Dear Friend,
As a Pack Member, one of the things your support helps to fund is ongoing care for every active Service Dog team at DBL, including regular follow-up visits. These check-ins are vital to ensuring the success of each partnership. The one-year follow-up is an especially meaningful milestone, where clients can truly reflect on how much their lives have transformed in just one year.
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| This was the case with Joanell, who was matched with Hearing Assistance Dog Charlie just over a year ago. From the moment you meet them, it's clear their bond has become something truly special. Charlie has brought safety, security, and companionship to Joanell's life, assisting with crucial sound alerts like the doorbell, oven timer, phone, and even name call. Charlie has taken on additional sounds naturally, something that has brought her immense joy.
Joanell's partner, Roy, affectionately refers to Charlie as Joanell's "little shadow," perfectly balancing his role as both a service dog and a beloved companion. |
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| One moment that truly stood out during their follow-up was when Roy needed Joanell's help. Joanell has cochlear implants, and was resting with her processors out. Using the name call, Roy asked Charlie to wake Joanell up, a task Charlie performed with great enthusiasm! Joanell now feels confident moving around the house without her processors, knowing Charlie will alert her if she misses any important sounds. This added sense of independence has been transformative for Joanell.
Because of your support and belief in our mission, we can create life-changing partnerships that bring comfort, independence, and hope to those in need. We are deeply grateful for the difference you've made in so many lives—thank you from all of us at DBL!
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Paul, Kayleen, Laura, Karan |
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| | | It's time for a pup-date from Rocky!
Rocky is doing a great job learning his skills! At 10 months, he is progressing nicely and even represented Dogs for Better Lives at a recent National Service Dog Month event. He has been working on his "under" command while waiting for Jenna's daughter at gymnastics class. While not working on his training, he is deepening his love for the water.
"We just came back from the river where he swam and sunbathed and just generally lived his best life. I'm sure in a few minutes, after he's had his dinner, he'll be curled up sawing logs.," said his Puppy Raiser, Jenna.
Fun story of the month
"He has a big, orthopedic foam dog bed that honestly feels nicer than my mattress, but when we got him home he was so tiny he looked silly on it. So we dug out an old cat bed we had lying around. Can you guess which bed he still crams his giant body into? Let's just say our cat is sleeping on the floor," said Jenna.
Check back next month for more from Rocky! |
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| | National Service Dog Month Recap
We had a great National Service Dog Month, sharing all kinds of information about Service Dogs, including access laws, types of Service Dogs, and how to spot an "impawster" dog. Our Regaional Advisory Boards also hosted 7 events in 4 states throughout the month, bringing the community together in support of Service Dogs. Did you miss our social media content? Follow us to catch up on the educational content and touching stories you might have missed! We're on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and Linkedin.
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| | Facility Dog Cliff Finds His Perfect Match in Mental Health Therapy
In the Chicago metro area, a special four-legged therapist is making a quiet but profound impact. Facility Dog Cliff has recently begun working with mental health therapist Stephanie, bringing his calm, gentle demeanor into her therapy sessions. Cliff creates a soothing environment in Stephanie’s sessions, helping clients feel safe and supported as they navigate their emotional journeys. Read their story.
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| | Autumn's Third Litter
Autumn welcomed her 3rd litter of 8 Labrador puppies last month! Everyone is doing well under the watchful eye of Autumn's Breeder Caretaker, Nancy. These future Service Dogs will go to puppy raisers the week of November 6th. Some of the puppies will remain at DBL to enter our programs, and some will transfer to other ADI accredited schools. We can't wait to see the amazing things these future Service Dogs will do! |
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| | From Shelter to Service Training Adventure
Assistance Dog in Training Duke and his trainer, Melissa, recently went on an exciting public training session. Their first stop was the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) train station, where Duke practiced staying calm on an elevated platform with trains whizzing by. Next, they headed to The Frontiers of Flight Museum, where Duke bravely boarded a plane and navigated through new surfaces—all while meeting lots of energetic children! Duke is a great example of how any dogs - even shelter dogs - can become great Service Dogs!
Exposing Duke to different environments and experiences helps him develop the confidence and adaptability needed to become a future Service Dog. Each session builds his skills and prepares him to handle the unexpected, making him ready to assist his future partner in any situation.
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