Dear Friend,
There's a story that we don't often share, and that's about our trainers. Each and every dog that comes into our care receives a life-long commitment from DBL. That starts at birth, or the moment they're rescued. Our entire team takes this core value to heart, and one of the special ways we see that value is witnessing the bond that grows between our trainers and the dogs on their "training string."
Once our dogs enter training, our trainers pour their hearts and souls into their work, dedicating countless hours to providing the highest level of training for our future Service Dogs. As you can imagine, it's a time of bittersweet celebration when a dog completes their training and heads off to their future handler.
Emilia, one of our Apprentice Trainers, shared her experience placing her first Hearing Dog with a client, and it brought us all to tears. She told us, "Throughout the placement, as we worked sounds and obedience, I was holding back my tears as I admired this person I just met. Watching her blossom into this happy and confident human, quickly understanding how to help her and her new companion be a successful team in public and at home, it all made me realize; I don’t think there could have been a better match for Skye, and I don’t think I could have asked for a better first placement to observe."
We work tirelessly to find the best match for our clients and dogs, setting them up for a successful life together. Then, we continue to support them through regular follow-ups with our certified trainers - helping to troubleshoot any challenges that come up.
I say all this to give you a peek behind the scenes here at Dogs for Better Lives. When we say we have a lifetime commitment to every dog, we mean it. It's the continued support from YOU and your fellow Pack Members that allow us to keep that promise to our dogs, and our clients, in the best ways possible.
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, "This month, Emerald excelled! She learned how to alert her handler while they were in different positions, even kneeling on the floor and petting her. She also practiced working sounds with people and our facility cats in the apartment. She made progress in her public outings, specifically working around shopping carts and practicing polite greetings. She tested in the middle of the month and passed as a Certified Hearing Dog! She has been great to work with and such a sweet girl. She is currently awaiting placement and is looking forward to assisting her new handler in the New Year!"
We are so proud of you, Emerald! We can't wait to see where you go next! |
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| | Harry and David Hosts Heartwarming Dinner for Dogs for Better Lives at Dancin Vineyards
Harry and David (H&D) recently hosted a heartwarming dinner for Dogs for Better Lives at the picturesque Dancin Vineyards. This event not only marked a successful partnership between H&D and DBL but also showcased their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. The evening was filled with joy as guests gathered to enjoy a delightful meal amid the vineyard's scenic backdrop. This event exemplifies the power of collaboration between businesses and nonprofits, demonstrating how a shared vision can create meaningful change in our communities. Cheers to making a difference together!
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| | Empowering Change: A Giving Tuesday Triumph with 112 Heroes
Thanks to the incredible generosity of 112 donors and the power of peer-to-peer sharing, we've achieved something truly remarkable in just 24 hours, raising more than $35,700!
We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed on Giving Tuesday. This support will make a life-changing impact on someone in need.
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| | One Year Celebration of Dolce's Placement
Celebrating Lisa and Certified Hearing Dog Dolce's 1-year follow-up was a joyous occasion, witnessing the extraordinary partnership they've forged. Dolce's impeccable alert skills to the kitchen timer, fridge door alarm, grandkids' calls, smoke alarm, and doorbell were highlighted, reflecting their seamless teamwork. Lisa's dedication to Dolce's training and their shared moments of joy, blending essential alerts with playful tricks, showcased a remarkable bond. Lisa expressed profound gratitude, sharing how Dolce has alleviated her nighttime stress during her husband's absence and transformed her travel experiences. Beyond safety, Dolce emerged as a cherished companion, easing Lisa's isolation and infusing each day with joy.
Lisa extended heartfelt thanks to DBL's donors and puppy raisers, acknowledging the transformative gift bestowed upon her, stating, "Wow, what a gift! Thank you! Dolce has opened doors for me that were previously closed. Thank you, thank you!" This testament to the profound impact of well-trained assistance dogs highlights the positive change they bring to the lives of those they serve.
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| | A Heartfelt Thank You to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) for the Pawsitively Wonderful Surprise!
A huge thank you to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for the incredible surprise they sent to DBL! The box of toys has filled our hearts with gratitude, and we're overwhelmed by SDF's thoughtful gesture. The joy and laughter they've brought to our space with wagging tails and goofy moments are simply priceless. We appreciate SDF not only as our amazing partners but also for making our day brighter in the most delightful way possible.
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