Last month, animal welfare nonprofit American Humane hosted an event featuring its Shelter to Service program at the Phoenix Park Hotel. The gathering raised funds for the program, which rescues shelter dogs to be used as service animals for wounded veterans, billing itself as “saving lives on both ends of the leash.” Snapped making a whiskey cocktail — the theme of the event was "Holiday Cocktails and Songs of the Season" — former Congressman Bob Livingston, member of the Irish Tenors Anthony Kearns and Ireland Ambassador Dan Mulhall.

At the event, veterans spoke about the impact the program has had on their lives as they recover from their injuries and reintegrate into civilian life. Lt. Col. Don Makay, who commands the First Battalion 69th Infantry regiment, led the attendees in the "Regiment Toast" of donated private label whiskey and champagne. Here, Makay joins American Humane's Qin Sun and Mark Stubis.