Partners and Paws Summer 2021

Summer 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

worth the wait David and Eclipse

Team David and Eclipse - dedicated to Kroger

David says, “The best thing about Eclipse is his willingness to help me overcome anything that the day throws at me. Or should I say US.” Well, David and Eclipse had a lot thrown at them. They had a long journey to find each other.

David heard about Saint Francis through the VA. He submitted his information and then, as all of our future partners must do, he waited. We match our partners and dogs based on the individual partner’s needs and each dog’s strengths. It’s not unusual to interview with many dogs and then have to wait in between interviews for new dogs to be ready for matching. David waited patiently with a lot of trust in the process, and he finally met Eclipse. They were a perfect fit, but before they could begin Team Training, Eclipse got sick.

(continued)

A message from Cabell

Whew – what a year! As life begins to return to the “new normal,” I suspect that you, like me, are looking around and taking stock. How do we want to work now? How do we want to live? As a team, how do we want to function? For many of us, priorities have changed. As COVID cases recede, I am taking a deep breath of relief, but something still isn’t quite right. It’s hard to put my finger on it, but there is something that feels unsettled. I am not alone in this feeling. In fact, it comes up in so many conversations with so many people lately that I suspect it is nearly universal. I think it is going to take some time for us to all realize the full cost - physical and emotional - of the past year. Service Dogs continues to push ahead with your unflagging support. We were thrilled with the overwhelming success of Barks ‘n Rec. It was fun to be a part of a community meeting personal challenges for a cause – and doing it together in a pandemic sort of way. Thank you to the 500 people who participated in and contributed to Barks ‘n Rec. You got outdoors with your pets. Some of you walked or ran. Some swam or kayaked. Some of you played musical instruments or games of basketball. One of you even herded cattle! That is all the more reason for the gratitude I feel towards all of you. Saint Francis

Thank you to our sponsors who supported this first-time event in an uncertain year and helped us make it a success. Thank you to our media friends who helped us spread the word in our community, state, and well beyond. With your help, 27 different states were represented among our Barks ‘n Rec supporters. Thank you to our Event Committee who dedicated their time and energy to creating this event and figuring out how to make it happen, without ever being able to meet in person! Together, we raised over $66,000 for our mission! How? Through countless people stepping up in so many ways when we needed them – as you all do, again and again. I wish us all a safe and peaceful re-entry into the “new normal.” I hope that we will be gentle with ourselves, knowing that the hill in front of us as we climb out of the pandemic is a steep one. I am moved daily by the generosity of spirit of all of you. I am ever so grateful that Saint Francis has weathered this horrible storm in the company of such fine human beings. Thank you.

“I am moved by the daily generosity of spirit of all of you.”

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David and Eclipse (cont. from cover)

Eclipse started having a number of digestive problems, and because service dogs must be healthy themselves to be able to assist their partners, we had to postpone their match. David, again, trusted the process, checked in on Eclipse often while we got to the bottom of his challenges, and kept his Candidate Class curriculum fresh, so that he would be ready when Eclipse was ready for him. Just as Eclipse began to regain his health with special food and treatment, the world shut down. We all had to re-adjust, create new ways of living and working, and, yes, wait. After figuring out some of the challenges and logistics presented by COVID, David and Eclipse were our guinea pigs for what a safe, socially distanced Team Training could look like in the Summer of 2020. They learned how to work together as a team during new and ever-changing circumstances. Finally seeing them together was an emotional day for everyone involved. When we first met David, he hoped a service dog would help him with mobility challenges and balance, seizure recovery, quickly retrieving medicine, and easing his anxiety and stress. The journey that Eclipse and David have been on has brought all of this and more. They are forever bonded by their patience and persistence in becoming a team, overcoming everything that life has thrown at them to get to each other. “I couldn’t imagine what my life would be without him in it.” David says, “This experience has 100% changed my life. I’m doing things now that would have been impossible before. Saint Francis has gone above and beyond in helping me and Eclipse become a team. And in the end, Eclipse is more than a service dog, he has become my best friend. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be without him in it.” David and Eclipse have completed all of their training and tests, and we can’t wait to celebrate them at graduation this year. Partnerships like this one are most certainly worth the wait.

