTAC's Mike Cunningham.

"The dog's name is 'River' and he is a Bernedoodle. The trainer is a Vietnam veteran himself and he's paying it forward by donating the free training of the dog."

The trainers are Rodger and Linda Waller.

Friday's ceremony begins at 2 pm.