Paws of War holds third annual 5K

Community Events Paws of War holds third annual 5K By Vivian Rose … Comments Posted on October 27, 2026 A service dog participated in the organization’s third annual 5K. Provided by Paws of War Paws of War held its third annual Paws for Freedom 5K and walk, raising $30,000 for service dogs, companion animals and veterans.  The nonprofit was founded nearly 12 years ago, but its annual 5K is now in its third year. The event was hosted by the Knights of Columbus’ Sunrise Council 6607 at Heckscher State Park in East Islip Saturday, Oct. 24 and honored heroes, dogs and freedom. Volunteers Hope and Donna stand with Riley the dog, and members of the Knights of Columbus 6607, Ray, Meyer and David, along with volunteer Heather. (Provided by Paws of War) Robert Misseri, president and co-founder of the nonprofit, said the organization raised nearly $17,000 last year during its last 5K and said he hoped the event would double that amount this year.  “Every single penny goes to providing animal services for our veterans, whether it’s for the placement of a service dog, medical or training,” Misseri said. “Every single cent.” Pups participated in the 5K. (Provided by Paws of War) Paws of War dedicates its time to pairing veterans with dogs either to serve as a service dog or as a companion. He said that placing a dog with a veteran can cost $5,000 or more and that the cost depends on the services the organization provides, which include service dog training and veterinary care.  Misseri said the most popular service is pairing a veteran with a companion dog, which he said has been a large part of this year. Members of the Knights of Columbus Sunrise Council 6607, which hosted the Paws of War 5K. (Provided by Paws of War) “We’ve been placing a lot of companion dogs with our veterans,” Misseri said. “Those are veterans that may not necessarily need a service dog but need a really good buddy.” The nonprofit was co-founded by Misseri and Dori Scofield and supports veterans and their dogs throughout the year. Misseri said the organization’s next event is the Knight to Remember Gala, which will be held at Watermill Caterers in Smithtown on Nov. 11.  For more scene & seen event photos, click here. About the Author Conversations Profile All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Schneps Media does not endorse the views shared by readers in our comment sections. Today, noon CancerCare Community Table Connetquot Public Library Today, 2:30 pm Afternoon Poetry Club: Halloween Poetry Connetquot Public Library Today, 4 pm French with Cecile Hampton Library Today, 5 pm Fall Health Reset: A Community Workshop with Peggy Kraus Southampton Arts Center Today, all day Belmont Park Village’s October Halloween Celebrations Belmont Park Village Today, 7 pm Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse The Gateway Playhouse Today, 7:30 pm Long Island Harmonizers Chorus Welcoming New Members Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave Dan’s Papers Jennifer Lopez Rumored to Be Dating ‘Ted Lasso’ Star Brett Goldstein amNY MTA officials say Queens Bus Network redesign made ‘The World’s Borough’ buses faster, more reliable Noticia El puertorriqueño Francisco Lindor gana el Premio Roberto Clemente 2026 Behind the Hedges California-Inspired Cottage Asks $2.849M in Sag Harbor