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“Everyone is capable of doing great things and

leaving their mark on the

world. If it takes a service dog to help facilitate that, I want to be part of it.”

volunteer spotlight Tonya and Lion Every single one of our dogs has their own strengths, personalities, and challenges along the way to becoming Saint Francis Service Dogs. Little Lion was up against some pretty big challenges, but fortunately for him and for us, he was in amazing hands. Tonya and her family volunteered to whelp a litter of our puppies this spring. Our volunteer whelpers are very important. They bring one of our mama dogs into their homes to have her litter of puppies and, with the support of our Breeding Program Staff, provide all of the early care for the litter for the first eight weeks. Lion’s siblings were all making the transition to solid food, gaining weight, and growing. Tonya noticed right away that Lion was not. Thanks to her attention, care, and instinct and a few visits to Virginia Tech, Lion was diagnosed with Persistent Right Aortic Arch, which is a heart defect that requires surgery to correct. At only a few weeks old and barely 5lbs, heart surgery was out of the question for the time being. So, Tonya stepped up in big ways to help Lion stay healthy until he was big enough for surgery. After brainstorming with our team, Tonya handmade a sling to feed him his liquid diet while keeping him in an upright position. She dubbed it “The Lion Tamer.” This allowed him to eat safely. Her children helped her make sure Lion didn’t eat anything he wasn’t supposed to, and provided A LOT of play time, walks, and snuggles - an important part of being a puppy. It was a family affair!

Through a lot of dedication, care, love, and six messy liquid meal feedings in the Lion Tamer a day, Lion grew. In fact, he was doing so well under Tonya’s care that the original goal of surgery at 8 weeks was bumped to 11 weeks, making it a far less risky procedure. On June 9th, Lion received his surgery at Virginia Tech, and he is doing

great! He is spending his recovery time at Tonya’s, who is now working to introduce solid food by increasing the consistency of each meal. Each day, thanks to Tonya and her family, we’re one step closer to having a puppy that can enter training and hopefully fulfill his destiny. When we asked Tonya why she decided to volunteer to whelp this litter, she said, “Saint Francis is helping to level the playing field. Everyone is capable of doing great things and leaving their mark on the world. If it takes a service dog to help facilitate that, I want to be part of it.” Thank you for choosing to be a part of it, Tonya. You have certainly done great things for Lion, and left your mark on all of us at Saint Francis!

Scan the code or visit saintfrancisdogs.org/lion to learn more about Tonya and Lion.

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LION at Virginia Tech by Lyd i a Po l l and

“The two biggest accomplishments I’ve had - training service dogs and being an LVT - came together in this one puppy with a little extra heart.”

I have been at Virginia Tech just over a month, and I have already hit a goal I didn’t even know I had.

I thought about how different my life would have been if I hadn’t gone on to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. I could have been on the other side of Lion’s care, worried about his time in the hospital and how he was doing, trying to follow along with his discharge instructions. Instead, I’m aspirating his chest tubes, monitoring his blood pressure, and giving his medications. Taking care of Lion, in a very small way, made my life complete. The two biggest accomplishments I’ve had - training service dogs and being an LVT - came together in this one puppy with a little extra heart. I am SO thankful for the puppy raisers, trainers, and staff at Saint Francis Service Dogs, who constantly work behind the scenes to care for these puppies and eventually present them at no cost to their partners. I cared for Lion for a few days, but they will invest time, money, and tears for the next two years, giving him the best chance at success to change lives. Lion confirmed a lot for me. He confirmed that I love what I do, and I love where I work, but mostly that you need a good heart and there’s no place like home.

Ten years ago, I started volunteering for a service dog organization. I began by puppy sitting for a couple days or weeks and worked up to puppy raising for a year at a time. I loved my time there and thought that’s what I wanted to do with my life. Slowly, things moved in a different direction, and I started pursuing veterinary technology instead, but Saint Francis Service Dogs still gave me the best gift I could have asked for... my block-head yellow lab, Shasta, who is a career change dog from Saint Francis. Last week I came into the ICU, and I met another little yellow Saint Francis Labrador with a great purpose. Lion came to Virginia Tech for correction of a congenital heart defect. Post-op, after he ate his meal, he immediately fell asleep right next to the “Lydia, LVT” embroidered on my scrubs. Thankfully, it was a slower night, and the other technician took pity and let me sit with Lion longer than was actually necessary.

