Dear Friend,
Your Pack Membership helps give dogs the training, care, and encouragement they need to overcome challenges and discover the important work they were meant to do.
Sprite, a little Schipperke who joined our program after a hoarding case, has officially become a Hearing Assistance Dog and will be placed with her new partner in Oregon this month. Sprite’s trainer watched her work through the challenges of life outside the walls she once knew, growing into a confident, capable dog along the way.
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"Sprite is what we call a true Hearing Dog with lots of spunk," her trainer shared. "Looking at her now, you would never know what she went through to get here."
Today, Sprite is ready to use her special skills to help her new partner stay connected to the sounds of everyday life.
We couldn’t be more proud of this little spitfire and everything she has accomplished. And we’re grateful to you for helping make her transformation—and the life-changing partnership ahead—possible.
With gratitude,
Gwen Dudek
Interim CEO, Dogs for Better Lives
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| 🎉 Happy National Service Dog Month! 🎉 |
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| | | Halligan's Training Journey Continues
Last month Halligan moved into the next phase of his training journey, with a focus on strengthening his obedience, learning specialized skills, and beginning regular public outings. He's doing great!
Building New Skills
Halligan is currently learning tasks for both Facility Dog and Autism Assistance Dog work, giving him opportunities to explore the different ways he may one day support a client or professional. As his training progresses and a career path is identified, he’ll continue building his skills while gaining experience in a variety of environments.
Out and About
This month, Halligan visited Dick’s Sporting Goods and spent time at a sports park for enrichment walking. He also enjoyed some playtime at his trainer’s house—an important reminder that learning and having fun go hand in hand!
Enjoying Life on Campus
Halligan is showing more personality than ever, and is still making us smile with his adorable tilt! He has become more attentive to his handler, and the way he pounces on his toys when rewarded is guaranteed to make his trainer laugh.
Stay tuned for the next update on Halligan’s journey! |
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| | First Placement in Atlanta's From Shelter to Service Dog Program
Kovva is making history as the first dog placed through Dogs for Better Lives’ From Shelter to Service Dog Program in Atlanta, a partnership with the Atlanta Humane Society. After months of training and bonding with her foster family, Kovva is transitioning into a permanent home with Nathan, a disabled veteran, while continuing her work as a DBL demo dog. Read Kovva’s inspiring story and learn how DBL’s shelter partnerships are creating new possibilities for dogs and the people they serve. Read Kovva's story.
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| | National Service Dog Month
September is National Service Dog Month, and we’re celebrating all month long with events across the country, opportunities to meet our amazing Service Dogs in training, and fun ways to connect with the DBL community. You can also join the excitement through our 2027 Calendar Photo Contest.
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| | September Matriculation Events Planned
Join Dogs for Better Lives on September 19th as we celebrate an exciting milestone for the next group of young dogs who are beginning the next chapter of their journey toward becoming Assistance Dogs. Events will take place at both our Northeast Campus in Falmouth and West Campus in Central Point, with livestream options available for those who can’t attend in person. Come celebrate the dedicated Puppy Raisers and volunteers who have helped these dogs grow, learn, and prepare for their next step in professional training. RSVP or access the livestream link here. |
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| | Facility Dog Teddy Brings Comfort to ICU Patient
Our client at Boston Children's Hospital, Erin, shared a sweet story about an ICU patient. When they first met the patient, Teddy snuggled in beside her, sharing his calm presence at a time when she needed it most.
“It was the beginning of a therapeutic friendship in the middle of an ICU,” Erin says.
Throughout her hospital stay, the patient began requesting Teddy visits. Together, they snuggled, smiled, played fetch, and created moments that felt a little more like normal life in the middle of a hospital admission. The patient drew this photo of Teddy during her stay.
And on discharge day, Teddy and the care team had the joy of seeing her walk out of the hospital—with a huge smile.
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| | Day of Pawsitivity Recap
Our 3rd Annual Day of Pawsitivity is officially in the books! Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters, we welcomed 50 donors, raised $13,013. These funds will go straight to work in support of our lifetime commitment to Service Dog Teams.
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