Saint Francis Service Dogs Partners and Paws - Summer 2023

Summer 2023

PA RT N E R S PAWS A N D Empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities - one dog, one person, one family, one community at a time. a priceless bond Emily and Gertti

Team Emily and Gertti - dedicated to Kroger

Emily has grown up knowing the constant, loving, reliable presence of a Saint Francis Service Dog by her side. When Emily was just six years old, her mother, Kim, came to Saint Francis in hopes a service dog would help her daughter navigate the world around her. Our team began the process of finding the perfect dog for this little girl and her family. Just a few years later, Emily was expertly matched with a sweet, smart, black Labrador Retriever appropriately named Angel. As Emily grew from a little girl into a young woman, Angel was there every step of the way. She helped Emily with the physical tasks of everyday life, but also helped open up new ways for Emily to interact with those around her.

(continued)

A message from Cabell

our executive director

Summertime is here! School is out, the pool is open, and the days are long. Time to relax, right? Not at Saint Francis! It is a beehive of activity here. New puppies are being nurtured by two wonderful groups of puppy raisers – one in Roanoke and another in Blacksburg. Our Prison Program, thanks to our Big Dogs, is thriving. Our two new staff trainers are a delight – they are naturally gifted at what they do and curious to learn even more, and we are fortunate to have found them. They, along with our experienced and dedicated field trainers, are busy teaching the next class of young service dogs. Luckily, our dogs have no interest in summer vacation. They are happiest when they are learning and working. One beautifully trained, exceptional service dog can change more than a single life – our dogs will certainly do that, but he or she will also make an impact on a family, neighborhood, and entire community. We have seen it too many times to doubt that our Saint Francis Service Dogs are catalysts for profound, lasting, and positive change. We recently revamped our mission and vision statement. Our vision is this: Empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities - One dog, one person, one family, one community at a time.

The plain truth is that not everyone is dealt a good hand in life. Some people must bear a heavier burden than others. Living with a disability, or living with a family member with a disability, will affect every single aspect of life. It is exhausting, isolating, frightening, and expensive. That’s where we come in. Saint Francis Service Dogs help carry the load. Our dogs love the work, and they will joyfully shatter the shell of isolation and gently ease the fear of living with a disability. And they will do it without cost. The ripple effect goes far and wide, and we all benefit in the end. So if your summer vacation is looking a little empty, we need you. We are looking for volunteers to help us bring our dogs along. We need puppy raisers to help us raise and train young service dogs. We need puppy sitters to help with weekend sitting and to give our prison puppies a chance to experience life in a household. It is fun, and we give you all the resources, training, and tools you need to do it well. Plus, you get the opportunity to be part of an incredible group of people. People that understand what the love of a good dog can do for a person, their family, and their community. Come and help us change everything : one dog at a time.

“Our dogs are catalysts for profound, lasting, and positive change.”

Visit saintfrancisdogs.org/volunteer to learn more.

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Emily and Gertti (cont. from cover)

When Angel began showing signs of slowing down, Kim knew it was time to think about a new service dog for Emily, allowing Angel to ease into the role of cherished pet after a job well done. Our team began looking for Emily’s next partner - a dog who could fill the very big paw prints Angel was leaving behind. Gentle-natured Gertti, who was working her way through Advanced Training with field trainer Jenny Cole, seemed like she could be the perfect match. When Kim, Emily, and Angel met her during their matching interview, it all fell into place. After Kim, who is Gertti’s handler, completed Team Training last fall, Gertti took her new place by Emily’s side. Since then, this partnership has flourished. As Angel watches, Gertti has taken over as Emily’s constant companion. She assists with physical tasks, accompanies Emily to school and medical appointments, and helps calm her anxiety. The strength of their bond has created a new level of independence for Emily. Kim says, “ Gertti really increases Emily’s confidence when she is approaching new situations. She loves going out in public, taking her on walks, and taking care of her. The positive impacts are huge.” “Gertti brings smiles, warmth, and laughter into our family! Emily is very proud of her and loves to show Gertti off,” says Kim.

