Dear Friend,
Pack Members play a key role in keeping everything humming along at DBL—training extraordinary dogs, matching them with incredible clients, and supporting those teams for years to come. Because of you, lives are changing every single day. Thank you!
|
|
|---|
|
If you haven’t yet seen it, I’d love for you to check out Facility Dog Misty’s story, which we shared recently at Bone AppeTREAT—it’s a beautiful example of the impact you make possible.
We’ve just kicked off the final month of our fiscal year, and it’s bound to be an exciting one. We’re preparing to place multiple dogs with their clients—moments that represent months of dedication, training, and hope coming to life. Your ongoing commitment helps carry each of these teams all the way to this milestone.
|
| |
|---|
|
As we head into June, we also have a special matching gift opportunity. If you’ve considered making an additional one-time gift, this is a wonderful way to have it go twice as far—but please know there is absolutely no pressure. Your monthly generosity already means so much, and we are deeply grateful.
Thank you for being part of this Pack and for all the possibilities you create.
With gratitude,
Gwen Dudek
Interim CEO, Dogs for Better Lives |
|
|---|
| 🎉 Welcome to our newest Pack Members! 🎉
Lisa, Amy, Jean |
|
|---|
| | |
Halligan has officially begun his next chapter, returning to campus during DBL’s Bone AppeTREAT event on 5/15. It was a meaningful moment as Jill proudly sent him off, marking the transition from his time as a puppy in training to the start of his formal journey. Halligan is settling in on campus and beginning to build new relationships—both with trainers and fellow dogs. He’s already been enjoying time with Fraser, a black lab, and the two have quickly bonded over games of tug.
Celebrating Halligan
Looking ahead, Halligan will reach an exciting milestone on June 6 at 10:30 a.m. PT (1:30 p.m. ET), when he participates in the West Campus Puppy Matriculation Ceremony. This special event celebrates his official entrance into training. Supporters can watch the ceremony live on our website or attend in person. We'd love to share this moment with you! Learn more here.
Puppy Raisers make all the difference
As he begins professional training, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jill for her incredible dedication as his Puppy Raiser. Her patience, commitment, and care have shaped Halligan into the remarkable young dog he is today. Because of her, he is well-prepared to take on this next challenge and continue working toward making a meaningful difference.
Stay tuned for the next update on Halligan’s journey! |
|
|---|
| | Spring Impact Report
In case you missed it, we published our Spring 2026 Impact Report which highlights the biggest milestones we've achieved with your support this season. We couldn't do it without you!
Thank you for your steadfast support as we continue to work to further our mission of training and placing Service Dogs! Read the report. |
| |
|---|
| | June 6th: Volunteer Appreciation and Puppy Matriculation Ceremonies
|
| |
|---|
| | Texas Adventures with Bella
Our From Shelter to Service Dog Program dogs are taking full advantage of the pleasant spring weather. One of the shelter dogs in training, Bella, enjoyed a walk in the park and stopped to check out the bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas.
Our Service Dogs in training often get out in public so they can work on their skills in busy settings, and Bella did a great job!
|
| |
|---|
| | Watch the Replay - Bone AppeTREAT
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at our 4th annual Bone AppeTREAT event on 5/15! The energy at our watch parties was electric, and we hope at-home viewers had a great time watching our contestants compete for Top Dog.
The winning line-up for 2026:
The Most Chomp-Worthy Treat, or the best tasting, awarded to Norm Johnson (Washington)
The Re-Bark-Ably Beautiful Treat: the most visually appealing, went to Jarius Wynn (Georgia)
The Most Paw-Some Video was won by Dont’a Hightower (Massachusetts)
The Ulti-Mutt Chef, most unique ingredients, awarded to Chad Cota & David Cuttrell (Oregon)
2026 Top Dog Winner: Jeff Severson (California)
Watch the replay or download the treat recipes.
|
| |
|---|
| | |
|
