Kelly Campana, accompanied by her dog Ganja, a 6-month-old American XL bully, announces Saturday that she will be donating a dog and training to a veteran in the coming year. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle 9/23/23

SAXONBURG — Organizers of the 12 annual Sponsor the Troops motorcycle ride thought they would enjoy a few cold ones and a meal after their annual fundraiser ride on Saturday, Sept. 23, but a business owner who donated a raffle basket for the event had a doggone surprise in store.

Kelly Campana, owner of Muddy Paw Pet Grooming in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County, announced at the event at the Saxonburg VFW that she would donate an American XL bully sired by her dog, Ganja, to be trained as a service dog for a veteran.

Campana said she also would pay to have the dog trained, which can cost up to $5,000.

She said a mate has already been chosen for Ganja, and a puppy will be donated for training as soon as a litter appears.

Campana said after the dog is trained, which can take up to one year, she will approach Chris Hitchens, of Support the Troops, to find a veteran for the dog.

Campana hopes the donation also will serve to improve the reputation of the XL bully breed, which she said is a type of pit bull that is banned in the United Kingdom.

She brought Ganja along to the Saxonburg VFW, where he calmly greeted several of the motorcyclists who participated in the ride.

Jeff “Sarge” Saunders, of Jefferson Township, has organized the Support the Troops ride for many years.

He was stunned at Campana’s donation, which she said she will repeat every other year.

“Anything we can do for the troops,” Saunders said. “We can’t do enough.”