We have a long and meaningful relationship with the Virginia Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. Many of their students have completed their internships at Saint Francis, and many of our dogs have received specialized care at Tech. We are so thankful that Lion received the top-notch care that Virginia Tech always provides. That a familiar face was there with him was truly special! Thank you Virginia Tech and Lydia!

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trainer spotlight Nancy Cunningham

Do you want to help give the gift of independence?

We have been privileged to know Nancy Cunningham for a long time. For 20 years, she moved around the country with her family, as her husband was in the Air Force. In each place she went,

“Each dog teaches me

something new and wonderful.”

she loved to get involved in a deep and meaningful way in her new community. When her husband retired, they moved to Boones Mill and fulfilled their dream of owning a farm. Nancy, in looking to make connections here in Southwest Virginia, found Saint Francis, and boy, are we lucky she did. Nancy has since been a part of the Saint Francis Family for over 12 years as a trainer. Working with our dogs in their second year of training, she helps them learn the advanced skills they need to bring independence and freedom to the deserving people we serve. She says, “I have trained 16 Advanced Training Service Dogs for Saint Francis and loved every one of them. Each dog teaches me something new and wonderful.” Being a Saint Francis trainer is not an easy job. You spend countless hours teaching and loving a dog that you know you will give away. It takes a special kind of person, and Nancy

There are Two Types of Puppy Volunteers

As a PUPPY RAISER , you help Saint Francis by taking a puppy into your home. You introduce the puppy to the big world and teach the puppy basic manners and commands. As a PUPPY SITTER, you offer your home to puppies that need a weekend getaway or a vacation for a week or two. We support our Puppy Volunteers at every step of the way! If you can provide a safe, comfortable, loving home for our puppies to learn and grow in, please consider becoming a Puppy Volunteer today! For more information: visit saintfrancisdogs.org/volunteer email volunteer@saintfrancisdogs.org or call 540-342-3647

is a special kind of person. Many of the dogs she has trained are actively serving their partners today (including Eclipse).

Nancy will be moving again soon, and it will surely be a hard goodbye

for all of us! She says of her time at Saint Francis, “The

experience has far exceeded my expectations. The ‘village’ I have met along the way has truly blessed my life.”

Thank you, Nancy, for being a part of our village. You always will be!

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A PUP’S

progr es s

Hello Everybody! I have some pretty great news to share this time. I’ve now learned all of the commands and tasks required for me to become a full fledged Saint Francis Service Dog! What’s even better is that with the lifting of COVID restrictions, the focus of my education and training is shifting toward socialization. Boy, do I love the sound of that! For a girl like me, it’s got ‘fun’ written all over it. Before you get ready to join me in tucking tail and zooming over this wonderful news, let me fill you in a bit about what socialization really means… It turns out that socialization in my program IS a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot more complicated than just meeting new friends and hanging out. Similar to higher education for people, there is a balance between the “academic” part of training, where I concentrate on learning all sorts of vocabulary and really cool skills in a classroom-type setting, and the socialization part, which involves learning all about what’s out there in the “real world.” The real world includes a huge variety of living things, unique settings, and endless combinations of situations. Training and socialization go hand in hand throughout my training process. Since my trainer and I were limited in how much we could “get out there” toward the beginning of my training, we’re now doing a bit of make-up work, and I’m loving it!

My trainer’s goal is to introduce me to as many real world experiences as she possibly can. In the last few months, I’ve traveled by boat and airplane, and seen a hospital, a hotel, and a Harley. I’ve met little kids and live musicians, come nose-to-nose with giant carp, and even enjoyed sunsets in Sarasota. Experiences like these allow working dogs like me to get ready for our future partners in a lot of ways. Practicing what I’ve learned in class when I’m out and about with my trainer has helped me learn to focus on my person and my job, regardless of what’s going on around me. Every new adventure helps me to feel more comfortable and confident in unfamiliar situations and settings. By the time

I’m done with all of my training, I’ll be ready to comfortably and confidently apply everything that I’ve learned whenever my partner needs me and wherever we venture together.

Sophia

“Every new adventure helps me to feel more comfortable and confident. ”

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Our dogs spend two years learning the 40 tasks and skills they will need to help their future partners. By the time they are ready to be matched, every single one of them will know how to open and close doors, retrieve items and place them in their partner’s hands or lap, hold and carry items, pick up dropped items, throw things away, help with the laundry, turn lights on and off, go for help, and many other skills. Behind THE SCENES

Specialized Training

Scan the code or visit saintfrancisdogs.org/penny to see Penny in action!

