(ROCHESTER, NY) – As part of its Vets With Pets program, Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) is hosting a tree-planting ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10th, at VOC – 447 South Ave., Rochester – to remember and honor the beloved pets and faithful companions of our veterans that have passed away. This event coincides with World Pet Memorial Day, which falls on the second Tuesday in June every year.

“We know that pets play a huge role in the lives of our veterans,” Veterans Outreach Center Executive Director and U.S. Army Veteran Laura Heltz said. “In addition to providing comfort, they give purpose and routine that some veterans feel like they lose after separating from the military. For more active pets, it gets people outside and moving, which has been shown to benefit mental health. So, when someone loses a pet, it hits hard and is no different than losing a close family member. This ceremony is our way of showing our veterans that they’re not alone if they’re facing the loss of a pet.”

The ceremony will be led by Pastor Leeann Kaiser of Light & Leash Ministries and her assisted pet therapy dog, Pastor Stewy.

Note: This is not a religious event, and we invite veterans and community members of all faiths and beliefs to join us.

Founded in 1973 by returning Vietnam veterans, Veterans Outreach Center is the nation’s oldest community-based non-profit dedicated to serving veterans and their families. VOC provides a comprehensive portfolio of free resources designed to build veteran success, including workforce development, residential services, legal support, wellness programs, and more. Our mission is to serve veterans with compassion and advocate for all who have worn our nation’s uniform so they can RISE and live life to the fullest. For more information, visit www.vocroc.org or call 585.546.1081.

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