Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The dogs at Blue Star Service Dogs have a new bath.

Parker Hagle, a freshman at Pinckney High School and President of the Michigan Society Children of the American Revolution for 2024-25, selected the organization for her “Restoring Hope” State Project. Restoring Hope is the theme for MSCAR in 2024-25.

Her team was made up of her, Jeff and Tim.

Blue Star Service Dogs, based in Pinckney, pairs service dogs with first responders and veterans living with PTSD, TBI and other “service-related challenges” at no cost. The dogs are rescued from local shelters and trained to allow them to work with the person they are paired with.

Dogs are trained by inmates through the organization’s prison training program. Officials said the program “provides the dogs with structured, consistent training in a rehabilitative environment." Once a veteran or first responder is paired with a dog, there is a full year of training together to ensure they are able to work as a team.

Over $21,000 was raised to purchase and install the new dog washing station.

According to a press release, Hagle chose the organization because of her “deep passion for dogs and strong desire to support veterans.”

“This project means a lot to me,” Hagle said. “I chose Blue Star Service Dogs because they not only rescue dogs from local shelters but also give hope and support to veterans through the power of these animals. I hope this inspires others to join me in restoring hope to those who served.”

The new dog washing station increases Blue Star Service Dogs’ ability to care for and maintain the hygiene of their dogs during training and placement.

Hagle said she would like more Michigan Societies within Children of the American Revolution to learn more about the “vital role” service dogs have in the lives of veterans, and to get involved in similar projects.

More information about Blue Star Service Dogs and MSCAR can be found below.