Dear Friend,
A few weeks ago, Duke, a remarkable graduate of our From Shelter to Service Dog program, began the last step of his journey to becoming a Certified Hearing Dog - his placement. Thanks to the dedication of our trainer Melissa, the support of his foster Zach, and the generosity of monthly donors like you, Duke was placed with Nicole. Rescued from Operation Kindness, Duke has grown from a hopeful rescue into a confident Service Dog.
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| Witnessing Duke and Nicole's instant bond was heartwarming, with Nicole often shedding tears of joy as Duke demonstrated his skills. From responding to door knocks and phone rings to alerting her to smoke alarms and dropped keys, Duke has already proven to be an indispensable partner in Nicole’s life.
Zach, Duke’s foster, reflected on this placement with immense pride, saying that meeting Nicole and witnessing Duke’s life-changing impact was the highlight of his year. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of our monthly donors, whose contributions provide the foundation for dogs like Duke to transform lives. |
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| To all our members of The Pack, thank you for being an integral part of Certified Hearing Dog Duke’s journey and the many other client teams at DBL. Your continued support empowers us to rescue, train, and place Service Dogs through innovative programs like the From Shelter to Service Dog Program. Every tail wag, every new skill mastered, and every joyful tear from clients like Nicole is at the heart of the community you've built with us. Together, we are changing lives!
Sincerely,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Member! 🎉
Kay |
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| | | It's time for a pup-date from Rocky!
Rocky continues working his skills in new places to ensure he has a solid foundation for his future training. Puppy Raiser Jenna and her family are doing a great job getting him ready!
Rocky turned 1 this month! It’s hard to believe he’s already a year old. According to Jenna, "Rocky also spent the month learning about rain. The last time he saw it, he was just a little pup, so when the skies opened this month, it took some encouragement to get him outside. But don’t worry—he’s fully embraced his lab roots and now loves frolicking in the rain!"
Fun story of the month
"Rocky wasn’t a fan of the birthday hat, but as soon as we brought out his cake, he totally forgot about it. He finished every crumb and then looked at us like he deserved seconds," recalled Jenna.
Check back next month for more from Rocky! |
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| | 2024 Howl-iday Gift Guide
Looking for the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life? Or maybe something for your own furry best friend? Look no further! Our 2024 Howl-iday Gift Guide has some great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Every purchase supports the incredible work we do here at Dogs for Better Lives. View the 2024 Gift Guide.
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| | Hearing Dog Chowder Brings Independence, Laughter, and Confidence to Ashland Educator
When John, a teacher at Innovation Academy Experiential Learning High School in Oregon, first met Certified Hearing Dog Chowder, he wasn’t sure what to expect. After years of grappling with hearing loss, John had long resisted the idea of a Service Dog. But as he reflected on how he coped with everyday sounds and the limitations it brought to his life, he decided to apply. Eventually, the time came for a placement, and that’s when Chowder entered John’s world—and changed it forever. Read their story.
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| | Dogs for Better Lives Earns Charity Navigator’s Highest 4-Star Rating for 11th Consecutive Year
We’re honored to announce that Dogs for Better Lives has received Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating for the 11th consecutive year! This prestigious recognition places us among the top 2% of nonprofits nationwide, reaffirming our commitment to financial transparency and using every dollar to maximize impact. “With DBL’s top ranking, donors can be assured they are giving to a trusted and impactful organization,” said Board Chair Tom Dobry. “Charity Navigator’s ratings are a valuable tool for our supporters, and we’re honored to consistently meet their high standards.” Read about our Charity Navigator Rating. |
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| | Giving Tuesday Matching Gift Campaign
On Tuesday December 3rd, Dogs for Better Lives will be participating in Giving Tuesday – a global day of giving. Help us reach our $30,000 goal to support the journey of a future Service Dog! Thanks to several generous donors, every dollar you give will be matched up to $15,000—meaning your impact will be doubled to cover expenses like veterinary care, training, placement so these amazing dogs can be placed with the people who need them. Learn more about our Giving Tuesday campaign.
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| | Dogs for Better Lives Receives Re-Accreditation from Assistance Dogs International
Dogs for Better Lives has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by receiving re-accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI), a testament to the organization’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the Assistance Dog industry. The accreditation, valid for the next five years, is a significant achievement that underscores the quality of DBL’s programs, services, and organizational practices. Read about our ADI Accreditation.
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