Dear Friend,
I hope this message finds you well as we gear up for an exciting month! As you may know, September is National Service Dog Month, and we'll be out in communities across the nation educating people about Service Dogs. We'll also be sharing educational information on social media.
As we kick off National Service Dog Month, I wanted to share an inspiring story that showcases the incredible impact your support has made possible.
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| Earlier this summer, Facility Dog Wafer was placed with Crystal in South Carolina, where she will play a crucial role in supporting children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or sexual assault.
As a family advocate, Crystal works closely with these vulnerable children, and Wafer's presence will be invaluable in helping them navigate the difficult process of sharing their stories. The ultimate goal is for Wafer to accompany the children to court, where her reassuring presence will offer a sense of security as they testify.
Wafer's impact goes beyond her tasks—touch, settle, visit, lap, and shake—she has a unique ability to connect with children in distress.
During placement training, Wafer's instinctive response to snuggle up to a child in need of comfort demonstrated her natural aptitude for this role. |
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| Wafer will make a significant difference in the lives of the children Crystal and her team works with, helping them heal and feel supported through some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Stories like this are a testament to the difference you make as Pack Members. Your generosity and belief in our mission enable us to create these life-changing partnerships that bring joy, healing, and hope to those who need it most. On behalf of the entire team and all the lives you’ve touched, thank you.
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Sherry, Danielle |
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| | | It's time for a pup-date from Rocky!
Summer may be ending, but Rocky has just found a new love for the water. His Puppy Raiser, Jenna, has a 10 foot pool that's about 2 feet deep and he has always been very interested when the family splashes around in it.
"A few weeks ago, Rocky discovered that he could jump in and now we can't seem to keep him out! There is nothing better after a hot walk or a play session than to jump in and out of the pool, thoroughly soaking anyone in the vicinity. There is pure joy on his face. I hope wherever he ends up he has somewhere to swim or splash," said Jenna.
Fun story of the month
"I included a photo of him relaxing on our back porch, enjoying the cooler weather we've had recently, and a photo of him snuggling our cat. Sometimes they get so tangled up it's hard to tell where one starts and the other ends. They are good buddies and love to play together, too," said Jenna.
Check back next month for more from Rocky! |
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| | September is National Service Dog Month
It’s National Service Dog Month! All month long, we’re celebrating these incredible dogs with special events, educational content on the life-changing impact of Service Dogs, and limited edition National Service Dog Month merch! Stay tuned and join us in raising awareness and supporting the work these amazing dogs do—click the link to see our upcoming events!
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| | Laurel’s Journey to Independence with DBL Hearing Assistance Dogs
Laurel recently celebrated her first year with Home Hearing Dog Fiddler, who is her third Hearing Assistance Dog from DBL. Each Hearing Dog she has received from DBL has marked a unique chapter in her life, filled with newfound security and heartwarming memories.
Fiddler, a lively and affectionate Labrador, has brought a new dynamic to Laurel’s life, continuing the legacy of his predecessors, Shaymus and Ravioli, in helping her achieve greater independence. Read Laurel's story about life with Hearing Assistance Dogs.
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| | Day of Pawsitivity
We hosted our very first Day of Pawsitivity on Monday August 26th, which coincided with National Dog Day. To celebrate, generous donors offered a $10,000 match to help fund the next 10 in-home Service Dog placements. We kept the pawsitivity going by extending the match opportunity through Friday, August 30th. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we funded 4 in-home placements. While this was short of our goal, it was still an inspiring effort and we're so appreciative of everyone who contributed! Learn more about the Day of Pawsitivity. |
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| | Seibert Family Field of Memories Transformation
On Sunday, July 28th, Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) hosted its much anticipated unveiling of The Seibert Family Field of Memories, which earlier in the year had been transformed and updated with brick tiers, defined levels, and thoughtful hardscaping. Former DBL board member and donor Loree Seibert provided a significant donation late last year, to support the construction and renovation of the Field of Memories. Read our article for more information about the Field of Memories renovation.
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| | Corporate Partner and All Natural Dog Treat Company 4Legz Donates Training Kibble To Service Dogs In-Training
In early August, DBL received nearly 200 pounds of dog treats at its training campuses in Central Point, Oregon and Falmouth, Massachusetts. The treats were provided by our generous corporate partner, 4Legz All Natural Dog Treat, based in Centralia, WA. The treats were based off Bree and Amy's winning treat from DBL’s signature event, Bone AppeTREAT, and were recreated as smaller dog kibble for Service Dogs in training. Read more about the 4Legz treat donation and the company founder's connection to DBL.
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