“The bond between Emily and Gertti is priceless.”

One of the best parts of their new partnership is the deep connection Emily and Gertti quickly formed.

“Whether it is hugs or belly rubs, Gertti is all for them. And Emily is more than happy to give them to her,” says Kim.

And when Emily is asked to describe her Saint Francis Service Dog, she very sweetly sums it up.

“Emily likes to say ‘my favorite.’ She knows Gertti is hers and is there for her everyday,” says Kim.

We can’t wait to celebrate this special team at their graduation in the fall. Until then, we are certain this priceless bond will become even stronger.

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Meet Our New Puppies hey baby

Do You Want to Help Give the Gift of Independence?

ATLAS

LEVI

JOEY

WRANGLER

MEKO

JOIE

FRED

ATLO

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 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 There are Two Types of Puppy Volunteers

It is always an exciting time when we welcome puppies into our program! We get the privilege of watching these exceptional animals work with our incredible volunteer puppy raisers and expert trainers as they begin their journeys to change someone’s life. In September, our sweet mama dog, Gibson, gave birth to eight puppies who are growing quickly under the watchful care of both new and returning puppy raisers in Roanoke and Blacksburg. They are well on their way to learning all they need to know to become Saint Francis Service Dogs!

MOUSE

GARFIELD

BUDDY

BANE

CHINA

NEEKO

ROXIE

BENTLEY

In recent months, we also added these little guys and gals to our growing Saint Francis family. The youngest class of service dogs-to-be are now working with our inmate puppy raisers inside our Prison Pup Program at Bland Correctional Center. They are already learning the first commands and tasks they will need to know on the very important path that lies ahead.

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volunteer spotlight

Hannah and Joie “I like to serve others as much as I can, but it is rare to have

When Hannah Losey heard that Saint Francis Service Dogs was in need of puppy volunteers, she immediately signed up to be a sitter. But as fate would have it, with a new litter of pups just born into the Saint Francis family, she quickly stepped into a bigger role as a puppy raiser. Just a short time after deciding to volunteer, Hannah had Joie in her arms, ready to welcome this new little one into her home for the next year. Hannah joined our newly formed class in Blacksburg, along with two other puppy raisers in the area. She made room in her already busy schedule as an environmental engineer and yoga teacher to start attending weekly classes with our Puppy Program Manager. She began teaching Joie all the basic obedience and skills she would need at the start of her service dog journey. For Hannah, it is a challenge “It was impossible not to fall in love with her,” Hannah says.

the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the life of another person,” says Hannah. “Service dogs mean so much to those who use them, and I am inspired by the idea that I could be a small part of creating support and independence for someone.” Through their frequent outings to the library, long hikes, and activities on the Virginia Tech

campus, Hannah is playing a critical role in Joie’s socialization. The training Hannah is giving Joie through their daily life is building a foundation that will allow Joie to become a life-changing teammate for someone who needs her. “Seeing her learn a new command that I never thought she could possibly learn has been incredibly gratifying,” Hannah says. “I feel really proud to be her trainer and to have her by my side.”

Thank you, Hannah, for all that you do!

she takes on with passion and commitment, knowing she is helping impact someone’s life.

“Ultimately, these dogs provide joy and love to everyone they touch and having the opportunity to be a part of that is incredibly precious.”

We are so thankful for all of our volunteer puppy raisers who pour their hearts and souls into caring for the dogs in our program. If you are interested in learning more about puppy raising and puppy sitting, visit our website at saintfrancisdogs.org/volunteer.

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Behind the Scenes At Saint Francis, we are constantly growing, evolving, and striving to do more to help the people we serve. The exceptional quality of the service dogs we place is at the core of what Growing our Expert Training Team five service dogs in training she is now responsible for daily.

