Local veteran creates indestructible dog toy
A local veteran is turning his battle with the effects of combat into something that's helping dog owners and other veterans.
James Hayes of Penn Yan suffers from PTSD after serving multiple tours overseas.
He got a service dog, Barrett, from an organization called Dogs 4 Warriors. Barrett destroyed all his toys, so Hayes worked to create a toy that the dog couldn't destroy.
He created the Barrett Ball, a solid 2-pound ball that's basically indestructible, at least for dogs.
A company called Ethical Pet found out about the product and agreed to help Hayes manufacture and sell it, while donating 100 percent of the residual profits to Dogs 4 Warriors.
The product officially launches later this month at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando.
Hayes and Barrett visited us this morning to share more of their story and demonstrate the Barrett Ball.
