Dear Friend,
As a Pack Member, your steady, ongoing support means more than words can express. Because of you, our mission continues without interruption, and our team can stay focused on what matters most: changing lives through Assistance Dogs.
While the Board searches for our next CEO, our Leadership Team continues to work closely with staff, volunteers, clients, and partners, and there are no significant changes to our programs, our plans, or our people. You can read more details about this transition here.
One of the ways you've made an impact is through a recent placement of Hearing Dog Bordeaux with our client, Haley. From day one, Bordeaux was a superstar—quickly mastering sound alerts and impressing Haley with her confidence and skill. As Haley and her husband, Gage (a firefighter who works overnight shifts), prepare to grow their family, Bordeaux brought immediate peace of mind by easily alerting to a (virtual) baby cry, along with door knocks, Haley’s name being called, and the oven timer. This is the kind of impact you make possible.
We’re looking ahead to one of our favorite events of the year—Bone AppeTREAT! With nine watch parties across the country and a virtual livestream, there are so many ways to join the celebration. We hope to see you there, whether in person or online. Thank you for being part of The Pack and for your continued support of this incredible work.
With gratitude,
Gwen Dudek
Interim CEO, Dogs for Better Lives
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| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Michele, Kelly |
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| | | Halligan is stepping confidently into his next chapter, and it’s clear how much he has grown with his volunteer Puppy Raiser, Jill’s guidance. Now 11.5 months old and weighing just over 60 pounds, he is essentially full grown—but continues to show the social awareness and composure that will carry him forward. As he prepares to return for professional training on May 15, Halligan is ready to build on everything he has learned so far.
Everyday Adventures
Halligan has had some wonderful opportunities to connect with young people this month. During a visit to a Spectrum office, he calmly joined a group of children under five, sitting quietly as each took a turn asking for his paw. As Jill shared, “He was the hit of the visit.” With her steady support, Halligan handled the interaction with patience and ease. He also visited a local playground, where he greeted children at play, continuing to show his gentle and friendly demeanor in new environments.
Training Progress
With each outing and experience, Halligan demonstrates his growing maturity and readiness for what comes next. From calmly engaging with children to handling routine moments like his monthly veterinary weigh-in, he continues to build focus and reliability. Reflecting on his journey, Jill shares, “I am very proud of the dog he is becoming and wish him all the best in this next stage.”
As Halligan heads off to begin professional training, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jill for her incredible commitment as his Puppy Raiser. Her time, patience, and dedication have helped shape Halligan into the promising young dog he is today. Because of her, he is ready to continue his training and make a meaningful difference in the life of someone in need.
Stay tuned for the next update on Halligan’s journey! |
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| | RSVP for Bone AppeTREAT - 5/15!
Join us for Bone AppeTREAT on 5/15—our can’t-miss celebration for pups and people alike.
RSVP to join us at one of our 9 watch parties across the country, or watch virtually from the comfort of your home. Learn more about the event.
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| | Facility Dog Teddy's Story
In November 2025, Boston Children’s Hospital welcomed Teddy, their first-ever full-time Facility Dog. Teddy’s arrival marked a major milestone for DBL, representing the placement of a Facility Dog at one of the top children’s hospitals in the nation and a powerful vote of confidence in DBL’s training and standards. Working alongside Child Life Specialist Erin, Teddy is already transforming care by bringing comfort, joy, and emotional grounding to patients and families during their hardest moments. Read their story.
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| | Erin and Facility Dog Teddy |
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| | Meet Sprite
Sprite recently came to DBL from a large hoarding case in Eagle Point, Oregon, where dozens of Schipperkes were removed and brought to Jackson County Animal Shelter. Since the shelter was at capacity, we stepped in to provide temporary space for 39 dogs while they await adoption through Midwest Schipperke Rescue. Since arriving on February 9, they’ve been settling in, getting consistent care, and starting to show us who they are. Sprite was selected to begin working with our trainers to see if she might have what it takes to become a future Service Dog. It’s still early, but we’re getting to know her personality, confidence, and potential!
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| | From Shelter to Service Dog Tonka
From shelter to Service Dog Tonka is hard at work! This future Assistance Dog in training who joined us from Atlanta Humane Society, has been practicing “unders” and other essential skills for Service Dogs in public. Staying calm, tucked, and focused in busy spaces—Tonka is rising to the occasion like a pro.
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