SFSD Fall Newsletter 2025

Fall 2025

PARTNERS PAWS AND Empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities - one dog, one person, one family, one community at a time

The following story was written by our partner Elizabeth about her partnership with her Saint Francis Service Dog, Sally. When Elizabeth Met Sally in her own words To tell the full story of when and how we met our service dog, Sally, I have to take you back to the day that altered our realities irreparably: ALS diagnosis day. Stay with me—it’s a happy tale (tail?) in the end.

My memory of the afternoon of my diagnosis in October 2023 is hazy. I do remember screaming in the car once we sat down to drive home. Then, the stunned silence on the hour-plus drive. I’m sure we called my parents to confirm what we had already known. No idea what we ate at home or how we passed the time. But I vividly recall telling Yener two big life wishes that night as we laid awake: I would like to get married, and I would like to get a service dog. He said, “Let’s do it,” to both.

(continued on pg. 3)

A message from Cabell

It was a perfect fall day, clear and sunny with a light breeze. The chairs were dusted, diplomas prepped, sound system checked and double-checked. The Draper Woody and Jo Lynn Draper Pavilion was dressed for graduation and the reception tent decked out with flowers and balloons. All was ready for Graduation 2025. We celebrated ten new teams embarking on fresh adventures with their Saint Francis Service and Facility Dogs. It never gets old, seeing the new teams all together under one roof. The people are all so different, and their lives so diverse, that it is kind of incredible that our dogs can profoundly impact all of them. It reminds me of one reason why Saint Francis Service Dogs is truly unique. It is in our mission statement: To help people with disabilities achieve their goals and have greater independence through partnership with exceptional Saint Francis Service Dogs. Those three little words are the hinges everything swings on. At Saint Francis, we take our partners’ goals and make them our own. A person wants to maximize their independence for as long as possible in the face of a debilitating progressive disease: Check. A children’s hospital wants to reduce the fear and anxiety of children seeking treatment and encourage patient

participation: Check. A mother wants help managing her child’s seizures and their aftermath: Check. A family wants to be able to integrate all their children into family activities and trips without fear or hesitation: Check.

The list goes on and on.

This is what we do best. And we do it at no charge to our partners. It is the ultimate gift – one that each of our partners earns with hard work, dedication, and commitment to the process. It is not easy. Our dogs reward the effort with unconditional love, devotion, and service. At Graduation, we celebrate the end of one journey and the start of another one – one filled with more possibilities, laughter, and joy. And we will be with them every step of the way, supporting these fledgling teams, helping them achieve their current goals, and set new, even loftier ones. As we wrapped up Graduation, happily washing platters, stacking chairs, and putting things away, I began thinking of next year. It will be our 30th anniversary, and we have exciting news coming. We are deeply grateful to you - our volunteers, staff, and donors – for making these exceptional dogs possible. It is a privilege to work alongside you, and I cannot wait to share the next stage of our journey with you!

“At Graduation, we celebrate the end of one journey and the start of another one

- one filled with more possibilities, laughter, and joy.”

Executive Director

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The marriage part we took care of first! With tons of help from my parents and sister-in-law, and our collective families and friends, we had quite the joyful shindig in April 2024. The emotions and glow of that whole weekend are still fresh and exposed like a live-wire across a road. It was more beautiful than I could have fathomed! The dog process proved more complicated than getting hitched! I have to thank my bestie, Lucy, for keeping the pressure on me (hounding me, if you will). She knew I wanted it to happen, but also that I’m a lifelong procrastinator. I gave her the task of researching organizations and connecting me with leads. Turns out, our best bet was right in our neck of the woods, Saint Francis Service Dogs in Roanoke, Virginia. They do all the puppy raising and two years of training before matching their dogs with partner humans. At no cost to the human! Two of their eligibility requirements tripped me up, though. You must have a fenced in yard. And you must be able to provide care for the whole lifespan of the dog. Well, ALS doesn’t make any promises about lifespan… But the coordinator at Saint Francis Service Dogs encouraged me to apply. They had matched dogs with partners with ALS before. Ok, maybe they could match me too, even though it Elizabeth and Sally (cont. from cover)

