Fall 2021

Fall 2021

PA RT N E R S PAWS A N D Helping people with disabilities better experience the world through partnership with a service dog New Beginnings because of you

As we approach another holiday season, we at Saint Francis have much to be thankful for, and it is all because of you. We just celebrated our 2021 Graduation Ceremony. These new service dog teams are embracing the opportunities and challenges of life together for the first time, thanks to you - the hundreds of donors and volunteers who helped them on their journey from puppy to partner. Our more than 20 volunteer puppy raisers, many of them raising for their first time, represent the largest class of puppy raisers in our 25 year history! And, thanks to the foresight of our board and the dedication of very special members of our family of donors, we are now better prepared for the ever- changing future with the completion of our new Draper Woody and Jo Lynn Draper Pavilion.

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Saint Francis Puppy Beatrice at the Draper Woody and Jo Lynn Draper Pavilion

A message from Cabell “You are helping us light up the world with glimmers. Thank you.”

We are living in a fragile world where nothing is certain – not even whether you will be able to meet with your team in person next week. It is hard to plan under these circumstances and it is hard to feel secure. As we continue to struggle along, I am hearing the word “trigger” more and more often. In short, triggers are environmental cues that cause us to feel imminent danger. Anything – a smell, a sound, a touch - can be a trigger and create a fight, flight, or freeze response. Triggers are unique to each individual, and they can be mild or powerful. You have probably heard of triggers. A new word for me is “glimmers.” A glimmer is the opposite of a trigger. Where a trigger is something that creates a defensive reaction in your nervous system, a glimmer does the opposite – it causes us to feel safe. Like a trigger, it can be anything, a sound, a smell, a touch. Whatever it is, it carries a message to your psyche that says it will all be fine, everything is fine, you are fine. It soothes, relaxes, and lifts us. I am very interested in this glimmer business. Apparently, they are all around and we only need to notice them. Then we can harness them to our use. Tiny sparks of joy.

Little spurts of contentment. Moments of peace. I started looking for glimmers in my life and in the lives of people around me. It turns out that Saint Francis Service Dogs are glimmer factories. They bring jolts of daily laughter, joy, connection, and comfort to their puppy raisers, walkers, sitters, inmates, trainers, and ultimately, their partners. They trail glimmers like a jet stream in their wake. It happens when a Saint Francis Facility Dog walks over and places his big square head gently in a young person’s lap as they tell their story to a judge. It happens when a partner enters a room of strangers and drops a hand on their Saint Francis Service Dog’s back for stability and reassurance. These are beautiful glimmers. Saint Francis Service Dogs are sending us messages in every tiny way we can receive them. They say: I am here, and it will all be fine, everything is fine, you are fine. safely through the pandemic. When we breed our own litters with volunteer whelping families working steadfastly and diligently in relative isolation to bring us the next generation of Saint Francis Service Dogs. When you donate your time, money, and resources to help us place yet another carefully raised, lovingly trained dog with someone in desperate need. You are helping us light up the world with glimmers. This is what you do when you help us. When we build a pavilion so we can keep working

Thank you.

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Early in the pandemic, we realized that certain fundamental parts of our training program could no longer be completed safely. If we did not find new ways to continue training puppies, dogs, and partners, our ability to move dogs through our program and match new teams would be impacted. A functional outdoor space on our property became an idea, which became a reality in the months that followed, resulting in the Draper Woody and Jo Lynn Draper Pavilion. An idea born in COVID to help us weather the pandemic has become another wonderful venue and operations space that has allowed us to safely continue our mission as we sort out our path forward. Thanks to the vision of our board, we were able to conceive the idea, put together the plans, and construct it in an incredibly short time frame. A significant lead gift from a very special board member and supporting gifts from additional board members and friends allowed us to build it debt-free. Balzer and Associates and Lionberger Construction were excellent partners, moving quickly and capably to make the project come together. New Beginnings (cont. from cover)

On any given day, now and in the future, the pavilion will be home to puppy classes, training classes, volunteer orientations, candidate classes for future partners, matching interviews where people are meeting their service dogs for the first time, or partner classes where teams can brush up on their commands or learn new commands as health needs change.

