Fall 2021

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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