felt like a long shot. We were living in a third floor apartment and would need to move at some point anyway. So the hunt for an accessible first floor home with a fence-able yard began in earnest. In October 2024, the same week as my first diagnos-iversary, we moved into a new rental home! It had first floor accessible everything and a backyard that we could fence-in if matched with a dog! In April 2025, the same week as our first wedding anniversary, we went to Roanoke for a week-long, in-person training with our service dog match!! She was a two year old yellow lab/golden mix named Sally! Ok, let’s rewind. Once our move finally happened, we immediately loved our new place! With ramps, I can roll in and out by myself, cruise the street, or off road in the yard. And trike, too! Yener has a driveway where he can work on and wash his car. We got a grill for the back porch. Our cat JimJim has embraced his new, wild world of our quiet cul-de-sac. We even semi-adopted the two stray cats on our street, and one of them is very much in love with Yener.

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Elizabeth and Sally (cont. from pg. 3)

So! From that happy backdrop, I submitted my application (thank you, Mom, for being my scribe!!), character reference (thank you, Lucy!!), and doctor notes to Saint Francis Service Dogs. And early this year, they called Yener and me in for a screening interview. Then, they visited our home to make sure we were set up to happily house a dog. At that point, they accepted us into the pool of candidates, hoping they would match us with a dog within a year. But then, they fast tracked our application because there was a certain dog they wanted us to meet who they believed had the skills and temperament to complement my needs. Namely, she was a mild-mannered people lover who could respond to commands from humans AND a speech app on a phone. Eagerly we went back for another interview, and midway through, Sally’s trainer brought her into the conference room to interact with us. My first impression: Sally was big, silky soft, quiet, and wiggly. And she hung on her trainer’s every word, eyes locked in, ready for her next task. That day, her next task was to come say hi to us, get pets, play with some toys, and follow some simple commands from Yener and me. Then we went home and waited for a call. Sally was meeting other potential partners, so we had to play it cool. At the end of that week they called and said to get that fence built ASAP! Sally was our match, and would we like to move forward with our training so we could take her home? On the call Yener was my interpreter. I had started to silently weep and nod. That meant yes! (That’s also how I said yes to our wedding vows, weeping and nodding!) Prior to the training week, we completed homework online, a crash course for all things service dog. Our week of training in April was serious stuff. We stayed in a hotel near the facility, and each day we learned new skills

(which Sally already knew) and bonded with her. She stayed in the hotel with us, too. If she was (or we were) confused and nervous at first, by the end of the week, we were a tail-wagging team! Yener is her boss on leash, because my hands are too weak to safely hold the leash. When her leash is on, she’s only paying attention to the human holding the other end. When the leash is off, she wants to be wherever I am. She knows more than forty commands! The most helpful ones for me are “get it,” where she’ll pick something up for me; “lap,” where she puts the object in my lap; and “tug,” where she’ll pull on a rope to open or close a door. She’s big fan of “eat,” where she has permission to eat what’s in front of her, and “find it,” where she sniffs around the house to find the toy that was hidden while she waited patiently. And she will chase tennis balls (no command needed) in the yard until you get tired. She is a retriever, after all. We are loving the addition to the family (and the cats are warming up to her). She adores everyone who walks through the door, especially my weekly team of helpers. In another three months we’ll sign the official paperwork of ownership. We’ll go back to the training center once a year to maintain her excellent working dog skills. And this October, around my second diagnos-iversary, Sally and her Class of 2025 training mates will have their graduation ceremony. It’s hard to articulate my gratitude to Saint Francis Service Dogs for their generous gift of this special beast. Or to Yener for making these two big wishes come to life. The magnitude of love and meaning knocks me over every day. I’m a lucky somebody.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your Saint Francis Service Dogs journey!

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THE CLASS OF 2025!

Bob and Whitney

Andjenica and Poppy

Juliette and Spirit

Carilion Children’s and Wali

Noah and Meko

Erin and Chewy

Simon and Neeko

Bentley and Atlas

Elizabeth and Sally

Charlotte and Joie

BECAUSE OF YOU! 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.

Scan below to hear our graduates’ stories!

These ten new placements in our Saint Francis Family - the Class of 2025 - 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.

