Dear Friend,

It's hard to believe that it's already December. As we reflect on 2022, we're humbled by all that we've been able to accomplish thanks to our community of supporters. We've placed dogs with people in need all over the country, despite the increased costs. We officially opened our Northeast campus and have several dogs in training on the east coast. We welcomed an expanded group of puppy raisers and volunteers who are new to DBL this year. Each milestone over the last year lays the foundation for an exciting 2023 - we can't wait!

Your monthly support keeps our life-changing programs going. The training, the placements, and the client support for the life of the team all continue - each and every day of the year. Thank you for YOUR support of our mission.

On behalf of our entire team, I wish you the happiest of holidays!

Sincerely,

Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives

EMERALD UPDATE

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

Emerald has been back with Puppy Raisers Megan and Claire for the last month, and they are so happy to have her back in their home!

"Emerald is a smart and very happy puppy! Claire has been working with Emerald on her down stays, and we have been upping the duration of her down stays. We have also been working on Emerald’s settling at home and on her outings. When Emerald is out on a training outing, we will increase either the duration the distance or the distraction. She has been doing a bit of jumping up which we are working on. Emerald picks up quickly on her training and loves everyone that she meets," said Megan.

Way to go Team Emerald! Stay tuned next month for an update on Emerald's journey!

OTHER DBL NEWS

Dogs for Better Lives Honored As Recipient In The Oregonian’s Season of Sharing Campaign

DBL was recently selected as one of thirteen nonprofits in Oregon to be highlighted in The Oregonian’s prestigious Season of Sharing campaign. The campaign’s board had selected DBL out of more than 60 applicants state-wide. DBL was featured on the front page of The Oregonian on Sunday, November 13th. The article highlighted a story on Rosa Ochoa, her son Julian, and their Autism Assistance Dog Vanilla, as well as DBL staff members. Read the full story.

Image courtesy The Oregonian, Mike Zacchino

Dogs for Better Lives Announces New Legacy Planning Resources

We recently launched new tools to support people at any stage of their personal legacy planning. These tools include a planning resource website which includes calculators, planning guides and pertinent news, as well as the option to receive a monthly e-newsletter focused on the topic. Check it out, or share with a loved one. See the resources.

Featured Video: Facility Dog Filbert

Facility Dog Filbert works with his handler, Stacie, to brighten the days of staff and patients at Portland-area medical facilities. Filbert's calm demeanor, plus his trained skills, make him a very popular visitor among patients, families, and staff. Watch our recent video featuring Filbert and Stacie's work.

Video courtesy Geoff Gilliam: geoffgillamphotography.com

Rescuing Dogs, Changing Lives

Training shelter and rescue dogs has always been a part of our mission, and it always will be. We’ve had to be more creative in locating shelter dogs since the start of the pandemic. West Program Director, Kim Hyde, shares the stories of two of our recent rescues who have big dreams of one day becoming an Assistance Dog for someone in need. Read about these two rescues and how their lives have been transformed at DBL.

Training Update: Best Friends

Many of our dogs in training become friends with one another throughout their training journey. They train together and play together during their time on campus, so it's only natural! On a recent outing, Assistance Dogs in training Chloe and Kelly snuggled up with one another while working on being calm during a lunch outing at a restaurant.

Service Dog Personality Traits

Have ever wondered what makes an Assistance Dog tick? When evaluating future Assistance Dogs, we pay close attention to the temperament and specific characteristics we’ve found lead to success in our programs, like confidence, friendliness, focus, and drive. Each dog is unique, and we take time to get to know them and what program might suit them best. Read our recent article about the dog personality traits that work best in each of our programs.

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You can change or cancel your monthly giving at any time. Call us at (541) 826-9220 or send us an email at frankm@dogsforbetterlives.org to change or cancel your monthly gift.

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