Dear Friend,
I am thrilled to share a heartwarming milestone with you in this month's newsletter. Alder, who was our first graduate from the Prison Puppy Raising Program, has been successfully placed with Meagan, a dedicated educator working with 7th and 8th grade students who have moderate to severe disabilities. Alder will serve as a Facility Dog, setting a positive tone in the classroom and acting as a social bridge for the students.
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| Facility Dog Alder will also be a source of motivation and reward for students, encouraging them to engage more actively in their education. For students who may not be particularly concerned with grades, Alder provides a unique incentive – the chance to earn snuggle time or a walk with him.
Alder will play a crucial part in various therapeutic activities at school. He helps students work on their speech by responding to commands, promotes self-care by participating in routines like teeth brushing, and supports occupational therapy sessions, all contributing to the students' overall development and well-being. |
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| This incredible placement would not have been possible without your support. Your monthly contributions have been instrumental in making life-changing placements like Alder's a reality. On behalf of everyone at DBL, I extend my deepest gratitude to you. Together, we are creating brighter futures and stronger communities, one remarkable dog and one inspiring partnership at a time.
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Mary & Julie |
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| | | It's time for a pup-date from Rocky!
Rocky reached a big milestone last month, passing his Canine Good Citizen Test! He just turned 8 months old and his Puppy Raiser Jenna and her family are working with him to proof his tasks. He has been enjoying summer, as you can see by the photo of him with his Puppy Raisers at the river. Jenna noted, "Rocky is turning out to be such a great dog. He's going to make someone so happy."
Fun story of the month
"Rocky had not been a huge fan of the summer heat, but it had led to the discovery of his deep love of ice cubes. He can be dead asleep but if he hears that freezer door open, he's there in a flash. Even the kids are trained. If you open the freezer, he gets his ice cube," said Jenna.
Check back next month for more from Rocky! |
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| | Summer Quarterly Impact Report
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the recent three months (April to June 2024), Dogs for Better Lives is filled with gratitude. The consistent support of our donors and volunteers has been pivotal in helping us improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through our Assistance Dogs. Join us as we celebrate some of the most significant milestones from this past quarter. Each and every donation and volunteer hour helps us support our clients and dogs, positively impacting the lives of those we serve. Thank you! Read the impact report. |
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| | Celebrating Facility Dog Tucker's Retirement
Since 2014, Facility Dog Tucker has worked alongside Brenda, a Licensed Professional Counselor, bringing comfort and warmth to countless clients. From his timid start as a former shelter dog, Tucker blossomed into a beloved canine co-therapist, creating profound connections and working with about 200 clients over the past decade. One memorable moment was when Tucker comforted a highly anxious client, allowing her to open up and share her story.
Congratulations on your retirement, Tucker! Enjoy those well-deserved naps and belly rubs. Read his story. |
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| | Shelter Program Growing Awareness in the Community
Apprentice Assistant Dog Trainer, Mikayla, and Assistance Dog in Training Laika represented DBL at the Operation Kindness Foster Fair this past month. We had a lot of interest in our program, and Laika was a great ambassador for shelter dogs becoming Service Dogs! As our foster network grows in Texas, we're poised to be able to train more shelter dogs to become Hearing Dogs, Facility Dogs, and Autism Assistance Dogs. |
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| | A Pawsitive Training Experience at Medford Mercy Flights
Recently, our trainers and their Assistance Dogs in training had the incredible opportunity to visit Medford Mercy Flights, a nonprofit air and ground ambulance service organization. This visit was a pivotal experience for our dogs in training and an educational exchange with the Mercy Flight team. Read the story. |
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