5 Watch the stories of all of our 2025 graduates at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/graduation

A Piece of Their Hearts

Reflections from our Puppy Raisers

laughing about the silly things the pups do, and watching them grow and learn together.” For Steve, raising Meko was about seeing a transformation come full circle. “Our relationship started when Meko was eight weeks old and just a tiny ball of fur and energy. Seeing her now with Noah makes me extraordinarily happy,” he said. “She’ll bring him joy and comfort in ways I can’t even imagine. It’s one of the best feelings a puppy raiser can experience.” profoundly rewarding. “Raising a puppy to become a service dog is a hard job, but it’s so worth it,” she said. “While saying goodbye was heartbreaking, my life is so much fuller for having had the experience.” For Hannah, puppy raising was exactly the kind of volunteer opportunity she was seeking. “It’s rare to find a way to give back to another person in such a direct and meaningful way, while doing something as fun as getting to play with a puppy!” Each of these volunteers began their journey wanting to make a difference, and they have – for those partnered with the puppies they raised, their families and communities, and all of us at Saint Francis. Hannah, who raised Joie, calls the experience both challenging and

Behind every service dog team is a dedicated volunteer who opened their heart to a young puppy in training. Puppy raisers give our dogs their first lessons in confidence and manners, laying the foundation for everything that follows. Four of our volunteer puppy raisers had dogs graduate in the Class of 2025, and the time, patience, and love that they poured into each of their charges is felt profoundly by the people and families who are now partnered with the puppies they raised. For Michelle, raising Atlas was a journey of persistence and pride. “To say ‘it means everything’ is not enough,” she shared. “Puppy Atlas was scared of everything, and there were times I wasn’t sure he was going to make it. I was honored to help guide him through that.” Seeing him graduate with his new partner Bentley brings her immense happiness. “I always say we do it for the partners, and that makes giving them up a little easier.” Julie, who raised Poppy, found that love and purpose went hand in hand. “When I think about Poppy graduating with her partner, Andjenica, I imagine them going places together - Poppy boosting her courage, helping her navigate the world, and alleviating stress,” she said. “Knowing she is now best friends with her partner brings me deep joy.” Julie also treasures the community that comes with puppy raising. “Saint Francis is incredibly supportive,” she added. “They provide everything the puppy needs and everything I need to raise the puppy. All I have to do is have fun training and attend puppy class every week! I love meeting the other puppy raisers,

Michelle and Atlas

Julie and Poppy

Steve and Meko

Do You Want to Give the Gift of Independence? Learn more about becoming a Puppy Raiser at saintfrancisdogs.org/volunteer

Hannah and Joie

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Graduation Day at Saint Francis Service Dogs is the culmination of years of hard work and the dedication of countless people – from our new partners, to our puppy raisers, trainers, volunteers, and donors – it truly takes the love and support of so many to arrive at this momentous occasion. We want to extend a very heartfelt thank you to our presenting sponsor for this year’s event, Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic, a longtime friend of Saint Francis. Veterinarian Dr. Randy McCoy says, “I have learned how much support Saint Francis gives to people in our community. By helping people through training and providing these service dogs, it shows just one of the many ways animals can improve our lives.” The journey from puppy to life-changing partner that we celebrate on Graduation Day is what Dr. McCoy says intrigues him the most. “Just the process of going from a crazy, bouncy, hyperactive puppy to a trained, responsive and determined service dog - it is an amazing mission,” says Dr. McCoy. It is his hope that by supporting Graduation 2025, we can continue that mission - placing more exceptional dogs with the extraordinary people that need them for many years to come. Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic Sponsor Spotlight

Thank You to our Graduation 2025 Sponsors!

Presented by

Partner Sponsor

Willoughby Sponsors

“For Saint Francis Service Dogs to be able to do what they do, focus on that, and be great at it, that is enough…that is more than enough.”

Thank you Cave Spring Veterinary, for helping us make Graduation 2025 a day of joy, celebration, and pride for all of us in the Saint Francis Family.

Tyler Sponsors

Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard

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A PUP’S progress

Things have really changed for me!

I’ve asked my puppy raiser, Cabell, and she keeps telling me she will explain it later. I’ve asked my brothers, and they don’t have a clue. My mom, Beatrice, is busy with a new litter, so I can’t talk to her. I’m sure I will find out eventually. And when I do, I will tell you all about it! In the meantime, I am living my best life. I am back at home with Cabell and coming to work with her. We are keeping up my skills in case this breeding thing- whatever it is - doesn’t work out and I go back into training. I am playing with my friends every day, going on walks, taking naps, and generally having a great time. We are still working on my leash skills, and I am still trying to contain my enthusiasm, but otherwise, the pressure is off, and I feel like I am on vacation!