It has already served us well, and we cannot wait to see our mission continue to unfold in this beautiful structure in the years to come.

We are now better prepared to serve our partners and continue our operations no matter what the future holds. Why? Because people stepped up when we needed them – as you do, again and again. For this, we are eternally grateful.

Our lead donor, Jo Lynn Draper and her son, Draper Woody, for whom our beautiful pavilion is named.

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Thank you!

THE CLASS

Eclipse and David “Eclipse has given me the courage and confidence to do things that I would not be doing without him. Having him with me every day is a blessing.” - David

Mitz and the Chesterfield JDR Court “Mitz has brought light to our entire courthouse. Mitzvah, or Mitz for short means ‘good deeds.’ The people he has worked with have certainly appreciated his good deeds.” -The Honorable Judge Minton, Mitz’s handler

Walker and Warwick Forest Assisted Living and Memory Care “Walker is everyone’s dog. He is every resident’s dog, he is every teammember’s dog. He makes our assisted living feel like home. -Garnet, Walker’s handler

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These graduates are the reason for everything we do. They are why our beautiful dogs are cherished, lovingly raised, and taught for over two years by people who will ultimately say goodbye to them. They are why our volunteers work tirelessly. They are why our donors give generously.

These teams - the Class of 2021 - exist because of you.

From the puppy raisers, to the trainers, to the volunteers, to the supporters, - thank you from the bottom of our hearts. OF 2021!

S

BECAUSE OF YOU!

Penny and Kit “My partnership with Penny has brought a great peace of mind to both myself and my family. Penny may be quiet in demeanor, but she has a big presence in what she and I are able to accomplish together.” -Kit

Tipper and Justin “The best thing about Tipper is his unconditional love and devotion to my son. Because of him, I have a happier son.” -Jeannette, Justin’s mom

Nemo and Eric “Nemo helps me live life to the fullest in a multitude of ways. He helps me physically, and he is my constant companion. I am his person and he is mine.” -Eric

Watch the entire 2021 Graduation Ceremony at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/events

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trainer spotlight

Carol Waters

Carol Waters has been a part of the Saint Francis Family for over 20 years! As a recent empty nester, she was searching for something new to do when she came upon some of our puppies training at Tanglewood Mall in 2001. The rest, as they say, is history!

She began by puppy raising, and her first puppy was named Alaska. She says, “Alaska ended up graduating and was placed with a wonderful partner. I puppy raised for a couple more

“I knew I finally found my niche.”

angel tree

years. I would watch the trainers and watch the new partners with their dogs, and I decided that was what I wanted to try. I wanted to meet the people, and I wanted to see how happy these dogs made their partners.” And boy are we glad she wanted to try becoming a Saint Francis Trainer, because as it turns out, she is amazing at it! Trainers work with dogs in the second year of life to teach them the more than 40 tasks they will use to help their partners. As a trainer, Carol has an innate sense of communication with her dogs. She listens very closely to her dogs and their wants and needs, and this bond shows in every single one of her trainees. Over a 15 year period, Carol helped train 13 dogs, many of whom ended up completing training and being placed with partners. After a recent break as a trainer to spend time with her grandchildren, we are so excited to have Carol back in our Training Program working with service dog-in-training, Hank. Carol describes Hank as the most affectionate dog she has ever worked with and says they are having a blast training together.

Each year, you bring holiday cheer to our puppies and dogs in training by donating toys, treats, and gift cards to our Angel Tree. These items are used throughout the year by dogs at every level of our program. Thank you! Our dogs have been very good boys and girls, and they are busy making their wishlists for this year’s Angel Tree! They will be ready to share them the day after Thanksgiving! Beginning November 26! In the meantime, be sure you are following us on social media and check your inboxes to find out how to participate in our Angel Tree when the time comes!

