Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs to Host Pawtumn Bark-A-Que Fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

NORTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, PA. – Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs to Host Pawtumn Bark-A-Que Fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026

Washington County event will feature a fall-themed pig roast, live music, and community support for medical service dogs.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will host its Pawtumn Bark-A-Que fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Quail Acres Pavilion in North Strabane Park in North Strabane Township to support the training and pairing of medical service dogs with veterans, first responders and civilians living with permanent disabilities.

With a $25 admission fee, guests can enjoy a day full of fall fun, which includes a Cheplic’s Pig Roast meal with sides, exclusive GAMSD swag*, live music by The Next, a pumpkin to decorate, and unlimited playground access. *The first 100 tickets purchased will also receive an exclusive Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs hat, generously provided by GSJJ. Hats are available for local pickup only. Beer and wine will be available for purchase during the event. All proceeds benefit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

The Pawtumn Bark-A-Que will also feature Chad Tyson of 102.5 WDVE as emcee to kick off the festivities.

“This is more than a fundraiser; it is a chance for the community to come together around a mission that changes lives every day,” said Brian DeLong, regional coordinator for Pittsburgh at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. “When people attend, sponsor or share this event, they are helping make it possible for more veterans, first responders and civilians with permanent disabilities to be paired with highly trained medical service dogs.”

The Washington County fundraiser will give families, local businesses, community members and supporters a way to contribute to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ work while learning more about the role medical service dogs can play in daily life. Proceeds will support the nonprofit’s continued work to train and pair medical service dogs with qualified recipients.

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs works with individuals living with permanent disabilities who may benefit from the support of a highly trained service dog. For many recipients, a medical service dog can assist with specific tasks while also helping support independence, confidence, and connection.

“We want people to come out, enjoy the day, and leave with a deeper understanding of what these dogs make possible,” said Rachel Gochenour, development coordinator for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. “Community support helps us continue this mission and reminds recipients that they are not walking this journey alone.”

Community members, local businesses, and organizations are invited to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, donate raffle items, and take part in the Pawtumn Bark-A-Que. Additional information is available at https://www.medicalservicedogs.org/.

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Carol Borden

The Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., Carol Borden, titled her first dog at the age of ten. Mrs. Borden has logged nearly 60 years training dogs in multiple disciplines, from competition to training a dog for a movie, to training the #1 Service Dog in the US, which was the first service dog to ever become the Top American Dog Hero winning over all categories of working dogs in the United States. She started the non-profit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs organization in 2010.

Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.

She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.