“I enjoy watching the dogs blossom. They come in knowing just the basics and leave knowing everything they need to help their person,” says Sharon. Cortney also took a leap of faith, coming to us from Kentucky with her superstar dog, Remy, in tow. Her quiet, yet fiery spirit has allowed her to quickly make Roanoke and Saint Francis her home. “I am passionate about helping each dog reach their full potential. I want to see every dog thriving and living their best life,” says Cortney. Cortney, like Sharon, has five dogs in Advanced Training that she works with every day to mold into the quality dog that makes a Saint Francis Service Dog special. “Every dog is different and it’s fun to figure out what makes each dog light up,” Cortney says.

we do, so when the time came to grow our Training Team, we needed some very special people to join us in our mission. Luckily for us, we found them. Both of our newest staff trainers bring with them a unique combination of expertise, passion, and a refreshing openness to learn and grow with us. Cortney Thibodeau and Sharon Grant each have extensive dog training experience. After seeing our job opening on the Assistance Dogs International website, they both seized the chance to join our team. “These extraordinary dogs save lives, enrich lives, and allow people to have freedom they wouldn’t otherwise enjoy,” Sharon says. Sharon, moving all the way from Minnesota with her two precious dogs, River and Journey, has seamlessly taken over the care of the

Since joining our staff just a few months ago, both Cortney and Sharon have hit the ground running. With their addition to our already dedicated and expert team of trainers, there is no doubt the next class of Saint Francis Service dogs are in the best possible hands. “We are changing lives one dog at a time. I am grateful to play a part in that journey.” - Cortney

Sharon

Cortney

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A PUP’S progr es s

Hello Everybody! It’s Lion here and I am back for my second Pup’s Progress. I can’t wait to fill you in on all the hard work I have been doing. But, don’t worry! I am also having a TON of fun along the way. Right now, I am learning so much every single day in Advanced Training. It is kind of like going to college, since I am taking all of the things I already know and really starting to apply them to the real life tasks I will do as a service dog when I graduate! I have made lots of new friends as more dogs have finished up the Puppy Program and started the next part of training with me. There are new people faces too! I have a brand new teacher named Cortney who is AWESOME! I love just being right by her side whenever I can. When I started Advanced Training, my very favorite tasks were “bump” and “get it.” I know those very well now and have added on so many more really cool skills. During this part of training, I have to focus on figuring out what all the new words mean and what my teacher needs from me. One of the best parts about it is when I get it right, I get LOTS of pets and praise. All the snuggles really motivate me to do the best I can.

During different stages of training, we have to take tests to see what skills and commands we have mastered. It helps our trainers know what we need to work on. Just recently, I got the chance to show just how much I know. I took my very first test in Advanced Training and I DID GREAT! Now, I am ready to start working on some tougher tasks. I still really love to retrieve items. Luckily, that is a big part of a service dog’s job. I have just started learning to go get a medicine bag out of the refrigerator and to help with the laundry by responding to the commands “get it” and “put it in.” I am also figuring out a lot about how to position my body by walking next to new things like wheelchairs and walkers. My trainers and all the people at Saint Francis are always telling me how far I have come. This journey I am on is pretty special and I have a feeling there are some really great things ahead of me.

Lion

“My Saint Francis family has always believed in me! I am one lucky dog!”

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

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Donor Spotlight

Rachelle says, “I have been moved by the amazing, incredibly hard work Saint Francis does. What it takes to work with the dogs, train and provide for them, then working to pair them with just the right partner is an enormous undertaking.”

children, opened her beautiful and eco-conscious store in the spring of 2021. A part of what she values through her work is the idea of connection and giving back. Rachelle says, “Supporting and enriching our community is at the center of what I do at my store. From supporting small,

We are very fortunate to have so many people who are drawn to our mission at Saint Francis and offer their generous support to help us fulfill it. Rachelle Walker, owner of WyndRose Boutique in downtown Roanoke, first learned about what we do through her father, Jim Petrine, a longtime board member and supporter of our organization. “He knows how much I love animals, especially dogs, and knew I’d be interested to learn more,” says Rachelle. “It was just an organization I wanted to be a part of supporting in any way I could.”

