Dear Friend,
I am particularly delighted to announce a significant milestone in the growth of our programs —the addition of two new breeder dogs, Laura and Lili!
These two dogs came to us from Australia, and shined brightly in their Puppy Raiser homes over the last several months. Laura and Lili bring with them not only their excellent temperament and genetics, but also the promise of future generations of exceptional Service Dogs.
With Laura and Lili, we now boast five DBL breeder dogs, marking the most we've ever had in our history. |
|
|---|
|
|
I wanted to also take a moment to invite you to participate in our annual Pack Member survey. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to continuously improve and refine our programs. Your insights help us better understand how we're doing and how we can better serve our community.
Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of Service Dogs at DBL. Your commitment to Dogs for Better Lives makes it possible for us to empower individuals with disabilities and provide them with the gift of independence. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
|
|---|
|
🎉 Welcome to our new Pack Members! 🎉
Jill & Ruth |
|
|---|
|
|
|
It's time for a pup-date from Rocky!
Rocky's relationship with children have really blossomed this past month! He recently went on a trip to the library with Puppy Raiser Jenna and her children, and he did great even with lots of kids running around. "We practiced his polite greetings. They are challenging because he loves people so much! He is making slow but steady progress," said Jenna.
All about puppy teeth: "Our little puppy is growing up, and to prove it we've been finding puppy teeth around the house. We have a nice little collection of them in a little jar. The kids were disappointed to learn there is no puppy tooth fairy."
Fun story: "I included a picture of him participating in a pretend camping trip. He liked the camping trip so much that he has claimed the tent as his own. After he supervises the kids' bedtime routine he considers his duties done for the day. He comes downstairs, pushes open the flaps, and collapses onto the pile of sleeping bags, not to be seen again until we go to bed."
Check back next month for more from Rocky! |
|
|---|
|
|
Bone AppeTREAT airs live on May 18th
We're bringing back our fun online event this spring on May 18th. Bone AppeTREAT is a reality-show-style fundraiser featuring our contestants who will be vying for your votes in this unique dog treat competition. There will be opportunities to participate in the show, so RSVP now to join us on Saturday, May 18, 2024! It’s free and everyone’s invited. RSVP today! |
| |
|---|
|
|
Spring Impact Report
As we look back on the achievements of the previous fiscal quarter (January to March 2024), Dogs for Better Lives is overflowing with gratitude. The commitment of our donors and volunteers has been instrumental in helping us impact more lives of individuals with disabilities through our Assistance Dogs. Read our recent Spring Impact Report filled with exciting milestones and heartwarming stories. Read the report. |
| |
|---|
|
|
DBL Breeder Dog Cider welcomes first litter
Cider welcomed her first litter of future Service Dogs in mid-April, and we're over the moon! Her 11 puppies - 4 females and 7 males, are doing well and will be headed to Puppy Raisers in mid-June. Some puppies will remain with us at DBL while others will go to ADI accredited schools through the Assistance Dogs International ABC Breeding Cooperative. Huge congratulations to Cider and her volunteer Breeder Caretaker, Heather. 11 puppies for a first time mom and first time caretaker was quite an experience and adventure! |
| |
|---|
|
|
Checking in with Home Hearing Dog Fiddler
We recently followed up with Home Hearing Dog Fiddler and Laurel who just celebrated their first year together! Laurel has had 3 hearing dogs from us now, with her second Hearing Assistance Dog Ravioli (now 15 years old!) still living in her home. Fiddler is an energetic and enthusiastic guy and Laurel does such a lovely job at making sure he gets the exercise he needs to be his best self! Laurel shared that because of her daily walks with Fiddler, her bone density has increased significantly! Fiddler is working the door knock, alarm clock, kitchen timer, and smoke alarm. Ravioli, still a working dog at heart, follows closely behind to get a treat with each sound. It's quite a cute sight! |
| |
|---|
|
|
Shelter Dogs in Training take a Field Trip
All of our dogs in training take trips out in public spaces to work on their training and for our trainers to gauge their comfort level in a wide range of situations. Our From Shelter to Service Dog program dogs took the opportunity to stop and smell the Texas Blue Bonnets in April during a Friday "field trip." There are currently 7 dogs in training in the program, and we're excited to watch them thrive in their training! |
| |
|---|
|
|
|