So, here is what happened. I took A LOT of tests. And I mean a lot. I took something called a PennHIP, an OFA Elbows test, and a test on my heart called an OFA Heart Advanced (Echocardiogram). They also did a behavioral evaluation, a structural evaluation, a physical exam, and a gynecological exam at Virginia Tech with someone called a theriogenologist. Then I had genetic testing for things like (get ready for it): Centronuclear Myopathy, CNM (PTPLA), Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis, HNPK (SUV39H2), Exercise Induced Collapse, EIC (DNM1), Golden Retriever Progressive Retinal Atrophy 2, GR-PRA2 (TTC8), and about a hundred other conditions. They basically checked every part of me that is humanly possible to check. It was A LOT, and I don’t really know what any of it means, but guess what?! I passed it all! And I get to leave that tedious Training Program behind, because now, I am in the Breeding Program! Here’s the rub though - I have no idea what that means either.

So, even though I have no idea what this program is, so far, it is my favorite one!

ivy

“I know there are big plans for my future, but for now, I am just enjoying the journey!”

To read prior editions of A Pup’s Progress, visit saintfrancisdogs.org/publications

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Join us in May 2026 for our sixth annual Barks ‘n Rec fundraiser! Earlier this year, so many of you helped make Barks ‘n Rec 2025 a week of fun, prizes, Saint Francis spirit, and an incredible showing of support for our mission. We are excited to announce that Barks ‘n Rec is returning for the sixth year in May 2026! 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

stay tuned for details!

@saint.francis.service.dogs

www.saintfrancisdogs.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: Cabell Youell Executive Director (540) 342-3647 ext. 402 youell@saintfrancisdogs.org

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angel tree Beginning in November

Our puppies and dogs in training are asking for treats, toys, and other fun things during the holiday season. You can help them enjoy the holiday, and beyond, by taking part in our Angel Tree event!

Your Angel Tree gifts are used throughout the year by dogs at every level of our program.

For a sneak peek of their lists and more information, or to contribute early, visit: saintfrancisdogs.org/angel-tree

Tribute GIFTS

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 540-342-3647x409.

June 1 - September 30, 2025

In Memory Of: Abby Rose, Allie, Copper, Diesel, Emma, Holly, Lucky, Lucy, Maggie, Mickey, Muffin, Naunka, Nikki, Oxiana, Piper, Rudy, Scotch, Sienna, Sugar, Zoey, Ed Reynolds, and Donna Zebrasky Dr. Courtney Wiegard Abigail, Bailey, Beatrice, Bo, Brownie, Callie, Dean, Dottie, Ellis, Enzo, Flat Tire, Florence, Frosty, Ginger, Ginger, Haley, Jack, Jethro, Lily, Lincoln, Louie, Lucy, Lucy, Luna, Mack, Max, Miley, Molly, Molly B, Mr. Beaslee, Peaches, Rooney, Sarah, Serious, Simon, Smudge, Sophie, Sophie, Sunny, Taco, Wilson, and Zippy Roanoke Animal Hospital Jake Allison Stacy Holleran Reid Ammen Mrs. Debra Moore Beau Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr. Bella Tommy and Cheryl Snead Ben Mr. Richard McDearmon and Ms. Ellen Walton Betty Dr. and Mrs. William Wellborn PhD. Charlotte K. Jones Blaylock Mr. and Mrs. William Hackett Pauline Gore Bryant Mr. and Mrs. John Bryant III

Chief Mark and Kathy Baske Young Cisco Jason Harper Comet Ms. Dawn Snyder Dennis Cronise Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Darlene Milona Dave Derr and Champ Mrs. Judy Derr Dexter Ms. Janet West Dozer Dr. Emily Hampden-Smith Rocco Dury Mr. and Mrs. Robert Usher Enzo Mr. and Mrs. Robert Usher Rachel W. Fortner Mr. and Mrs. Rob Woods Victor “Vic” Foti Boxley Materials Company Donn Branch Capps Home Building Center Mary Cole Ms. Suzanne Cooper Mr. and Mrs. William Cooper III Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Farrell Thomas Felts Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Robert Flynn Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Company, P.C. Eric and Terri Groves Harvey Chevrolet Mr. Richard Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Milward

