Dear Friend,
September is National Service Dog Month, and one of the themes that continues across the Service Dog industry is that the wait list for a Service Dog is always growing. There is no shortage of people in need of a Service Dog. That's something that is always top of mind for our staff at DBL. How can we grow our programs so we can help more people - while never compromising quality or the well-being of our dogs?
There are two big milestones I want to share with you that we I believe will have a significant impact on our ability to help more people - and dogs. First, we recently made the decision to open our Puppy Raising program nationally. We have honed our process and found ways to grow while still offering high levels of support to our volunteer Puppy Raisers. With volunteer raisers across the country instead of just a handful of states, we'll be able to bring many more dogs through our program. It's a great step forward!
Second, we continue to evaluate shelter dogs in our From Shelter to Service Dog program in Texas. Shelter dogs have been at the core of our mission since our beginnings in the 1970's. This pilot program in Texas is all about figuring out how we can train more shelter dogs to successfully become Service Dogs. In August, we welcomed our third dog, Walker, into the program.
Growth in these programs will make it possible for us to train more high-quality - and happy - Service Dogs, and it is all possible thanks to YOU and your fellow Pack Members. Thank you for your continued support as we continue to find ways to help more people and dogs.
With gratitude,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| Betty, Charlene, Erinn, Joanell, Joy, Lisa, Raymond |
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| The latest pup-date from Assistance Dog in Training, Emerald
Emerald continues her training in our Hearing Assistance Dog Program at our West Campus! Eli, one of our Apprentice Assistance Dog Trainers, is working with Emerald, and they are flourishing together as a training team.
Eli said, "Emerald is progressing quickly in her sound work. She is able to do a full sequence from all around the apartment. She has also begun learning a new sound, the phone ringing! When I first set the phone off, she tilted her head from side to side and was excited to learn that this new sound also meant a reward was coming!
We are continuing to work on her gear sensitivity and her crate training by associating those items and places with the things she enjoys. In obedience, she is quick to follow cues, and is doing well with keeping focus on her handler through exciting distractions like our campus cats. In her downtime, she enjoys relaxing in the apartment and prancing around the apartment with a squeaky toy or two."
Way to go, Emerald! Check back next month for an another update in Emerald's journey! |
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| | Sign up for our webinar: Service Dogs 101
We're hosting a free webinar this month! In this webinar, you'll learn how to interact with Service Dogs and their handlers, discover the legal framework around Service Dog access, and explore how you can be an ally in a Service Dog's life. Gwen Dudek, Vice President of Program at Dogs for Better Lives, will present on these topics and answer your all your Service Dog related questions!
Join us on Thursday, 9/21 at 11am PDT for a free webinar hosted by Dogs for Better Lives! RSVP today to receive the access link.
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| | Canine Copilots Takes Off!
DBL Puppy in training, Rowan, needed a ride from Santa Rosa, CA to Medford to begin his professional Assistance Dog training. Martyn, a private pilot and business owner, stepped up and offered Rowan a private flight in his plane! Sheila, Rowan's Puppy Raiser, was excited to pose with Martyn and Rowan at the start of Rowan's journey north.
Normally, this trip would have taken 16 hours of DBL staff time and nearly 1,000 miles of vehicle travel roundtrip. With this volunteer flight, DBL's costs to bring Rowan to campus for training are now reduced to $0. Learn more about the program.
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| | Catching up with Facility Dog Dallas
Time flies, and our beloved Facility Dog Dallas is now over 8 years old! Though slowing down a bit, his spirit remains as strong as ever. Dallas continues to bring joy and support his Oregon classroom, spending at least three days a week practicing his impressive skills: place, 'say hi,' stay, sit, and down.
Sean, Dallas's handler, describes Dallas as an empathetic soul. Dallas has a unique ability to sense when someone is in need, offering a comforting connection to those who require it most. This incredible bond brightens students' days, enabling them to concentrate on their tasks with renewed focus. The morning routine of reading to Dallas and sharing greetings has become a cherished tradition among the students.
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| | A Community Effort – Caring for Frosty’s Litter of Future Service Dogs
Allow us to introduce Paula, our dedicated Breeder Caretaker, and Carisa, our passionate Whelping Volunteer. Together, they are forming a powerful team to support our beloved DBL Breeder Dog, Frosty, as she brings the next generation of Service Dogs into the world.
Frosty was born and raised with a purpose, and after graduating our Puppy Program was selected to become one of our Breeder Dogs – an important role that our most special dogs take on. Read about the volunteers helping Frosty and her litter get ready to make a huge difference in someone's life.
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| | Falmouth Road Race Runners Supporting Service Dogs
Dogs for Better Lives was a charity partner for a second year in this year’s Falmouth Road Race! Ten incredible runners of Dogs for Better Lives Team ran in support of Service Dogs on Sunday, August 20th in Falmouth, Massachusetts. DBL is a proud member of the Falmouth community, which is home to our Northeast Training Campus. Each team member set a goal of raising at least $1,500, and their collective efforts resulted in an impressive fundraising amount of over $26,000! Meet the runners on the DBL Team.
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