Canine Companions hosted its DogFest Saturday morning in Massapequa Park.

The organization raises money to help veterans who need a service dog.

Air Force veteran Michael Brennan told News 12 he was having trouble acclimating back to normal life, until Canine Companions gifted him Claudio. He said his new furry friend changed his life forever.

"You get to a point where you don't want to go out because you're scared that you're going to embarrass yourself. So, he has made it to where I'm able to start re-integrating and socializing with people, so the future just looks like nothing but uphill from here," Brennan said.

Canine Companions has been helping veterans since 1975 and says over 400 people are currently waiting for a dog.