SFSD Fall Newsletter 2025

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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