Meet Sarah and Bob Zagaja
Sarah and Bob Zagaja, together with their three children have been volunteering with America’s Vet Dog (AVD) and its sister organization, the Guide Dog Foundation (GDF) since 2011. They have raised several pups and provided a home to two breeder dogs. Sarah shared that in 2009, her family lost their home in a devastating fire but the generous outpouring of support and empathy from their community following the fire was life-changing. “We were profoundly changed by the kindness that came pouring in, to such a degree that when we were back on our feet again we were driven to pay the kindness forward.” After some research they decided to put their efforts into helping others by raising life-changing guide and service dogs.
“Puppy-raising has brought us so much joy and fulfillment that I decided to write a children’s picture book about the first puppy we raised for GDF entitled, ‘Raising Betty’.” Betty just recently retired from guiding her wonderful person across many miles in New York City. Sarah hopes that her book will inspire others to get involved and volunteer.
At home, Sarah and Bob have one dog, named Fenway. Fenway was an AVD dog who was slated to go to a veteran struggling with PTSD but had a change-of-career and is now bringing joy to all she meets as a certified therapy dog.
“We are HUGE Mets fans and we are beyond excited to start this new journey with the MetsVetDog 3.0. We are honored to be raising the third dog sponsored by the Amazing Mets Foundation and look forward to making new friendships with all of MetsVetDog 3.0’s new fans. Each puppy we have raised has their own story to tell and we can’t wait to learn MetsVetDog 3.0’s story! Hopefully this cute guy will raise awareness of these life-changing heroes and the important jobs they perform.