Dear Friend,
When we placed our first puppies in our Prison Puppy Raising Program this year, we were excited to see the impact the program would have. Through this program, we partner with correctional institutions in Ohio where incarcerated handlers raise and train puppies destined to become Service Dogs. Our staff teaches handlers to use positive reinforcement training techniques and instills general obedience skills in the puppies, providing them with a solid foundation for their future Service Dog training at one of DBL's professional training campuses.
The program benefits our puppies and our programs, because it allows for more dogs to enter our professional training programs so we can serve more clients. We hoped it would also be a positive experience for the incarcerated handlers and the staff as well. We recently received notes from several of the handlers and I wanted to share one in particular to show you just how this program is impacting people and puppies.
Larry, a handler at Madison Correctional Institution said:
"I did not know what all this program would entail, or the benefits I thought we would reap from participating. I thought we would train the dogs and then move on. What I've come to realize is I learn as much from Brady as he does from me. I have gained a sense of responsibility and love that I had not had before. This program is for healing and care, and that resonates on this end as well as the other."
Thank you for helping to make programs like the Prison Puppy Raising Program possible. Your continued support allows us to keep growing our programs, all in an effort to serve more people with disabilities with expertly trained Service Dogs.
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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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! Emerald is doing well with her training and is making big steps towards her future career as a Hearing Dog.
Eli said, "Emerald flew through her sound work this month! She learned two new sounds in the past month, bringing her to a total of four sounds. She is learning to tell the different sounds apart and how to alert her handler amongst distractions - like people petting her, while she is playing with toys, waking up from a nap, or while her handler is doing chores. She’s doing great wearing her bandana and is making good progress in her obedience and crate behavior. Emerald is soaking up the last bit of warm weather on the West Campus by running around in the grass yard and enjoying enrichment walks with our kennel staff."
Keep up the great work, Emerald! Check back next month for an another update in Emerald's journey! |
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| | Enhancements to Our Autism Assistance Dog Program
At Dogs for Better Lives, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with autism and their families. Our Autism Assistance Dog program has been a beacon of hope, offering support and companionship to children with autism. To serve more families through this program, we are excited to announce significant enhancements to our Autism Assistance Dog program. We are now increasing the age range for applicants and removing the requirements for fenced in yard and in-person interviews. Read the recent news article outlining the changes.
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| | Archie the Facility Dog: A Pawsitive Influence on CWU's Campus Community
When Facility Dog Archie started his journey with Dogs for Better Lives (DBL), his Puppy Raisers could take him anywhere – from the dentist to the office and everywhere in between. He was such a calm and well-mannered puppy. When Archie came to the Dogs for Better Lives West Campus, our trainers knew he could be an ideal Facility Dog. Earlier this year, Archie was placed with Mackenzie, a Police Officer at Central Washington University. Archie has quickly become a well-loved member of the campus community! Read their story.
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| | Catching up with Facility Dog Lander
Jessica works as a School Psychologist and says that Facility Dog Lander has enhanced her job in every way in their first year together. With Lander, building repertoire has never been so easy with adults, families, staff, and the children/students she works with. Having Lander also has increased positive outcomes for some children that struggle with attendance.
Lander has touched so many students lives (450+ students/teachers/families). He has brought such an experience of joy and fostered a good synergy at the school. Students have learned to read with Lander. Students have learned that Lander will offer his unconditional love and that's so vital to the work she does. Way to go Team Lander, for a great first year together!
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| | Seven Years of Love with Barbara and Hearing Dog Enzo
Barbara and Hearing Dog Enzo have been a team for just over 7 years and are still thriving. Enzo is 9yrs old and still works sounds with as much enthusiasm as he had in training! He definitely loves his job! Barbara has retired and been through a couple of surgeries and Enzo has been a faithful and loyal companion through it all. Barbara now spends her time working with the homeless in her area. Enzo works door knock, smoke alarm, phone, alarm clock, and oven timer with gusto! Barbara says she hopes he lives another twenty years and feels so much safer and secure with Enzo around.
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