Dear Friend,
Sometimes there's a story that comes across our desks that makes us tear up. It's those moments where you can almost feel the powerful, life-changing impact that Assistance Dogs have on the people they're placed with. One of our amazing clients, Nicole, decided to give back by running in the Falmouth Road Race this August while fundraising for Dogs for Better Lives. She felt moved to do so because of how much her life has changed with her Hearing Assistance Dog, Freya, in just a few months.
In Nicole's words, "Freya’s tasks and ability to perform as a service dog are absolutely incredible- no doubt. But my favorite thing about her is how much love and affection she gives. Becoming Deaf can be incredibly isolating- conversations with the people closest to me are challenging. Freya doesn’t care how much I hear, or if my cochlear implant is on. She loves me exactly how I am, and we understand each other perfectly. Her silly antics at home always make me smile, and her serious demeanor at work makes me so proud. I can’t thank DBL enough for the gift they gave me in Freya. She’s my world and my life is immeasurably better with her in it." Read her full Q&A here.
I hope as you read this, you can feel the impact of your support. The love that Nicole already has for Freya in their short time together. The unconditional bond that has already developed between the two of them. And all the things that are now possible for Nicole that simply weren't before her life with an Assistance Dog. Thank YOU for making placements like these possible. Your generosity is truly making an impact!
With gratitude,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| The latest pup-date from Assistance Dog in Training, Emerald
Emerald is working hard on her training at our West Campus! Eli, one of our Apprentice Assistance Dog Trainers, is working with Emerald, and the two are making big strides.
Eli said, "Emerald is progressing well! I’ve had her for about 3 weeks now and we’ve formed a bond quickly! Emerald is doing well in sound work, working through her first sound and giving great, solid alerts to her handler. She is quick and eager to follow cues, tail wagging and ears perked excitedly. We are working through her gear sensitivity by associating the bandana and harness with something she enjoys doing, like playing in the yard or eating her meals. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing on her bed and chewing Nylabones, as well as occasionally entertaining herself with squeaky toys as she prances around the apartment."
Great job Team Emerald! Check back next month for an another update in Emerald's journey! |
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| We’re celebrating The Pack throughout the month of August and encouraging new members to join. You can be part of the excitement! If you increase (upgrade) your monthly gift by 8/31, a generous donor will chip in a one-time gift of $50 - limited to the first 24 new or upgraded Pack members. Contact Frank (frankm@dogsforbetterlives.org or 541-621-4984) if you'd like to change your monthly gift amount. |
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| | DBL Welcomes TWO Litters of Future Assistance Dogs!
We are elated to share that TWO litters were born in July! Autumn gave birth to 6 beautiful yellow labs in early July under the watchful eye of Breeder Caretaker, Nancy in California. Meanwhile, Frosty welcomed 8 adorable puppies just 4 days later, a mix of yellow and black labs, while in the care of Carisa in Ohio. Both moms and all puppies are doing great and gaining weight. These pups have a bright future, and we can't wait to see the lives they'll change!
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| | Caring for the Next Generation of Service Dogs
As empty nesters, Nancy and her husband Terry started volunteering with Dogs for Better Lives as a way to give back to the community. Nancy is now an experienced Puppy Raiser for Dogs for Better lives and is now on her third pup, 10 month old Cece. In addition to Cece, Nancy has taken on a new volunteer role with Dogs for Better Lives as a Breeder Caretaker for DBL Breeder Dog, Autumn. Read her story about why she volunteers her time with DBL. |
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| | Puppy Raiser Q&A
We recently hosted a live Q&A all about Puppy Raising, where interested volunteers could learn more about what we're looking for in Puppy Raisers and what it takes to raise a future Assistance Dog. We touched on some of our most commonly asked questions, including "how do you give them up?" when it's time for the dog to turn in for professional training at our campuses, to the types of support volunteer Puppy Raisers receive throughout the process. If you've ever been curious about Puppy Raising, it's a great presentation. If Puppy Raising isn't for you, you can help by spreading the word and sharing this video with people in your network! Watch the Replay.
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| | Make a Will Month
Did you know August is "Make a Will Month?" No matter the size of your estate, everyone needs a plan. Having a legal will protects your loved ones - and pets - and supports the causes you value permanently. We have free resources for our community to aid in the development of their legacy planning, including a free Estate Planning Guide that can guide you through your will and other important decisions for the legacy you want to leave.
For more insights into how DBL can assist with pets through your will or trust, contact Wanda Cockey, Planned Gifts Director at 541-835-8385 or email at wanda@dogsforbetterlives.org. |
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| | Checking in with Facility Dog Fancy
We recently followed up with Catherine and Facility Dog Fancy for their 7 year follow-up. The pair works at the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Medford OR. Fancy is currently working say hi, place, and stay.
The CAC decided to track how many kiddos Fancy interacted with and found out that Fancy has been in over 500 therapy sessions and helped over 100 different kiddos in just the last fiscal year. Catherine said that she can't imagine doing her job without having Fancy there. She said, "Fancy is able to help set a tone of safety in any environment. We can do what we need to do and make the process easier for the kids seeing us thanks to her." Way to go, Fancy!
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