When asked about her experience as a Saint Francis Trainer, Carol said, “I fell in love with this fantastic organization at once, and I knew I finally found my niche.” The feeling is mutual, Carol!

save the date!

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A PUP’S progr es s

Hello again everybody,

As you may have already guessed, I really love being “out there!” Better yet, being out there was just what I needed to take my training to the next level. In fact, a few weeks ago I passed my Level 2 Test! If that doesn’t deserve a drum roll and cannon fire followed by zoomies, I don’t know what does! Now that my training is complete and I’ve passed all of my tests, it’s time to start the process of looking for my Partner. This is what’s known as the “matching process.” It’s kind of like fitting two pieces of a puzzle together. The process involves matching my strengths “Candidates.” These are people that have been screened and approved to partner with dogs in my program. They’ve also gone through classes to learn all about what I know and about what it’s like to partner with a dog like me. and needs to the strengths and needs of people called

Once again, I have some pretty exciting news to share. In my last update I told you that I’d learned all of the commands and tasks required to become a Saint Francis Service Dog. I also filled you in on the fact that I had some catch-up work to do as far as socialization, since my trainer and I were limited in where we could go and what we could do in public places with COVID. These last few months have been all about getting “out there” and putting what I’ve learned to the test in the real world. Since the last update, I’ve definitely done just that. I’ve been to libraries, hospitals, soccer games, and hotels. I rode the trolley in downtown Roanoke and attended a Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets ceremony that included bands playing and even cannon fire! I also flew to Florida and did a demonstration on a big stage in front of lots of people to show them all of the ways that Service Dogs and Facility Dogs can improve people’s lives. “It’s time to start the process of looking for my partner...It’s kind of like fitting two pieces of a puzzle together.”

Once people who may be a good fit for partnership with me are identified, I actually get to meet them during something called “in person” interviews. I’m not so sure about the “in” part, but I sure do like the “person” part. I just can’t wait!

Take care until next time when you may get to meet my person!

Sophia

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volunteer & donor SPOTLIGHT Bob Vi l l ami l

“I knew we were a part of something very, very special.”

In 1998, Bob Villamil saw a commercial looking for people to volunteer to raise a puppy for a relatively new service dog training organization. After investigating the opportunity, the timing wasn’t right for him for that type of commitment, but a bond was formed between him and Saint Francis Service Dogs that has now grown for over 20 years. Bob supported and followed along with Saint Francis in our early days, and in 2006, when we launched our foster program, Bob and his wife answered the call and began to foster a dog named Roxy. At the time, we had not yet built our onsite kennel facilities, so fostering a dog meant that you would drop the dog off each morning and pick the dog up each evening. It was basically like having a child in school! In 2007, Roxy was placed with her partner. Bob struggled with this, as all of our puppy raisers, trainers, and foster families do. He tells us, “Roxy was part of our family, and it hurt to say goodbye. One of the trainers invited us to a practice session with Roxy and her new partner, who utilized a wheelchair. After seeing Roxy maneuver with her young partner and seeing the joy Roxy brought to him and his family, I knew we were a part of something very, very special, and she was where she belonged.” After this first foster experience, Bob and his wife, Sue, fostered and sat for many more dogs. They became one of our go-to foster families for helping dogs overcome certain barriers that may prevent them from being placed. They worked with dogs with carsickness, reactivity, and sensitivity. Many of these dogs went on to be placed and have distinguished careers as Saint Francis Service Dogs. One of them, Poco, could not overcome her fear of thunder, so the Villamils adopted her through our career change program.

Bob says he and Poco share a special, emotional bond that he is so thankful for.

