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   You’re warmly invited to join me for a special fundraising dinner at Hackensack’s Union Congregational Church (UCC) on Friday, May 23, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. This dinner is being held to help cover the overwhelming medical expenses my Dads are facing following my recent, unexpected surgery. None of us saw this coming, and we were all deeply shaken when I was diagnosed with cancer. After careful evaluation, the doctors determined that amputation of my front left leg was our only option.

   Hi, my name is Knight, and I am 10 years old. I don’t think I’m a pure-bred German Shepard, but that’s what most people think I am. I was rescued in Ottertail County, went into foster care until the age of one when I was given to the Patriot Assistance Dogs, a 501(c)(3) organization in Detroit Lakes. There, I went through six months of training and graduated as a Service Dog. It was an amazing experience, and I was excited about being placed with a Vietnam Veteran that needed my assistance. Finally, my placement day arrived, and I chose Richard.

For the past 8 1/2 years, I have lived with my two Dads, Richard Vanden-Eykel and Gunder Austin. Richard needed me for PTSD, and I work as his mobility aide. I’ve come to realize just how important my role is—and how much my humans truly rely on me. It’s a true honor to stand by Richard’s side and support him—especially after all he’s done for our country through his service in the U.S. Army.

   My Dads and I attend Union Congregational Church in Hackensack every Sunday, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the week. I always look forward to the love and attention I get from our church family. When I had to undergo surgery, the entire congregation was so supportive—everyone was deeply concerned, and many prayers were offered on my behalf. Just two weeks after the surgery, on Mother’s Day, I made my return to UCC. The warm welcome I received was overwhelming—everyone was thrilled to see me and couldn’t believe how well I was doing. Each day, I’m getting stronger. I’ve learned to hop around just fine—and yes, I can even jump up on the bed again!

   You may have seen me in the red convertible with my Dads leading the Hackensack Pet Parade during Sweetheart Days.  Hopefully, we can do it again this year on Tuesday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Hackensack.

   We would be so grateful for your support during this challenging time—and we hope to see you there for a delicious meal of hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans. I’m sure there will be lots of dessert. Plus doggie biscuits. My favorite!

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