Once matched, our trainers spend the weeks between matching and placement teaching our dogs specialized skills and tweaking certain skills to best serve their future partners. Just as each partner is unique, each dog has unique strengths and learns specialized commands to fit their individual partner’s needs. Penny was recently matched, and her new partner keeps critical medications in two different places - the refrigerator and in her bathroom. Fetching a medicine bag from a refrigerator and opening cabinets are parts of our standard curriculum for our dogs, but ensuring that Penny knows which medicine bag she is going for and that she is able to retrieve very quickly were important for the safety of her partner. Penny’s trainer, Debbie, has been working with her to teach a new command - “bag” - to indicate that the medicine from the bathroom is needed. Now, Penny is able to differentiate between “refrigerator” and “bag” accurately and quickly retrieving the correct medicine for her partner. Penny’s partner may also need Penny to alert her family that something is not right by barking persistently and loudly. Her partner may not be able to give a command loudly or clearly when she needs Penny to do this, so Debbie has also worked with Penny on responding to the “speak” command, whether it is given clearly or not, and she will bark without ceasing until someone releases her.

These specialized skills will bring Penny’s new partner peace of mind, safety, and independence. This training process enables us to prepare each dog we match specifically for the partner they are matched with, ensuring a life-changing partnership for years to come.

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save the date!

Sunday, September 26th, 2021 Facebook Live

Help us celebrate the hard work and dedication of our partners, dogs, trainers, puppy raisers, donors, volunteers, and countless other people in arriving at this exciting day. Follow us on social media and sign up for our email list to be the first to hear more information about this momentous occasion.

/ SaintFrancisServiceDogs

@saint.francis.service.dogs

www.saintfrancisdogs.org/news-events

Your Legacy.

Their Future.

Thank you to our Legacy Society Members

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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Tribute GIFTS

January through May 2021

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.

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.

In Memory Of: Abby, Arnold, Axel, Bailey, Bear, Belle, Biscuit, Bud, Buttons, Callie, Charlie, Charlie Brown, Chewy, Dai- sy, Dixon, Duke , Gabby, Izzie, Josie, Lili , Lucy, Macey, Madison, Max, Minnie, Mo, Moose, Moses, Neeka, Olga, Poncho, Prancer, Rambo, Riley, Roxanne, Sissy, Sparky, Stella, Tim, Tinkerbelle, Tipsy, Tucker, Tyler, Witch Hazel, and Zoe Dr. Courtney Wiegard Craig Anderson Allen and Beverly Mushinsky Charitable Fund Appa Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lemon Appalachian Amber Run Four Ten Mh Shu Susann Peppes Bailey Mr. and Mrs. Kemp Savage III Bailey Fran Young Fred Beck Patricia Andrews Behr Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mohr A.J. Bizjak Peggy Bizjak Gus Black Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heneagar Jean Blackwell Lester Blackwell Tammy Sue Bland Mr. and Mrs. Mark Danieley Grace Bock Chris and Kellie Bock Madeline Bounds Melissa Friedman Branson, A Hero Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Ralph Bravetail Judith Larson Zachary Bray Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bray III Charlotte Brooks Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pyne Mary Ellen Barb Shirley Callaway Eugene Callaway Vinnie Rocco Cavaliere Judith Brancato Champ Mr. and Mrs. David Derr Chance Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Alice Chase James Chase Chena, Georgie, and Madison Gary Kappesser Eugene Chianelli Bonnie Knox Arnold Buckland, Sr. and his dog, Muffy, and Arnold Buckland, Jr.

Jeffrey Moyer Donald Reynolds Jeffrey Connor Connie Morris Jeff Connor and Tucker Debra Given Cooper Douglas Mantz and Edwina Spodark Laura Elizabeth Crigger Mr, and Mrs. David Safewright Dante Jane Copeland Dave Tina Hatcher

