Dear Friend,
Our team recently followed up with Autism Assistance Dog Francine. Francine was placed with Timmy and his family about a year ago, and Frannie has become a very special member of the family. Amy, Timmy's mom, said Francine fit in with their family from day one and it has felt like Frannie's always been with them.
"Frannie provides a sense of security and calm wherever the family goes," she stated. Timmy added, "The house is not a home without Francine there."
A big part of our work is making sure our active teams are set up for success. Every active team receives the regular follow-ups and ongoing support they need to thrive.
Thanks to the the monthly support from you and our other Pack Members, we're able to keep these important follow-ups going. We are incredibly grateful to YOU for making this possible.
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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The latest pup-date from puppy-in-training, Emerald
"Emerald is doing great! She is full of energy and a very happy, sweet girl! She went and stayed with a DBL foster for a few days while we were out of town and she had a great time with their French Bulldog and lab. We continue to work on all of her commands and take her on as many outings as possible. She is a lot of fun,💚" said Puppy Raisers Megan and Claire.
We recently asked our Puppy Raisers to write a letter to their puppy's future client, sharing a snapshot of what goes into raising a future Assistance Dog. Claire included this heartwarming message in the note about Emerald, "I will miss little Emerald so much when she leaves our home, but I know she will light up your world with her fun and loving personality!" You can read the full letter here.
Check back next month for an update on Emerald's journey! |
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More Letters to Future Clients
Many of our Puppy Raisers shared heartfelt letters to their puppy's future client, as they reflect on why the chose to be a Puppy Raiser and what it takes to get a puppy ready for professional training. According to Cowboy's Puppy Raiser, Bonnie, "Although I will miss him when he leaves, I will be so proud of this boy when he passes his test and sets out to be the light of your life." Read the letters. |
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West Campus Dogs Enjoy the Spring Snow
Our Assistance Dogs in training at our west campus were recently treated to a rare early spring snowfall. Puppy Program Coordinator Donna is currently raising puppy Orion and the two of them took a break to play in the snow. We think Orion won't mind if his future Assistance Dog career takes him to a snowy climate! |
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Microsoft’s Kellie Green and Facility Dog Client Stacie Bianco Join DBL’s National Board
In a recent meeting, the National Board of Directors unanimously approved two new members, Kellie Green (WA) and Stacie Bianco (DC). With their expertise in IT customer support and animal health respectively, they will quickly help to augment DBL’s national board. DBL’s national board now has 19 voting members. Meet Kellie and Stacie.
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Facility Dog Lander's TV Debut
Facility Dog Lander and and his handler Jessica were recently featured on local news in Portland. They were matched back in June and are making a big impact in their school! Both of them are great DBL ambassadors! Watch the video. |
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Bond Returns from his Mission
Not all dogs would thrive as an Assistance Dog, but that doesn't mean they don't go on to make an amazing impact! Bond was career changed from Dogs for Better Lives in March of 2020, and joined the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation. Bond and his handler, JP, were deployed to support the search and rescue efforts in after the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey, and recently returned safely from their mission. Read more.
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Home Hearing Dog Rylee Update
We recently followed up with Mary Anne and HHD Rylee in Vermont. Hearing Dog Rylee was placed with Mary Anne back in 2015 and it was so fun to see them again 8 years later! Rylee is a spicy little terrier who keeps Mary Anne on her toes. She says he just makes her feel safe in any circumstance where she may have to hear something and it’s good to know he is watching her back. |
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