Dear Friend,

One thing that never gets old for our staff at Dogs for Better Lives is hearing how one of our dogs has changed a client's life. I wanted to pass along this recent story to you, because it is a such great example of how your monthly support through the Pack helps make lives better.

Our client, Amy, has had Certified Hearing Assistance Dog Mindy for four years. When asked how her life is different now, and Amy shared this:

"Mindy has infinitely changed my life for the better. She is more than simply my Certified Hearing Assistance Dog; she is my second half. My life before and after Mindy is a lot like the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Before Mindy, my world was very sedentary and gray. After Mindy came into my life, it was as though it has exploded in technicolor. Unlike Dorothy, I never want to wake up. Mindy has made me so much more aware of the world around me. I look up more and I even hold myself differently when I walk with her. I no longer feel so nervous or oblivious, because all I have to do is look at her body language and the little twitches in her ears to know if there's something that requires some kind of reaction from me. With Mindy by my side, I have the confidence to go out and enjoy life."

Thank you for all you do in support of people, and dogs, in need!

Sincerely,

Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives

EMERALD UPDATE

It's time for another pup-date from puppy-in-training, Emerald! 

Emerald is about 6 months old now, and recently transitioned to our campus where we can evaluate her more closely. She is such a smart girl and very willing to learn, but we noticed that she's nervous about being in her vest and can be a little too attached to her people. Our certified trainers are working with her to help her gain some confidence. While on campus, Emerald is playing well with her new dogs friends and loves heading out for walks and outings.

We'll bring you an update next month on Emerald's journey toward becoming an Assistance Dog for someone in need!

Other DBL News

Lifeline’s Rob Hegeman Joins Dogs for Better Lives’ National Board

In mid-September, our National Board of Directors unanimously approved new member Rob Hegeman of Oregon. With this appointment, DBL’s national board grows to 16 voting members across seven states: Oregon, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, and Washington. Read more about Rob.

Puppies in Training Take a Field Trip

It takes a village to raise a puppy, as they say! All of our dogs in training spend time in public spaces to work on their training and gain exposure to new things. This is especially important for puppies. Recently, Leaf and Spruce from our newest litter of puppies went on a "field trip" to the Grange Co-op and loved their first visit! We got stopped by every single person in the store, including staff. Leaf and Spruce met some chicks, practiced polite greetings, settled in a down, and sat patiently while our trainers talked our program with staff and customers. A big thank you to the Grange Co-op for always providing a welcoming space for our Assistance Dogs in Training!

Certified Hearing Dog Nanuq Update

Bonnie and Home Hearing Dog Nanuq just had their ten-year follow-up! The team is still thriving with Nanuq working the oven timer, door knock, doorbell, phone, landline, name call, and a variety of sounds around the home that Nanuq has picked up. Nanuq has also begun alerting Bonnie to sounds behind her in public and when traffic is about to pass her on walks. Bonnie has been incredibly consistent in practicing Nanuq's obedience, and their public access test was next to flawless. The team is beyond happy with the pairing and Bonnie mentioned that she enjoys spoiling Nanuq with all the toys, pets, and soft beds he could ever desire.

DBL Cats on Campus

Meet Jasper and Alice, the resident cats at our West Campus! This summer, it was time to find some permanent feline residents. Cats living on our campuses help socialize our dogs and puppies in training. These two special cats are bonded and are well-loved by our staff and dogs. When they're not helping out with training, they love spending time together looking out the window or snuggling.