Gypsy and Barney Dr. and Mrs. Robert Pooley Martha Hall Haley

and Susan Rhea Hall Yates

Jane Newman Matthew Hannah Clare Arnold Michael Ballard

Mr. and Mrs. John Busby Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dillon Patricia Farrow Hugh Ferguson Cameron Gillespie Mark and Angie Hannah Richard and Teresa Harwood Laura Henry Scott Inman Stephen Lohman Lauren, Drew, and Sena Marlatt Mr. and Mrs. Les Miller Jr. Patricia Wolthuis Wendi Harcum Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash James Harrison Mr. and Mrs. Powell Leitch William “Bill” Hewitt Ann Hewitt Clarence Hodnett Sandi Adkins Delia W. Hoeffel William and Leil Hackett Diva Howard Margaret Staeben Leigh Howard Colyn Howard Arthur Howell Dana Cushing Alice G. Huff Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lynch Ellen Finley Hunter Christy Izard Ross E. Jeffries Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kessinger Tyler John Gordon and Anne Marie Poore Joy Mary Markle Katherine S. Kitchen Andy and Marti Anderson Deborah Brasier Mr. and Mrs. Frank Faust James Lippert Kristen Monahan Jay and Paula Pryor Joyce Sharma Barbara Rainville Kody Shannon Shaffer Philip Koff Mr. and Mrs. Marc Koff Joann Lampros Paula Eager and Parke Capshaw Bob and Mary Groth David Peterson

Susan Randall Rachel Davis Starr Shank Jean Tarter Davis Betty Mitchell Katherine Tarter Lindsay Taylor Robert DeBlasio Diane Evans

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

Eunice Dickerson Wayne Dickerson Andy Doggett Suzi Turner Dolly Mr. and Mrs. Andre Basmajian Dos Dr. and Mrs. James Simmons Doug Martha Ann Litz Nancy Haas Dreyer Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Lemon Bobby Eason John and Matilda Bradshaw Bo Eggan Leo Friedman and Susan Swanson Pauline Ely Joseph Polinski Francie Susan Gibson Clifford Murray Annie Gibson Susan Gibson Harry Gillespie Brian Giles Mr. Richard and Dr. Teresa Stein Gina Mr. and Mrs. Warren Carey Ginger Mr. and Mrs. David Rogers Gracie Carol Hingular Granite and Titus Patti Yeats Gus Dr. and Mrs. Grant Sprinkle III Cody Frye Irene Price Furby

Saint Francis Big Dogs Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison Dr. Tim Andriano 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 Mr. and Mrs. John Olver Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steve Strauss Mr. Maury Strauss, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilmer

Ann Vernon Amy Lauth Lucy Burke Joan D. Lawson Sue Eggers Cynthia

Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

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In Memory Of: (cont.) Brian Lee Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Dot Leidich Mr. and Mrs. Ed Frost Geri Lerner Judith Lerner Kathy Leslie Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Leslie Cindy Lester Dr. Courtney Wiegard Lincoln Deborah Duerk Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hornick Linda Ives and Mr. Steve Lucado Douglas Reed Lombart Teresa Anderson Hugh Hagan Teresa Richards Jim Loux Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thomas Lucky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Butler Lucky the Lab Mr. and Mrs. David Bialek Lucy Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Lucy Lou Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Lee Lewis Maddie and Sophie Jennifer Tonkin Maddie and Sophie Erica Gwynn and Roxy Madison Shirley Lindamood Magnum Deborah Duerk Maya Rob and Harriet Meinecke Zoey McCray Mr. and Mrs. Robert McCray Mia Sally Craver Deborah Duerk Dr. WilliamWellborn Mickey Cheryl Lynn Milton Mr. and Mrs. Mark Danieley Ms. Mary Minter

Paige Jackie Werb Panama Larry and Patricia Rakes Petey Mr. and Mrs. David Worland Pi Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Highfill Piper Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Danielsen Racer Barbara Neal Fred Rector Hope Rector Joseph A. Reynolds Rebecca McNeer Richard Mr. and Mrs. Russ Voelker Ginger Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Don Love Romeo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Usher Dick Rose Joan Eiland and Randy Laird Aulick Burke Rucker John and Matilda Bradshaw Rusty and Gracie Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Shrewsbury Sadie Nancy Jacobs Sadie Shannon Shaffer Sam Dr. WilliamWellborn Rufus Scelara Steve Baker Scout Mr. and Mrs. John Cowlbeck Phyllis K. Sexton Evelyn and Rebecca English Tommy Sillett Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sorrells Lillian Smith Betsy Huffman Staciu, Lady, Morgan, and Micah Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sciacca Stacy Stacks Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Johnson Tank Deborah Duerk Tansey and Maggie Wirt Confroy Jeanne Taylor Barbara Shands Sharon J. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sorrells Zoey Tenzer Gordon and Anne Marie Poore George C. Terry Jo Ann Terry Greg Tolzmann Mr. and Mrs. Charles Souter Maria “Dahlia” Toney Mr. and Mrs. Jim Toney Elisabeth Vinal Mr. and Mrs. Richard Vinal Violet Emorene Morris

