Special wedding ceremony held for pair of service dogs in Smithtown

The wedding symbolizes the life-saving role service dogs play in assisting veterans
Friday, September 19, 2025
SMITHTOWN, Long Island (WABC) -- Congratulations are in order for two service dogs on Long Island who got married.

Paws of War and Operation VEST hosted a special wedding ceremony at Smithtown Landing on Friday, for two pooches named Storm and Tucker.

Tucker, the groom, is a Mini Australian Shepherd, and the Storm, the bride, is a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix.

Over 100 people and more than 20 service dogs attended.

The ceremony celebrated the unique bond between the animals and their handlers, Stefan Hespeler and Michael Sweeney, and symbolizes the life-saving role service dogs play when assisting their veteran owners, particularly veterans struggling with PTSD.



It's especially important in September, which is Suicide Prevention Month.

You can learn more about Paws of War on their website. And for more information about Operation VEST go to www.operationvest.org.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.



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