Thank you, WyndRose, for helping us to change lives.

family communities around the world to right here at home, we believe every contribution no matter the size has an impact.” Through her support of Saint Francis, Rachelle has helped us impact the lives of so many. WyndRose has been a generous sponsor of Barks ‘n Rec, our largest fundraiser, since its inception in 2021. This event is crucial for raising funds that directly support our programs and services.

Rachelle, who lives in Roanoke with her husband and two young

For more information on all types of giving, please visit our website at saintfrancisdogs.org/ways-to-give

Thank you to all of our sponsors for making Barks ‘n Rec 2023 a success! Draper Woody and Jo Lynn Draper • WyndRose • The Artisan Leader • Annette Kirby • NM Foundation • River Birch Wealth Management • Whitlow & Youell • Brown Edwards • C.A. Barrs • Carilion Clinic • Sam and Sally Craver • Dodson Pest Control • Member One • Partners in Financial Planning • Professional Rehabilitative Options, Inc. • Reid’s Fine Furnishings • Roanoke Animal Hospital • Waldvogel Commercial Properties • Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black • Botetourt Animal Hospital • Pet Vet Roanoke • Vinton Veterinary Hospital

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save the date!

Sunday, October 15th, 2023 More Details to Come

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.f rancis.service.dogs

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

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Tribute GIFTS

January through May 2023

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. Our Big Dogs Prison Pup Partners are essential in sustaining our mission and placing service dogs with those who need them. We cannot thank our Big Dogs enough for their support of this initiative!

Flex, Zoey Mrs. Barbara Reynolds Frazier Mark and Kathy Baske Young Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McDonald Jr. Ralph Giles Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Giles Gloria Gross Mr. and Mrs. John Cowlbeck Gruber Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ricketts III Ruth Hall Beth Leech Don Halterman Dr. and Mrs. Mark Miller Matthew Hannah Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dillon Harley Ms. Carole Edwards

Raymond V. Kilkenny Mr. and Mrs. James Pacanowski F. Thomas Koogler Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wilhelm III Ladybug, Denali, and Tobias Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Meneghini Big Lil Ms. Starr Shank Lily Mr. and Mrs. Carlis Carroll Lisi and Molly Patty Lemon Little Blind Dog Ms. Fran Young Michael James Manning Mr. and Mrs. Abney Boxley III Eric D. McMillan Ms. Karen Mauldin Megan Ms. Fran Young Lance C. Moore Ms. Kathryn Figg Maggie Obryan Mr. and Mrs. Matt Obryan Robin Lafon O’Cheltree Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hearn Dennis D. Payne Mr. and Mrs. David Safewright Pearl Ms. Anne Cox Pedro Ms. Nancy Ruth Patterson Money Penny Mrs. Jan Barnett Brittney Miller Jessica Droste Mimi Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Danielsen

In Memory Of:

Ace Mr. and Mrs. Victoria Luzader Jr. Albert Ms. Patricia Davidson Annie Dr. and Mrs. Rob Meinecke Bailey and Kailey Ms. Kathleen Robertson Bentley Ms. Yvonne Olson Bobo Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Boomer Ms. Mary Martin and Mr. Carl Bohne Boomer Ms. Rebecca Perdue Jerry Budwig TheraPets of the Roanoke Valley Ann Byron Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash Shirley Callaway Mr. Eugene Callaway Cami and Callie Ms. Nancy Ruth Patterson Cash Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Mimi Kidd Copenhaver The Rev. Dr. Robert Copenhaver Curly Ms. Patricia Cargill Curry, Jack, Brooke, and Zac Mr. and Mrs. Marty Poff Dante Jourdan Alvarado My parents and special cousin, Shirley Durrant Ms. Doris Simpson Flex Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler

