2024 Annual Report

Volunteer Spotlight Mona and David Fazzina

One year ago, Mona and David Fazzina found themselves at Saint Francis Service Dogs for the first time – driven by their faith, love of dogs, and their desire to give their time and resources to a mission they believe in. “It is as if we have been introduced to a loving, gracious, friendly, and meaningful family. In God’s greater plan, we consider our association with Saint Francis Service Dogs to be a blessing.” Mona says, “It is one of the best things that happened to us in 2024. I imagine that it’s a bit like a slice of heaven on earth.” Since then, they have fully embraced the experience of volunteering. Mona and David are frequent sitters for our dogs in training, and Mona has just recently taken on a new role as a transport volunteer. She often makes the trek from our facility in Roanoke to Bland Correctional Center to pick up and drop off the dogs that are training in our Prison Pup Program. On top of their volunteer efforts, the Fazzinas have also given Skylit, one

of our career change dogs, a forever home.

The Fazzinas describe the experience of volunteering at Saint Francis as both humbling and enriching - making it easy to want to help in all the ways they can. ”Each time I come to Saint Francis to pick up a puppy for the weekend or for longer, and then drive away toward home, I look at the puppy in the backseat and marvel at the immense gift that has been entrusted to me. Such trust demands that we give nothing less than our best.” We simply could not do what we do without our volunteers. Thank you, Mona and David, for your passion and dedication to our mission.

Mona says, “The dogs don’t seem to realize how wonderful they are. They love so selflessly, and I feel rich beyond words to be loved like that by a dog.” Mona’s great love of dogs is a thread that has woven throughout her entire life. As a little girl, she thought she may grow up to be a veterinarian. As an adult working in the healthcare field of physical therapy, Mona would light up when therapy dogs were brought in for a session. “One of my patients once said to me, ‘Do you know that when you’re around dogs, you glow?’ Things seem to have come full circle now that I volunteer with Saint Francis and love it so much,” says Mona. Part of that love is knowing that the dogs in her care will ultimately go on to change someone’s life.

“We may never meet the person that the dog is partnered with, but it is good to know that we sowed some good seeds during our short time with the puppies - that we showered them with love and warmth and play,” Mona says.

For volunteer opportunities, visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org/volunteer 10