Luke Waldrop Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wilhelm III Jennifer Wallace Nancy Roles Rev. Tom Warme Mr. and Mrs. James Spitz Dorrene Whorton Jennifer Clemo Beverly Joachim Kristen McNamara Mr. and Mrs. Michael Warner In Honor Of: All of our Labradors, especially Bear Mr. and Mrs. Fred Newcomb Stephen J. Aukward Judith Conley Ava Sue Anne Boothe Kathy Baske Young Mark Fisher Matilda Bradshaw Frank Ellett Emily Brooks, DVM Deborah Duerk Ernie Butler Barbara Antonik John Carlin Lester Blackwell Mimi and Bob Copenhaver Charmaine Carmack Sarah M. Copenhaver Bob an Mimi Copenhaver Emma and Darby Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goldsmith Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman Vic Foti Marvin and Joy Smith Michelle Gereaux Karim Helen Carty Halo Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Seaman Joan Harris Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Caceci Ivan Hastings Mark and Angie Hannah Nancy Cunningham Cejay Associates, LLC Pat Davidson Lynda Starr Gentry Holden Joanne Holden Huck Mark and Kathy Baske Young Islay Barbara Dickinson Jackson, Brooks, and Oreo Poff Mr. and Mrs. Marty Poff Father Mike Joly Karen Rutherford-Coulson Bonnie Knab Christine Peeler Tyler Hatcher Nicole Peaslee Roger Henderson S. Revelle Hamilton

Susan May Karen Rutherford-Coulson Haley McCormick and Charlie Maude Coggin

Molly and Hillary Frances Bowling

Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors.

Larry B. Morris Cherie Wilson Suki Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Harbourt Wanda Paganelli Susan Paganelli Penny Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Kunkle Haleigh and Addison Porter and Biscuit Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Porter Gracie Risi Mr. and Mrs. David Risi Saint Francis Staff Linda Barnett Richard Schroeder Lois Ashby Shiner Holly Kellam Krista Sinnott Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Holloman Sandra Holt Gene Smallwood Kirk Smallwood Dr. Donald Smith Brenda Davis Anne Sumpter Tika and Duke Mr. and Mrs. Steve Suttmiller Tim, Dee and Willow Joan McKiever Treasure Mountain Bear Roberta Toney James Waddington Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clark Steve Waldrop Caroline Haddock Kathy White Mr. and Mrs. John Engleby Winston’s First Birthday Gerri Lauterio Janet Wynot Gloriadene Lancaster In Recognition Of: Helen M. Dillon Stuart Dillon Kaely Mr. and Mrs. Randy Gross Steven Strauss Lesleigh Strauss The Sumpter Scotties

Ms. Susan Adams Ms. Sandra Adkins Mr. Ralph Baker Mr. Chris Brown Mr. Guy Burns

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 Miyuki 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 Mr. John Lawrence and Ms. Elizabeth Adams Mr. Brian Martin 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 Ms. Jane Petersen Mrs. Lea Riddle Mr. and Mrs. David Safewright Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Michael and Krista Sinnott 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 Mr. Michael White Dr. Courtney Wiegard Ronald Winter Mr. and Mrs. JimWisser Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Ms. Nancy Smith Ms. Kris Sorensen Mr. Bodo Stock

Dr. Courtney Wiegard Sterling Mike Minter Jo Ann Minter Molly Suzi Turner Lance C. Moore Kathryn Figg Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Herskovitz My Sweet Adele’s Blizzard (aka Scuppy) Christa Woomer Alice Nelson John and Matilda Bradshaw Nike

Melanie Bowles Carole Edwards Harold J. Olminsky

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Polinski Otch Rhumbline’s Once In A Blue Moon Udx9 Ogm Bn Gn Ver Re Jh Act1 Scn Cgc

Tucker Light Gerald Carter Kathy Marr Joan McKiever

To join the Saint Francis Friends Club as a faithful monthly donor, visit: saintfrancisdogs.org/friends-club

Susann Peppes

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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 Walker Nelms

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