DAWGS & HAWGS: Riding for Veterans, One Service Dog at a Time

Jun 9

When: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Where: Starts in Iron Ridge, WI | Ends at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, Oconomowoc
Why: To raise funds for service dogs that change veterans’ lives

Every so often, an event comes along that brings together everything great about the motorcycle community—open roads, good people, and a powerful cause. DAWGS & HAWGS is one of those events.

On Saturday, June 14, riders from across Wisconsin will gather for a veterans-themed poker run and community celebration, all in support of something deeply meaningful: funding service dogs for veterans.

More Than Just a Ride

Hosted by the Wisconsin Guardian Foundation in partnership with Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, DAWGS & HAWGS isn’t your average summer charity ride.

This one’s got a twist.

Instead of just riding from stop to stop, you’ll be making your way to veterans memorials and answering trivia questions at each one. It’s a poker run meets tribute ride, where the goal isn’t just to win the best hand—but to remember why we ride at all.

You’ll start in Iron Ridge and wind your way through scenic country roads, stopping at five memorials along the way. Each one will test your knowledge, honor our nation’s heroes, and get you one card closer to a winning hand.

And yes—there are prizes.

Best Hand
Second Best Hand
Worst Hand (because hey, even the underdog deserves a shot)

But the real reward? Supporting the training and placement of a Guardian Service Dog for a veteran in need.

Ride for Those Who Served—and for Those Who Serve Them

The funds raised during this event help cover the cost of training and placing service dogs for veterans struggling with PTSD, MST (Military Sexual Trauma), mobility issues, and more.

For many of these vets, a service dog isn’t just a companion. It’s life-changing. It’s peace of mind. It’s a reason to keep going.

By riding in DAWGS & HAWGS, you’re not just putting in miles. You’re giving back in a way that will be felt long after the engines cool.

After the Ride: Music, Dogs, and Community

Once the ride wraps up at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc, the celebration kicks into gear:

K-9 Demonstration – Watch these incredible service dogs show off their training.
Live Music – Local bands will keep the good vibes rolling.
Food Trucks & Vendors – Bring your appetite and your wallet. It’s for a great cause.
Silent Auction – Get your hands on some cool gear while supporting an even cooler mission.
T-Shirts – The first 100 participants get a limited-edition K9/Harley shirt.

It’s family-friendly. It’s dog-friendly. And it’s the kind of event that reminds you why we call this a community, not just a crowd.

The Details

Registration:

Starts at 8:00 AM in Iron Ridge
Ride begins at 9:00 AM
Ends at 2:00 PM in Oconomowoc

Cost:

$30 per rider
$15 per passenger
$10 for entry to the after-party (non-riders welcome!)

All proceeds go to fund the next Guardian Service Dog placement.

Rain or shine, the ride is on.

Pro Tips for Riders

Show up early if you want that shirt—first 100 only!
Don’t stress the trivia. It’s for fun—and honoring our vets.
Bring some extra cash for the silent auction and vendors.
Ride respectfully. This one’s about more than speed.
Stick around for the after-party. The K-9 demo alone is worth it.

Why We Ride

At its heart, DAWGS & HAWGS is about more than motorcycles. It’s about the lives we touch when we show up, ride out, and give back. Veterans put everything on the line for us. Helping them get a service dog trained and placed is the least we can do—and the best reason to ride this summer.

If you’ve been looking for a ride that actually means something… this is it.

So gear up, get out, and come ride for those who’ve served.

John McCarthy