Victor “Vic” Foti Neathawk Lumber Ms. Cynthia Robertson Ms. Rebecca Russell Mrs. Cary Stiles Bruce and Becca Tuttle Mr. and Mrs. Billy Vincent Jr. Nathan and Lisa Ward Lee and Leigh-Anne Williams Mr. Doug Willoughby Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilner Frankie Mr. and Mrs. Rand and Jan Garrett Mr. and Mrs. Jack F. Glenn, Jr Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bohan Gracie Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hornick Anne B. Hammersley Ms. Elizabeth Barbe r Hank Jason Harper Hank Ms. Shannon Shaffer Harley Mr. and Mrs. Rand and Jan Garrett Holly Reed Herrmann Emily Faulks Ms. Patricia Hubard Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Jennings Jay Lutins Nancy Melton Kademenos Hope, Cooper, and Champ Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bodley Izzy and Fritz Sheila Segal

Dorothy Johnson Mrs. Barbara Shands Loretta Ann Keating Mr. Robert Cicconetti Mary Lois Elder Lanier Rev. and Mrs. Charles Baldwin Loki Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rencsok Bonnie Lynn Altizer Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Carlis Carroll Margarita and Chardonnay Ms. Rochelle Maverick Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lee Harry “Bo” McCoy IV Anonymous Ms. Laura Cummings Anne Holbach Mr. Raymond Norton Robert Redmond Mr. and Mrs. Dale Saunders Ms. Brenda Stephan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Wilcke Jim McMyne Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash G.G. Mel Ms. Dorothy Richardson Robert “Bob” Metz Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Edwards Penny Mr. Walter Miller Jr. Miss Pollie Ms. Joanne Hawley Ptolemy Jason Harper

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In Memory Of: (cont.) Patty Revels and Zeus Anonymous Rocky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McDonald Jr. Bruce Rollins Mrs. Kelly Rollins Ouida Wood Schnieder Ms. Dorothy Richardson Scruffy and Sandy Ms. Joanne Bebel Frank Sheddler Ms. Nicole Laroche Snoopy Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Racine Stefancic Ms. Tina Vaglienti George Terry and Opal Reed Roanoke Valley Gloria Warren Wickline Ms. Yvonne Phillips Dean Williamson Ms. Dorothy Richardson Carol Willoughby Dr. and Mrs. Douglas Chessen Lola Hilton Xena Dr. Emily Hampden-Smith Ms. Jo Ann Terry Kiyomi Villami l TheraPets of the

In Honor Of: 2025 Graduates Ms. Linda Ives and

Michelle Karim Mrs. Helen Carty Elizabeth Klein, Yener, and Sally Mr. Eric Fitzpatrick Our grand-dog Mamba Mr. and Mrs. Onix Robertson Orca Ms. Kathryn Hull and Ms. Carroll LaHaye Penny Prevo Patricia Prevo Elizabeth Revels Anonymous Jack and Robin Tunnell Becky Ring Mr. and Mrs. Barry Shelor Ellen Rosenblum Mr. Gregory Willoughby and Mr. Wilson Fujinaga Sadye Soffin and her dog, Riley Mr. and Mrs. John Platt Jr. Steve and Lori Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Singer and Dotsy Clifton Lisa Wheeler Ms. Shannon Shaffer Doug Willoughby Lola Hilton In Recognition Of: Little Girl Pug Mr. Charles Forrester III Ussel Mr. David Goetz

Mr. Steve Lucado Advanced Training Program Trainers Mr. Lloyd Ruona Diana Allen Mr. and Mrs. Ed Allen Susan Anderson-Hodges Ms. Penelope Baynton Julie Boxley Mrs. Rosemary Francis Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Moore Clement Brock Dan and Nancy Heller Cassie Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Jane Confroy Church of the Good Shepherd, Galax, VA Terrie Sternberg Rev. Dr. Robert T. Copenhaver Mr. Frank Flippin and Ms. Sarah Copenhaver Jo Lynn Draper Mr. Doug Willoughby Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman Sue Foti Mr. Doug Willoughby Lola Hilton Mr. Doug Willoughby Barbara Dickinson and Islay

