The Berrien County Veterans Services office has presented another support animal to a local veteran, thanks to the backing of a community donor.
Back in March, the office handed off the first service dog to take part in the new program, and at Thursday’s meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, Veterans Services Director Maureen Adams introduced K9 Hershey and his new owner, Matt Poore of Coloma, the second pair to be teamed up through the program.
Poore is a Marine veteran who served from 2019 to 2024 and told commissioners he and Hershey are getting along well.
“He’s been an amazing dog so far and already has been able to kind of get me to snap out of my PTSD attacks,” Poore said. “He’s already blended well into the household.”
And we now know who the previously-anonymous donor supporting the program is. Adams introduced commissioners to Judy Felland, whose generosity has made the program possible.
“Judy came in just kind of wandered in the office one day probably back in December,” Adams said. “Having a heart for veterans, she was looking for a way to support and the dog project really spoke to her.”
Felland has supported several projects around the St. Joseph community over the years.
Poore and Hershey were presented with certificates proving they’ve completed their training with K9 Warriors at Thursday’s meeting, with Commissioner Teri Freehling wishing Poore all of the best with his new friend Hershey.
