2024 Annual Report

Donor Spotlight Roanoke Animal Hospital

Dr. Tom Blaszak was first introduced to Saint Francis Service Dogs by our trusted Veterinary Advisor, Dr. Mark Finkler, after Dr. Blaszak joined the team at Roanoke Animal Hospital in 2011. Dr. Blaszak would often examine our puppies just starting their journeys to be service dogs. Our mission immediately resonated with him. “I felt it was a worthy organization that utilized the human - animal bond. As a veterinarian, animals have a large impact on my daily life and an organization that uses animals to support the needs of people really spoke to me and the impact I hope I can provide to families by keeping their animal companions safe and healthy,” says Dr. Blaszak. Roanoke Animal Hospital has been a generous supporter of Saint Francis Service Dogs for many years in many ways - something Dr. Blaszak says he has been happy to continue since taking over the practice from Dr. Finkler in 2020. Dr. Blaszak says, “I believe in the mission of Saint Francis and know all the work, time, and investment that is required to develop these puppies into service animals. Then, these trained animals are given to people with disabilities at no cost to them.”

RAH helps makes it possible for us to continue our mission by stepping up year after to year to sponsor both our Barks ‘n Rec spring fundraiser and our Graduation every fall. Recently, they added Saint Francis Service Dogs to their Loyalty program, so that their clients have the option to donate to us as well. And on top of all of the ways they help raise awareness and offer support, Roanoke Animal Hospital gives tens of thousands of dollars with in-kind donations every year through discounted veterinary care for our dogs in training. “There is no better organization to support. I have seen the impact these service animals have had on lives of the families and people they are matched with,” says Dr. Blaszak. “It’s like watching your children (puppies!) grow up and flourish. These wild, rambunctious puppies come in on their first veterinary visit and they are transformed into compassionate working companions.” Thank you, Roanoke Animal Hospital, for your care, support, and commitment to helping us change lives. It is a journey he says Roanoke Animal Hospital is proud to be a part of.

For more information on all types of giving, please visit our website at saintfrancisdogs.org/ways-to-give

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