Over the years, Bob has volunteered and supported Saint Francis in countless ways. He volunteered at our Dogtoberfest events, led and supervised community service projects at our facility, and contributed generously to the construction of our kennel building, while securing matching funds from his employer, GE. After years of experience with Saint Francis, he made the decision to join our Board of Directors in 2011. In 2015, things came full circle when Bob retired from GE and decided the time was right to try puppy raising. He received an eight-week old puppy that he named Jax. Under Bob’s care, Jax passed our Puppy Program, but he ultimately told our training team that he did not want a career as a service dog. Bob adopted him in 2016, and has since trained him as a Pet Partners therapy dog. As a team, Bob and Jax have provided joy, comfort and therapy to over 3,300 adults and children, and Jax enjoys his life as the Villamils’ beloved pet. Bob tells us, “We have experienced the magic of these wonderful dogs. We witnessed how Saint Francis provided, free of charge, the gift of independence to so many worthy people. My wife Sue and I practice service to our community, and we work with many nonprofit organizations, but the impact of Saint Francis is unmatched.” This year, Bob and his wife joined our Legacy Society by including Saint Francis in their estate plans. Their generosity and endless support of our mission are obviously felt now, and we are so grateful that future generations will feel their impact in the years ahead through their Legacy Society commitment. We could not do what we do without people like Bob! Thank you!

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J o i n u s Ap r i l 1 8 - 24 for our spring fundraiser, Barks ‘n Rec! Earlier this year, so many of you helped make Barks ‘n Rec a week of fun, contests, prizes, Saint Francis spirit, and an incredible showing of support for our mission. We are excited to announce that Barks ‘n Rec is coming back in 2022! Make sure you follow us on social media and are subscribed to our email list to be the first to hear about how to join in on the fun this year!

/ SaintFrancisServiceDogs

save the date!

@saint.f rancis.service.dogs

www.saintf rancisdogs.org/news-events

Your Legacy. Their Future.

Make your giving go further by joining our Legacy Society and including Saint Francis Service Dogs in your estate plans.

Lean more at: saintfrancisdogs.org/ways-to-give

For more information, contact: Amy Milberger Director of Philanthropy (540) 342-3647 ext. 409 amilberger@saintfrancisdogs.org

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A gift that makes a difference

make a holiday tribute gift this year

Celebrate the best of the holiday season by making a donation in the name of or in honor of a loved one. Your tax-deductible gift will support our programs and bring independence, freedom, and love to children and adults with disabilities. When you make your gift, you will have the option to include a message to send in a special Saint Francis e-card or mailed card. Visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org/holiday-gifts for more information!

We have taken great care to present an accurate listing of tribute gifts in the given time frame. If an omission or other error has occurred, we offer our sincerest apologies. Please let us know by contacting Kari Grim at kgrim@saintfrancisdogs.org or 540-342-3647x405.

Tribute GIFTS

June 12 - October 10, 2021

In Memory Of: Janet Allan Judy Miller Margaret Walker Allen Angela Wilson Craig Anderson Mr. and Dr. Andy Anderson

Champ Fran Young Champ and Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bodley Chance Jerry Webber Alice Chase James Chase Chester Mr. and Mrs. William King Eugene Chianelli Dr. John Czap Mr. and Mrs. John Gearhart CoCo and Katie Gail Brumberg Cody Shelley Gibson Collean Mr. and Mrs. Howard Fortner John Danstrom Mr. and Mrs. Russell Danstrom Mr. and Mrs. Bob Herskovitz Rachel Davis Starr Shank Duke, Sir Fishburn Mrs. Lee Hardin Woody Shirley Durrant Doris Simpson Ellie Mae Carole Edwards and Jackie Werb Cody Frye Mr. and Mrs. Robert Frye Harry Gillespie Charlotte Ervine Guardians Loki Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rencsok

Ella Mae Guild Mr. and Mrs. James Spitz Harley Janet West Hershey Barbara Antonik Mr. and Mrs. Robert Luzader Jr. Susan Hill and Barkley Beth Darragh Hilly Mr. and Mrs. Rand Garrett Grinch Ives Rod and Nancy Spruill Jasper Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Read Ken and Jeanne Mr. and Mrs. Greg Waters Kay Kitchen Donna Sampson Lacy and Sophie Mr. and Mrs. David Macpherson Dot Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Skip Brown Lincoln Linda Ives and Steve Lucado Little Bit Jason Harper Sammie Longo Lois Sumpter Jim Loux Ms. Rochelle Mariah G. Lynch Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr. Maddie Barbara Reynolds

