Support, One Beagle at a Time
Support, One Beagle at a Time
Muleskinnerz Beagles and WNY Heroes team up to assist veterans
Few understand the effect a dog can have as much as Don and Jen Kramer. As owners and operators of Muleskinnerz Beagles, the Kramers combine a passion for breeding beagles with helping as many local veterans as they can. Over the past few years, the difference they’ve made is substantial.
The importance of giving our returning heroes a way to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cannot be understated. According to a report from the Costs of War Project at Brown University, over 30,000 veterans have died from suicide since September 11th - compared to the 7,057 perishing in combat. It’s apparent that as a society, helping our veterans needs to be at the forefront.
The Kramers are answering the call. On Saturday, August 28th, they’ll host a “Beagle Bash” — utilizing a silent auction and other fundraisers to continue raising money to help veterans in any way they can.
“We’re creating a 15-month calendar of all the dogs we’ve had and selling them for $25, where all proceeds will go towards our goals,” Jen said. “We’re serving veterans one beagle at a time.”
Last year, Muleskinnerz hosted a rabbit hunt, teaming up with Buffalo-based Western New York Heroes, a not-for-profit that assists veterans and their families. They were able to take 23 veterans on the hunting excursion, spearheaded by Don - Jen’s husband, a veteran himself - to provide a sense of community.
“We were able to raise enough money, with help from WNY Heroes, to invest in an action track chair that we now own,” Jen said. “It’s a wheelchair with tank treads, which allows disabled vets the opportunity to participate in the hunt. We provide each one with Dry Shods (a knee-high muck boot), hunting equipment, shotguns and all of the necessary tools to provide an unforgettable day. Most of the equipment is theirs to keep after the hunt is over.”
Since that day, Don traveled to the local MVO - Military Veterans Outdoors - to lead a hunt, as well as one in Massachusetts. Don has also taken numerous veterans trapping. The Kramers are using first-hand experience to provide an experience other veterans might not necessarily be able to do on their own.
“To date, we’ve taken out 64 veterans,” Jen said. “And this year we’re bumping the number from 23 to 30. It’s just an outstanding day, one that’s been well received.”
The Kramers have also donated seven beagles to veterans as emotional support dogs. (Writer’s note: the Timkeys are a beagle family - Harley, Shamus, Buster, Chief, Douglas and Lincoln - and there is no breed better at unconditional love.)
“It’s beagles, the love of the dog, the unconditional love for everyone and one another that drives us,” Jen said. “John 15:13: ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,’ and we take that to heart.”
This summer, the Kramers and WNY Heroes have also provided food boxes to any veteran - no questions asked. Setting up shop at the Great Valley Methodist Church, they’ve distributed boxes to vets and will continue to do so throughout the summer. WNY Heroes will provide Muleskinnerz with an additional veteran food box distribution on Sunday, July 18th from noon-2:00pm.
“A very special thanks to the Great Valley Methodist Church, WNY Heroes, our fellow beaglers at Enchanted Mountain Beagle Club out of Olean and all of our active and former military personnel,” Jen said. “Without them - without the community - what do you have?”
If you’re looking for ways to help, you can contact Muleskinnerz at their Facebook or Instagram page, or WNY Heroes at www.wnyheroes.org. If you’re a local land or farm owner and would consider allowing Don to lead hunts on your property, please contact Muleskinnerz.
