MICHAEL H. LONG, II

5/2/68 - 10/27/22

 

We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from so many people whose lives were touched by Mike.  Thank you to everyone who has posted a story on Facebook, sent a kind note, called and/or sent text messages since Mike's death.

 

Mike's passion for helping Veterans who suffered from PTSD, just as he did, was legendary!  Mike benefitted greatly from having a service dog and he was constantly sharing his knowledge for all those who crossed his path - sometimes that information was welcomed, and sometimes it wasn't... Nonetheless, he kept us laughing with his stories of the adventures he had as he was out and about each day.

 

Because of Mike's passion for Service Dogs trained for Veterans, we would like to sponsor a Service Dog for a Veteran in need.  Please consider a gift in his honor to help further the cause he held dear to his heart - there are so many Veterans in need of the support only a service dog can provide.

 

Through K9s For Warriors' program, once funds are raised to sponsor the Service Dog, we get to name the dog and once in K9s' kennel, the training begins and we are updated on the progress throughout training and pairing with the Warrior plus invite and acknowlegement at the graduation ceremony. While that seems rather simple and straightforward, the process to do so is extensive. Hundreds of hours of training are required - not to mention the expense for the cost of food, veternary care and the three week in-house class each Veteran is required to attend to learn how to utlize their Service Dog before graduating.  

 

Each Service Dog Mike trained was named based on the selfless life of each animal and Mike was well known for his creative naming conventions.  His passion for Game of Thrones, and most recently House of Dragons is legendary.  

 

You may or may not know that Jon Snow was winding down his career.  As such, Mike was looking to train his newest companion and true to form, had the perfect name picked out - Daemon!  Please know Jon Snow is acclimating just fine to life as a retired Service Dog.  He enjoys laying in the grass and watching the world go by.  

 

As part of sponsoring a Service Dog through K9s For Warriors, we are able to name the dog we sponsor. We cannot think of a better way to honor the impact Mike had on so many people's lives than to carry forward his legacy and train Daemon in his honor.

 

Donations can be made by clicking the "Donate to Event" tab and entering the payment information, through the Event QR Code, or by sending a check (please make sure to reference Mike's event) to:

 

K9s For Warriors

Attn: Steph Vogt

114 Camp K9 Road

Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081