Saint Francis Big Dogs Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison Kenneth “Andy” Anderson and Dr. Marti Anderson Mike and Carol Anderson Dr. Timothy Andriano Peggy Bizjak Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brunette Mr. and Mrs. Sam Craver III Ms. Jo Lynn Draper Duffy Family Foundation Mr. Peter Emch Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler First Four Petroleum LLC Linda and Frank Foti Mr. and Mrs. Victor Foti Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Co. Dr. and Mrs. Paul Frantz Mr. Ed Hall Happy Endings Bar and Grill Mr. and Mrs. Peter Milward Ms. Mary Anne Mullins and Mr. Christopher Robinson Ms. Yvonne Olson 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. Maury Strauss, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Strauss Ms. Suzanne Thorniley Varsity Landscaping and Grounds Karen and Chuck Wakeford Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilner Ms. Dianne Woody Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

Gordon Harvey TheraPets of the Roanoke Valley Hattie Marlene Kedl Henley Mark and Kathy Baske Young

Susan Hill and Barkley Dr. and Mrs. Mark Miller Hokie Mr. and Mrs. Willie McCall Huck Mr. and Mrs. Rand Garrett Jack Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin Don Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Giles Tim Jones Ms. Shari Henry Dr. James Beverly Jones Lisa Walker Bayrd

Gregory Kaylor Christine Gellert

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In Memory Of: (cont.) Valerie Rasnake Ken Carlucci Ged Moody Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine Molly Prater Ms. Nicole Seevers David Tucker Mary Rose and Paul Woo Raven Mr. and Mrs. Dom and Debbie Buccola Patty Revels Mr. and Mrs. Robert Price Rivet Karen Fitzsimmons David Robbins Ms. Sandi Adkins

Spencer Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler Sabrina Stafford Karen Fitzsimmons Beverly A. and Donald G. Stith Mr. and Mrs. James and Suzanne Nawrocki Suzie Mr. and Mrs. Bob Herskovitz Suzy Ashleigh Huggard Teddy, Duke, Frazier, Bella, Sophie, Pete, Gracie, Tigger, Bella, Harley, Cupid, Gizmo, Sophie, Herman, Rocky, Oscar, Clovie, Leo, Bailey, Basil, Mason, Ninja, Maggie, Max, Millie, Harris, Grizzly, Bam Bam, Chester, Sox Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard In memory and in honor of all of our Veterans, past and present VFW Auxiliary Post 1264 Ann Von Ohlson Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash David and Rita Weaver Mr. Gary Goldsmith David Weaver Gary and Alverda Goldsmith West Point Class of 1967 KIA RVN Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shelton Carol Willoughby Mr. Gregory Willoughby and Mr. Wilson Fujinaga Yogi Mrs. Betsy Hatfield Zuki and BiBi Mr. and Mrs. Jim Purdy In Honor Of: Abbie and JoJo Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sowers Stephen J. Aukward Ms. Judith Conley Blair and Koa Ms. Sue Anne Boothe George C. Terry Ms. Jo Ann Terry Elmer Luther Utt Ms. Connie Utt

Kellie Bock Michelle Cochran Mr. Michael Doelling Julia Friar

Kris Humphrey Sarah Shannon Kelliepalooza Russ and Judy Jamison Bunny Mr. and Mrs. Barry Ferrell Champ Mr. and Mrs. David Derr Jr. Linda Daniel Ms. Barbara Antonik Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman Carol Fralin Patty Lemon Nancy Hack Mrs. Nancy Wheeler Tyler Hatcher and Palmer Mrs. Susan Randall David and Sharon Kitchens Jodie Kitchens Ladybug, Cocoa, Buddy, Rascal, and Jippy Mr. and Mrs. John Mundy Bob Lee Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson Ms. Leanna Scachetti Lizzie and in memory of Lincoln Ms. Linda Ives and Mr. Steve Lucado Kevin Parker Eric Parker Remrem Mr. David Burgueno Sadye and Rory Cathy and Steve Soffin Krista Sinnott Bryan Holloman Mrs. Bob and Sandy Holt Harvey Thurston Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston Jr. Stafford Turner and Timber Ms. Suzi Turner Dr. Courtney Wiegard Ms. Sandra Reynolds In Recognition Of: Simba Guyer Ms. Deborah Legare

Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors. Ms. Sandi Adkins Mr. and Mrs. Ed Allen Jourdan Alvarado Cat Ayers Mr. Ralph Baker Mr. and Mrs. Abney Boxley Mrs. Mary Branch 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. Kathy Cvizic Calista Darragh Ms. Carole Denney Mrs. Brandy Disbennett-Albrecht Ms. Deborah Duerk Mrs. Kay Early Ms. Carole Edwards Ms. Charlene Fay Ms. Margaret Finn Mark Fisher Mr. and Mrs. David Fretwell Mr. and Mrs. Nathan and Kari Grim Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hack Ms. Cathie Havrilesky Mr. and Mrs. Karl McNeece Mr. and Mrs. Mark Milberger Ms. Diane Montemayor and Ms. Kathy Watkins Mrs. Erin Morris Mr. and Mrs. David Nickell Mrs. Susan Paganelli Mr. and Mrs. Demetrio Perez Mr. and Mrs. Katie and Ryan Read Ms. Elizabeth Sensabaugh Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Krista Sinnott Ms. Nancy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sulka Mr. and Mrs. Barry Vann Mr. and Mrs. Bob Villamil Ms. Jackie Werb Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard Mr. Ronald Winter Mr. and Mrs. JimWisser Matthew Witting Mr. and Mrs. Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Mr. Draper Woody To join the Saint Francis Friends Club Ms. Kris Sorensen Ms. Robin Spicer Mr. Bodo Stock Mr. David Hudson Ms. Christy Izard Mr. and Mrs. David Kapp Mrs. Jackie Lantz Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lash Ms. Angela Laug Mr. John Lawrence and Ms. Elizabeth Adams Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Love Ms. Cynthia Martin

Dr. LeRoy Roemer Mr. and Mrs. Donald Anderson Ms. Helen Bailey Ms. Christine Barnhart Charles Hoffman Mr. Kristofer Roberson Ms. Jeanne Ruddock Ms. Jane Showalter Adam Sutherland Bruce Rollins Douglas Jones Chad Macbeth

Janine Catalano Charityvest, Inc. Mr. Dave Clinthorne Mr. and Mrs. Joe Greene Mr. Kenneth Neis David Pelfrey Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Rollins Mr. Brian Whitaker Bruce Rollins and in honor of Turbo Francesca Cummins Lola Rose Mr. and Mrs. Dillon and Carol Barnett John Rosemond Dr. and Mrs. W. William Stevens Sadie Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Mary Groth Sadie Ms. Nancy Jacobs Bill Scully Ms. Barbara Wall

Leigh Brill Singh Ms. Karen Brill and Mr. Bill Meyer Skipper Jason Harper

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:

Nadia Summo President Krista Sinnott Vice President Anne Jenkins Secretary

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 402

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 Courtney Wiegard, DVM Past President

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.

Craig Balzer John Carlin Sally B. Craver, MSW Jo Lynn Draper Annette Kirby Paula Mitchell Jim Petrine Steven S. 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

Michelle Mosely Erin Morris Autumn Overstreet Kristine Sorensen Maggie St. John Cortney Thibodeau Loreen Thompson Rebecca Thompson Andrew Via Marilyn Wilson Cabell Youell

Debbie Clifton Deborah Duerk Beth Fulp Sharon Grant Kari Grim Bob Lee Kathy Marr Tiffany Moeltner

printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.

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