Dear Friend,
Every day at DBL, we're reminded of the amazing and powerful bond between dogs and humans. Recently, one of our team members completed a five-year follow up with Sally and our remarkable Home Hearing Dog, Rumi. The team continues to thrive, and we wanted to share their story with you.
Since Rumi was placed with Sally, Sally's life has undergone a significant transformation. She has received a cochlear implant, a remarkable technological advancement that has dramatically improved her ability to hear. However, even with this incredible device, Sally continues to rely on Rumi in the evenings and nights when she removes her implant. Rumi is Sally's constant companion, offering unwavering support and love.
But Rumi's role goes beyond companionship. With great enthusiasm, he diligently works to alert Sally to important sounds in their environment. He joyfully responds to the smoke alarm, cell phone alarm, and oven timer - keeping Sally safe. |
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| Yes, Rumi is a hard worker for Sally. But he has also found time to enjoy the good life. He has a cozy doggie door that leads to his bed on Sally's porch, providing a breathtaking view of Mt. Shasta. With every game of ball he plays and every wag of his tail, Rumi reminds us all of the simple joys that come with living life to the fullest.
Your support makes stories like Rumi and Sally's possible. Together, we are changing lives and creating lasting bonds between Assistance Dogs and individuals in need. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| The latest pup-date from puppy-in-training, Emerald
Emerald reached an important milestone in her journey towards becoming a life-changing Assistance Dog this week. She officially graduated DBL's Puppy Program and returned to the West Campus to begin her official training!
We are so grateful to Puppy Raisers Claire and Megan for all their work (and love) to get Emerald prepared for this next phase of her Service Dog journey. Emerald is the second puppy Claire has helped to raise. Claire is graduating high school this year and heading off to college.
Megan said, "We have been soaking up every last minute with Emerald! It has been amazing watching her growth this past year. She continues to amaze us with her smart and playful personality! She loves going out to dinner with our family and practicing her down stays! We have both loved this experience and are glad that we are a part of the DBL family! We are going to miss Emerald so much but we hope that she can make a difference in someone’s life!"
Check back next month for an update on Emerald's journey! |
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| | A Successful First Bone AppeTREAT!
On May 12th, we premiered our new signature event, Bone AppeTREAT. Thanks to the support of individuals and companies across the country, we raised more than $115,000 - enough to fully fund two Service Dogs! Five contestants shared their recipes for human-grade dog treats and competed for the title of Top Dog through their fundraising efforts. A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, DCH Brunswick Toyota, our contestants, and our judges for their help putting on a great program! Watch the replay of the program and download your copy of the recipes presented at Bone AppeTREAT! Your pup will love them! |
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| | Gwen Dudek Joins DBL Leadership Team
Dogs for Better Lives is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwen Dudek as its new Vice President of Program. The role will be instrumental in Dogs for Better Lives’ efforts to continue to scale its programs nationally, making independence possible for more people by training and placing life-changing Service Dogs.
Gwen brings over 29 years of experience in the service dog industry to her role at Dogs for Better Lives. She started her career as a kennel supervisor for Canine Companions in 1994 and worked her way up to become program director for the North Central region, where she was responsible for managing program operations in 14 states. Read more about Gwen. |
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| | Freedom with Hearing Dog Enzo
DBL found Enzo in a kennel in Washington and brought him back to the West Coast campus in Central Point, Oregon, to become a Hearing Assistance Dog. Enzo is Barbara's third Hearing Dog from Dogs for Better Lives. Barbara appreciates his playful personality, companionship, and enthusiasm for working the sounds! Read their story. |
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| | Major the Facility Dog's Video Debut
Earlier this year, we shared a story about Facility Dog Major, who has been working side-by-side with Kristin, a school psychologist in Tacoma, WA. The school recently produced a short video about Facility Dog Major's work at the school, and it's clear this team is making a huge impact on the students! Watch the video. |
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| | Career Change Dog Cedar Providing Stress Relief in His New Career
Cedar had recently career changed from Dogs for Better Lives. He was not suited for life as a Service Dog, but he ended up being a perfect fit for the program at Working Dogs Oregon, an organization that trains therapy dogs for law enforcement and veterans. He was placed with the Oregon State University Police and provides stress relief for officers and students alike. Read Cedar's Story.
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