Maggie Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Johnson James Martin Dr. Courtney Wiegard Charlie Marshall Mr. and Mrs. Carlis Carroll Mason Jenna Hody Max

Archie, Banjo, Flash, Ginger, Jester, Lily, Morgan, Otis, Remi, Rocky, Sadie, Sox,

Taco, Zoe, and Ziggy Dr. Courtney Wiegard Mickey Baer Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rayfield Bandit Mr. and Mrs. Lea Riddle Banjo Carole Edwards and Jackie Werb Micheal Barb Mary Ellen Barb Bella Randy Holden

Walter Miller Jr. Jay McMahon Helen Burch Dr. Ronald Mergl Constance Chandler Molly

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Raymond William Mortara Kathy Lamanca Debra Moore Mousey Mr. and Mrs. MalcolmWalter Jr. Obie Carole Edwards and Jackie Werb Pach Pdch Allie Susann Peppes Carl Pfeiffer Sara Mook Ranger Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lemon Fred Rector Mr. and Mrs. Carl Rector Opal Reed Jo Ann Terry Patty Revels and Zeus Anonymous

Lydia Blackburn Patricia Dickens Jean Blackwell Lester Blackwell Bones and Nitro Cat Ayers

Bobbi Brabant Joseph Brabant Zachary Bray Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bray III John Busby Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hannah

Shirley Callaway Eugene Callaway

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In Memory Of: (cont.) Roo Roo Dr. and Mrs. Rob Meinecke Rosie Roberta Toney Sadie Mark and Kathy Baske Young Theresa Sawyer Dorothy Richardson Scooter Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Sheba Marcella Murray Bonny Spruill Sid Jan Barnett Sienna Christy Izard Melvin F. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Gary Smith Sophie Wendy Kagey Sully Dr. Derek O’Dell Tabasco Heidi Krisch George C. Terry Jennifer Dickerson Jo Ann Terry Harry Toms Rosemary Larsen Trin Mr. and Mrs. Kemp Savage III

Lt. Col. William Randolph Watkins, III Mary Garrett Itin

Elizabeth Revels Mr. and Mrs. Robert Price Sarah Rubush Tom and Becky England Deane and Tom Groseclose Jane Lowry Betty Mitchell Katherine Tarter Eberle Smith Hon. Laurence Koontz Kris Sorensen Richard Sorensen Maury Strauss and Steve Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Masinter Mr. and Mrs. Scott Winter The Sumpter Scotties Anne Sumpter Those Who Train Service Dogs Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mills Jim Thurston Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston, Jr. Toni Rick Gay Unleashed Grand Re-Opening Unleashed LLC Holley Updike Linda Perdue Willa Rose Joanne Holden In Recognition Of: Cinder, Lucky, Madison, and Wolf Shirley Lindamood Megan Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Sheila Mr. and Mrs. George Kelly

Gina Wilburn Steve Craige Becca Frazier Wilson Mr. and Mrs. David Topping Jack Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. Scott Hanson

Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors. Ms. Susan Adams Ms. Sandra Adkins Mr. and Mrs. Michael Arent Ms. Cat Ayers Mr. and Mrs. John Carlin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Cody Mr. William Corey and Ms. Kathy Umbdenstock Ms. Lee Cox Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Crist Ms. Carole Denney Ms. Deborah Duerk Ms. Carole Edwards Charlene Fay Mr. and Mrs. David Fretwell Donna Gray Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hack Ms. Cathie Havrilesky Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hornick David Hudson Ms. Christy Izard Mr. and Mrs. David Kapp Ms. Angela Laug Mr. John Lawrence and Ms. Elizabeth Adams Mrs. Lynda McGarry Mr. and Mrs. Karl McNeece Amy and Mark Milberger Ms. Janet Mills Dawn Morgan Mr. and Mrs. David Nickell Mrs. Susan Paganelli Mr. and Mrs. Demetrio Perez Mr. and Mrs. Lea Riddle Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Michael and Krista Sinnott Ms. Nancy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith Ms. Kris Sorensen Mr. Bodo Stock Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sulka Mr. and Mrs. Barry Vann Mr. and Mrs. Bob Villamil Ms. Dianne Walker Ms. Jackie Werb Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Dr. Courtney Wiegard Ronald Winter Mr. and Mrs. JimWisser Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Mr. Ralph Baker Mr. Chris Brown

