Dear Friend,
Happy New Year! Recently, a member of our team completed a 7-year follow-up with Barbara and Certified Hearing Dog, Enzo. At 9 years old, Enzo continues to approach his duties with boundless enthusiasm, making a significant impact in the life of Barbara and the community she serves. |
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| Barbara, having retired, has faced health challenges and surgeries, but Enzo has been her constant companion, offering constant support.
Today, Barbara dedicates her time to working with the homeless in her area, and Enzo's support helps make that volunteerism possible. Barbara says she feels safer and more secure with him by her side. From door knocks to smoke alarms, phones, alarm clocks, and oven timers, Enzo tackles each task with gusto, enabling Barbara to contribute meaningfully to those in need. |
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| This team exemplifies the profound impact that Hearing Dog can have, not only the individual, but also their broader community.
I'm sharing this story with you, because it is your support that makes stories like Enzo and Barbara's possible. Together, we are changing lives and creating lasting bonds between Assistance Dogs and individuals in need. We look forward to continuing to make independence possible for more people in 2024 and appreciate your continued partnership. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| | | The latest pup-date from Certified Hearing Dog, Emerald
Emerald continues hone her skills at our West Campus while she waits for her upcoming placement with a deserving client in January. We're so excited to see her become the Certified Hearing Dog she was always meant to be!
Hannah, our Puppy Program Manager reflected on Emerald's progress. She said, "Emerald has had quite the journey from puppyhood to Assistance Dog. Her trainer, Eli, went above and beyond to help get through our training program. Our entire team, plus her Puppy Raisers Megan and Claire, are so thrilled to know she'll soon be changing a life. We're all cheering for you, Emerald!"
Stay tuned for an update from her placement next month, plus we'll soon introduce the next puppy we'll be following from puppyhood to placement - exclusively for our Pack Members! |
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| | From Shelter to Service Dog Program Milestones
Shelter dogs have always been a key piece of our mission and will always be an important part of our programs moving forward. We’re excited to bring you an update on our “From Shelter to Service Dog” program, a collaboration between Dogs for Better Lives and Operation Kindness. This initiative gives shelter dogs a second chance as a life-changing Service Dog, through our expert training. We're sharing some of the biggest milestones from our first 6 months in the program. Read more.
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| | Our Lifetime Commitment to our Dogs
DBL has a lifetime commitment to all dogs that come through our doors. This commitment extends to all our trained Service Dogs, as well as dogs that aren’t necessarily able to complete training, aka Career Change dogs. We have maintained this commitment throughout the life of the organization and is part of our mission statement. In a recent article, we outlined some of the ways we put this commitment into action each and every day. Read the article.
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| | Sam and Certified Hearing Dog Jamie's Story
It's been about a year since Sam and Certified Hearing Dog Jamison became a team, and their journey has been nothing short of amazing! We caught up with Sam to get the inside scoop on their first year as a team. Jamie has made a big impact already, and we love watching this team thrive! Read their story.
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| | A Moment of Pawsitivity
It warmed our hearts when we saw friendship blossoming between DBL Assistance Dog in Training Houston and Career Change Dog Joy. Joy is currently waiting to be adopted as a loving pet. In the meantime, Houston and Joy have become the best pals, bunking together and enjoying the play yards at our West Campus. It's always fun to watch our dogs build friendships with each other, making the most of their time on campus.
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