Saint Francis Service Dogs Partners and Paws - Summer 2023

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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