Harold S Yood Dianne Woody In Honor Of: Cathy and Briggs Andrews Patricia Cargill Barbara Antonik Ernie Butler and Linda Daniel Stephen J. Aukward Judith Conley Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman Abigail Frost and JoJo Shirley Perdue Ron Geiger Patricia Davidson Susan and David Goode Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Maria Hammond Mr. and Mrs. Jerone Pearson Jasper Hoggan and the Hoggan Family Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Read Clay Morrissett Dr. and Mrs. Clifford Nottingham Our Employees - past, present, and future Taaza LLC Wanda Paganelli Susan Paganelli

Cindy Vickers Janie Gibson Melissa Saniuk Karen Zachary

Our Saint Francis Big Dogs Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison Kenneth “Andy” Anderson and Dr. Marti Anderson Dr. Tim Andriano Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Sally Craver Jo Lynn Draper Duffy Family Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Victor Foti Dr. and Mrs. Paul Frantz Mr. Ed Hall Mr. and Mrs. Peter Milward Ms. Mary Mullins and Mr. Christopher Robinson

Membership in this leadership group is reserved for those who give generously to our vital Prison Pup Program at Bland Correctional Center. With a goal of funding the program for the next five years, our Big Dogs Prison Pup Partners are essential in sustaining our mission and placing service dogs with those who need them.

Mr. and Mrs. John Olver Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine Mrs. Joy Davis Smith Mr. Marvin Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steve Strauss Mr. Maury Strauss, Jr. Suzanne Thorniley Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilner

We cannot thank our Big Dogs enough for their support of this initiative!

Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

To join the Saint Francis Friends Club

11 as a faithful monthly donor, visit: saintfrancisdogs.org/friends-club

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Board of Directors

Ways to GIVE Thank you for your support. Gifts can be made in multiple ways:

Courtney Wiegard, DVM President

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 409

Nadia Summo Vice President Anne Jenkins Secretary

MAIL: Saint Francis Service Dogs PO Box 19538 Roanoke, VA 24019

ONLINE: saintfrancisdogs.org/donations

Jeffrey Barbour, CPA Treasurer Mark R. Finkler, DVM Veterinary Advisor

Saint Francis Service Dogs is a secular, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to help children and adults with disabilities live more independent and self-sufficient lives through partnership with a professionally trained service dog. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience, if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to support the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs.

Craig Balzer John Carlin Sally B. Craver, MSW

Carol Downey Jo Lynn Draper Nancy Hack

Annette Kirby Paula Mitchell Jim Petrine Krista H. Sinnott Steve Strauss Robert Villamil Kathy Baske Young

A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.

Newsletter Credits: Copy, Art Direction, Design, and Photography prepared in house by Saint Francis Staff unless otherwise noted.

Staff

Beverly Amsler Doug Becker Madeline Bruggeman

Debbie Clifton Deborah Duerk

printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.

Beth Fulp Kari Grim Bob Lee Kathy Marr

Amy Milberger Tiffany Moeltner Kristine Sorensen Loreen Thompson Rebecca Thompson Andrew Via Marilyn Wilson Cabell Youell Kaia - Our Staff Dog

The Balaban Center for Service Dog Excellence PO Box 19538, 8232 Enon Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019 Telephone: (540) 342-3647 | Fax: (540) 342-0906 www.saintfrancisdogs.org