Ms. Sandi Adkins Mr. and Mrs. Ed Allen Cat Ayers Mr. Ralph Baker

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Bowman Mr. and Mrs. Ab and Julie Boxley Chris Brown

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 Mrs. Brandy Disbennett-Albrecht Ms. Deborah Duerk Mrs. Kay Early Mr. and Mrs. Hutton Easley Ms. Carole Edwards Ms. Charlene Fay Mr. and Mrs. David and Mona Fazzina Ms. Margaret Finn Mark Fisher Mr. and Mrs. David Fretwell Marc Gagne

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grim Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hack Mr. and Mrs. George Hales Ms. Fran Hauf Mr. Charles Henton Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hornick Patty and Gregg Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Kelleher Mrs. Jacqueline Lantz Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lash Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Love Mr. and Mrs. Karl McNeece Mr. and Mrs. Mark Milberger Ms. Jeannette Mistele Mr. R. Allyn Mitchell Ms. Erin Morris Mr. and Mrs. David Nickell Mrs. Susan Paganelli Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Marilyn Pinkley Mic Platt Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Read Ms. Carol Reedy Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Richardson Roanoke Animal Hospital Mr. David Hudson Ms. Christy Izard Susan Magdalenski Ms. Cynthia Martin Mrs. Lynda McGarry

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lee Charleigh Johnson Leila Hackett

Membership in this leadership group is reserved for those who give generously to support the Saint Francis Breeding Program, Puppy Program, and Prison Pup Program. Our Big Dogs help provide the care, training, and love that each service dog-in-training needs from the very start.

11 as a faithful monthly donor, visit: saintfrancisdogs.org/friends-club Hon. Fred Rockwell Mr. Ben Rottenborn Ms. Elizabeth Sensabaugh Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Mrs. Beth Shearer Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Krista Sinnott Mr. and Mrs. Derek and Jennifer Slaughter Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith Ms. Nancy Smith Ms. Kris Sorensen Mr. Bodo Stock Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sulka Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Nadia Summo Ms. Jane Sumpter Mr. David Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Barry Vann Ms. Jackie Werb Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard Mr. Ronald Winter Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wisser Matthew Witting Mr. and Mrs. Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Mr. Draper Woody To join the Saint Francis Friends Club

We cannot thank our Big Dogs enough for their commitment to our mission.

Mrs. Pam Allison Ms. Peggy Bizjak Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brunette Mr. and Mrs. Sam Craver Ms. Jo Lynn Draper Duffy Family Foundation Mr. Peter Emch Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foti Mr. and Mrs. Victor Foti Mr. and Mrs. Humes Franklin Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Paul Frantz Mr. Stanley Golder Happy Endings Bar and Grill Saint Francis Big Dogs

Ms. Annette Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Peter Milward Ms. Mary Mullins and Mr. Christopher Robinson Mr. and Mrs. John Olver Ms. Elizabeth Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine Mrs. Emily Reynolds Mike and Krista Sinnott Mrs. Joy Davis Smith Mr. Marvin Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steven Strauss Varsity Landscaping and Grounds Mr. and Mrs. Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Ms. Dianne Woody

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Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

Board of Directors

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

Krista H. Sinnott President Jo Lynn Draper Vice President

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 409

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

Anne Jenkins Secretary

ONLINE: saintfrancisdogs.org/donations

Marie Wimmer, 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 people with disabilities achieve their goals and have greater independence through partnership with exceptional service and facility dogs. 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.

Nadia Summo Past President

Craig Balzer Julie Boxley Julie Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT Sally B. Craver, MSW Quinn Graeff Annette Kirby Paula Mitchell Jim Petrine Ben Rottenborn Steve Strauss Courtney Wiegard, DVM 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.

John Carlin Media Advisor

Staff

printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.

Madeline Bruggeman Debbie Clifton Deborah Duerk Sharon Grant Kari Grim David Henry Bob Lee Kathy Marr Tiffany Moeltner Erin Morris Michelle Moseley

Autumn Overstreet Kristine Sorensen Maggie St. John Cortney Thibodeau Loreen Thompson Rebecca Thompson Andrew Via Jennifer Williams Marilyn Wilson Cabell Youell

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