Meet the Hero Pups Hoping to Win the N.Y. Dog Film Festival's First 'Service Dog Salute' Honor

Mar. 15, 2025

A scene from “The Wingman”.Photo:Courtesy Purina Dog Chow

Courtesy Purina Dog Chow

Red carpet season has gone to the dogs, which is precisely whatthe N.Y. Dog Film Festivalwants.

The beloved event partnered with Purina Dog Chow this year to present the festival’s first “Service Dog Salute” category. This new category features short films telling the real-life stories of PTSD service dogs and the veterans they assist and adore.

Purina Dog Chow and the N.Y. Dog Film Festival hope that spotlighting these stories will raise awareness and support forPTSD service dogsso that more veterans can benefit from a service animal.

The N.Y. Dog Film Festival has chosen three finalists for the Service Dog Salute category, which Purina Dog Chow first announced in March. The winner, set to be announced on Oct. 24, will receive a $5,000 cash prize. The two other finalists will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. All three finalist films will be shown in U.S. theaters throughout 2025 as part of the New York Dog Film Festival’s annual film tour.

PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the three films vying for the Service Dog Salute win. Watch the clips below to learn more about the impressive impact PTSD service dogs have on the lives of veterans and their families.

This film introduces viewers to Carol Salveson, the mother of a veteran who suffered a devastating loss. In response, Salveson has dedicated her life to training more service dogs for veterans.

The Wingmanexplores the profound relationship between retired Air Force General Scott Wiggins and his service dog Bear, who helped the decorated veteran process years of struggles with PTSD.

To Comfort & ServeRon & Amy Schmidt

To Comfort & Serveis an intimate look at the positive change PTSD service dogs bring to veterans.The film features Michelle LeBlanc, a veteran and PTSD service dog owner who started a nonprofit dedicated to training service dogs for veterans.

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After the N.Y. Dog Film Festival announces the winner of its Service Dog Salute category on Oct. 24, each view of the winning film through Veterans Day (Nov. 11, 2024) will trigger a $5 donation from Dog Chow to the Association of Service Dog Providers, a coalition of nonprofit service dog providers.

source: people.com