Dear Friend,
When a partnership finally comes together after years of waiting, the impact is hard to put into words.
Last month, Hearing Assistance Dog Judo was placed with Kathleen in Oregon. Kathleen was added to our wait list 3 years ago and she was so excited she made a special shirt to mark Judo's arrival. From the moment they met, Judo made himself at home, racing through the house with new toys in tow and bringing plenty of joy along with his specialized skills.
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For Kathleen, who travels frequently for work, Judo is much more than a companion. He's a trusted Hearing Assistance Dog who will help her stay connected to important sounds like smoke alarms, door knocks, timers, and her name being called, providing greater confidence and peace of mind wherever life takes them.
DBL Field Representative Jess said, "It's clear these two were meant for each other." After waiting so long, Kathleen says Judo was absolutely worth the wait.
Stories like this begin long before placement day. They start with people like you, whose ongoing monthly support helps dogs receive the training, care, and preparation needed to change someone's life.
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Thank you for being part of every step of that journey.
With gratitude,
Gwen Dudek
Interim CEO, Dogs for Better Lives
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| 🎉 Welcome new Pack Members! 🎉 |
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| | | Halligan's Training Journey Continues
Halligan has had a busy month filled with learning, new experiences, and plenty of opportunities to practice his manners in the real world. He continues to make steady progress in his training and is becoming more comfortable and confident in a variety of situations.
Learning New Skills
This month, Halligan has been working on Hearing Assistance Dog-related skills, including tap, sit at sound, and the hearing dog sequence. These specialized behaviors help prepare him for a future role supporting individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, while also building his focus and responsiveness.
Out and About
Halligan enjoyed several outings this month, including visits to a sporting goods store, a restaurant, a home goods store, a grocery store, and a local sports park. Each new environment gives him valuable experience and helps him grow more confident while practicing his training around everyday distractions.
Growing Confidence
One of the biggest highlights this month has been watching Halligan's personality shine. While he can be a little reserved at first, he has developed a strong bond with his trainer and is becoming more confident every day. As he continues to mature, we're seeing a more relaxed, curious, and engaged dog emerge, making each step of his journey exciting to watch.
Stay tuned for the next update on Halligan’s journey! |
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| | Nine Puppies Return to Campuses for Training
In September, we welcomed nine puppies into professional training at our West and Northeast Campus Matriculation Ceremonies. The events celebrated the dedication of our volunteer Puppy Raisers, whose hard work and commitment helped prepare these dogs for their next chapter. Miss the celebrations? Watch the replay.
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| | Sprite's New Beginning
You may remember Sprite, a dog rescued from a hoarding situation who was being trained at our west campus as a Hearing Assistance Dog. Last month, she was placed with her new client, Joyce, as a Hearing Assistance Dog in Oregon. Sprite excelled in training and is already helping Joyce stay connected to important sounds, from phone calls to everyday alerts. As Joyce shared, Sprite is not only a hearing dog, but also her "lap dog and cuddle buddy." Read Sprite's story.
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| | 2027 Calendar Deadline Approaching
Order your 2027 Dogs for Better Lives Calendar by October 30.
Date blocks are still available for just $10 through October 15th, giving you the opportunity to celebrate a special dog, person, or milestone. This year's calendar will feature 12 DBL dogs selected by community vote, along with additional dogs submitted by supporters.
>>Learn more about the photo contest or pre-order your 2027 calendar |
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| | Assistance Dog in Training Taco at Barks & Brews
During National Service Dog Month, Taco joined trainer Kierra at a Barks & Brews event in Dallas, one of nine events hosted nationwide by our Regional Advisory Boards. Community outings like these give dogs in training valuable opportunities to practice their skills in real-world environments while learning to stay focused amid distractions.
We're grateful to our Regional Advisory Board volunteers for helping raise awareness, connect with supporters, and showcase the impact of Assistance Dogs in communities across the country.
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