Dear Friend,
Each month as I write the intro for this newsletter, I'm humbled by your monthly support. As a member of the Pack, your continued gift allows for so many important activities to take place behind the scenes without interruption. Kennels are cleaned, dogs are fed, training hours are logged, applications are processed. Thank you for making it possible for our teams to stay focused on training and placing Assistance Dogs with people who need them.
We have a fun virtual event coming up in just a couple of weeks and I want to extend my personal invitation to you. On May 12th, we'll unveil our new signature event - Bone AppeTREAT! The event will feature five contestants from across the country who will each create a human-grade dog treat in their respective kitchens, all in hopes of being awarded Top Dog of 2023. You'll be able to vote for your favorite contestant's treat LIVE, get some great recipes that the dogs in your life are sure to love, and hear heartwarming stories about dogs changing lives. RSVP to join us live on on May 12th!
On behalf of our entire team, thank you for your continued support and encouragement!
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| The latest pup-date from puppy-in-training, Emerald
Emerald's Puppy Raisers, Megan and Claire, have done an amazing job giving her a solid foundation for her future training at DBL!
"Emerald is the biggest love and we have enjoyed watching her grow. She was in heat recently, so she was not able to go out for her usual outings. We worked on training at home and kept her busy with fun games and her favorite - hide and seek! She is doing great with her commands and loves to learn," said Megan and Claire.
Check back next month for an update on Emerald's journey! |
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| | DBL Launches Prison Puppy Raising Program in Ohio
On April 11th, our first puppies being placed with our new Prison Puppy Raising Program in Ohio. The puppies will be raised by specially selected incarcerated handlers at Ross Correctional Institution and Madison Correctional Institution. The Prison Puppy Raising Program is an innovative approach to enhancing the lives of both dogs and people
DBL staff teaches the incarcerated handlers to work with the dogs using positive reinforcement training techniques and general obedience skills that lay the foundation for future Service Dog training at one of DBL’s training campuses. Learn more about the program. |
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| | Veterinary Ophthalmology Specialist Joins DBL Board
On April 18th DBL's National Board of Directors unanimously approved a new member, Dr. Joshua Broadwater of North Carolina. Dr. Broadwater’s background is in ophthalmology, where he has a special interest in cornea disease and surgery, cataract surgery, and glaucoma surgery. His knowledge and expertise will be valuable to the Board, and he will also be a great resource to DBL leadership and program department. Read more about Dr. Broadwater. |
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| | Host a Watch Party for Bone AppeTREAT on May 12th
Are your friends dog people too? Support the Dogs for Better Lives community by hosting a watch party with friends, family, and other supporters to watch Bone AppéTREAT together on Friday, May 12!
Our fun and friendly dog treat recipe competition will give you and your favorite dog people some great ideas for 'treating' your dogs. RSVP to host a watch party, and we'll send you some fun tips and resources to make it a fun night with your crew! Learn more about Bone AppeTREAT! |
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| | Cheers to Charlie!
Sweet Charlie Boy just graduated to become a Home Hearing Dog! Under Assistance Trainer Dana’s skillful and patient instruction, Charlie has learned all the skills needed to be a wonderful Assistance Dog. We're so proud of how far he has come since he joined our program last year! According to Dana, "You have no idea how excited I am for this little guy. He has been through so much and for him to bounce back and accomplish this, he is one tough little guy." We know Charlie is going to make an incredible impact on his future handler's life! |
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| | Four Years of Friendship with Autism Assistance Dog Harley
We recently checked in with Tama’s family about how Autism Assistance Dog  Harley is doing in their home.
Harley and Tama were featured in our Spring 2019 Canine Listener less than a year after becoming one of our active AAD Teams. Back then, Kelli, Tama’s mom, described the friendship between Harley and Tama as one of the “best outcomes of getting Harley.” It’s wonderful to see how their friendship has continued to blossom over the last four years. Read more about this amazing duo.
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