Dear Friend,
When our team follows up with clients at the one-year mark, the difference from placement is often striking. Robin and Certified Hearing Dog Halo have spent their first year together thriving as a team—and it was clear that Halo has truly transformed Robin’s life.
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| During their follow-up visit, our team watched Robin and Halo navigate a packed Costco on a busy Sunday with ease and grace. At home and at work—where Halo accompanies Robin to her high school classroom—she alerts to critical sounds like door knocks, phone calls, name calls, and smoke alarms, keeping Robin safe and connected in every environment.
Halo has even won over the entire school, with students calling out “Hi Halo baby!” in the hallways and the principal sneaking in a quick hello whenever she passes by. Her steady presence has also given Robin the confidence to stay in hotels again, something she hadn’t felt secure doing for years.
Because of your support Halo has brought independence, safety, and peace of mind to every part of Robin’s life. From all of us at Dogs for Better Lives, thank you for making this possible.
With sincere appreciation,
Bryan Williams
CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
| | Certified Hearing Dog Halo with Robin |
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Erinn, Elad, Theo, Todd |
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| | | Checking in with former Pack Member Dog, Emerald!
A Journey You Helped Shape
You may remember Emerald, the puppy Pack Members supported from mid-2022 through early 2024. You can read about her journey here. Thanks to your encouragement and support, she completed her training and was placed as a Certified Hearing Dog with Joyce in Washington State.
Life with Joyce
Emerald brings joy to every day—lazy mornings at home, afternoon walks to get some exercise, and peace of mind by alerting Joyce to smoke alarms, door knocks, kitchen timers, and her name being called.
In public, Emerald’s beauty and calm confidence spark conversations, giving Joyce the chance to share Dogs for Better Lives and her story. Her favorite spot? Sunday church, where she cuddles and plays with the kids in Sunday school.
A Partnership That Lasts
Because of your support, Emerald and Joyce are thriving as a team, bringing safety, companionship, and smiles wherever they go.
Check back next month for our next featured pup! |
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| | National Service Dog Month Recap
In September, we celebrated National Service Dog Month with our community across the country. Supporters met Service Dogs in training, connected with staff and volunteers, and learned about the life-changing impact of these partnerships. We also launched our first-ever Calendar Photo Contest, creating a unique 2026 calendar with photos from dogs in our program and our supporters. From education and outreach to volunteer appreciation, the month highlighted the skills of our dogs and the dedication of everyone who makes their work possible. Thank you to all who made this celebration so special! |
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| | DBL Facility Dogs Head Back to School
The start of the school year was filled with smiles and wagging tails! DBL Facility Dogs like Major, Rowan, Alder, and Archie are back in schools, supporting students and staff with comfort, connection, and joy. From hallway greetings to therapy sessions, these incredible dogs make a positive impact every day. See the full story and photo slideshow of our Facility Dogs in action!
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| | Service Dog in Training Winnie Aces Her Spooky Training Session
Service Dog in Training Winnie visited TJ Maxx to practice her skills in a busy public setting—right next to a festive ghost decoration! Public training helps future Service Dogs stay calm, focused, and reliable, even with distractions. These real-world experiences prepare her to confidently support her future partner in any environment. Check out the photo of Winnie embracing the spooky season while staying on task! |
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| | Shelter Dog Tilly’s Training: Learning with Our Youngest Volunteers
One of our newest shelter dogs in training, Tilly, has been with us for the last month and is making great progress with our training team. Recently, she spent time working with Bree and Cody, two of our youngest volunteers, practicing her skills in the company of children. These early socialization experiences help Tilly build confidence and focus in real-world settings. We love seeing her grow and can't wait to see the lives she'll change! |
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