A local pet salon and animal rescue is fundraising for an organization that aims to support veterans and rescue pets in the process.

Heather Carter, owner of FairyTails Pet Spaw located at 6049 Lexington Road, said her pet salon will offer pet portraits with a patriotic theme. The photos will be taken for the fundraiser Nov. 8 through Nov. 11, and will cost $10

All proceeds will go to K9s for Warriors, a program dedicated to pairing service canines with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma as a result of service post-9/11.

“The unfortunate, staggering fact is every day, 22 veterans returning from combat take their lives,” Rory Diamon, executive director at K9s for Warriors, said. “The K9s for Warriors training program not only provides our soldiers with a live-saving gift, but it is also an opportunity for peer-to-loser support with other servicemen and women who suffer from similar issues.”

K9s for Warriors was founded in 2011 by Shari Duval with the goal of “giving a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes, empowering warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.”

According to the K9s for Warriors website, “Warriors come from all over the country to attend a three-week in-house program at no cost to them. Our service dogs, the majority of which are rescues, are also trained by our staff of dog trainers.”

Warriors are introduced their pre-trained service dog during the camp, begin bonding and train daily together.

“Many of our warriors come here on multi medications and are eventually able to minimize their medication intake or eliminate them completely,” the site said.

Carter said her business was particularly interested in helping this charity because it honors veterans and saves animals’ lives in the process.

“We are so excited to help play a small part in honoring veterans,” she said. “The reason we chose this group is because we rescue, foster and adopt animals in need. This group has rescued 748 dogs and paired them with warriors in need.”

For more information about K9s for Warriors, visit k9sforwarriors.org.

To register for Carter’s fundraising event, call FairyTails Pet Spaw at 744-7729.