Saint Francis 2023 Annual Report

Where My Heart Belongs continued from cover You see, when I was born, something wasn’t quite right. My Saint Francis family took me to a big place called Virginia Tech so the veterinarians could figure out why I wasn’t growing like my sisters. They said I had something wrong with my heart and would need surgery to get better. And just like that, my journey took a twist. Would I ever be able to grow up to be a service dog and help change someone’s life? It would take time, extra special care, and a whole lot of people who believed in me. Luckily, that is exactly what happened. The doctors who fixed my heart, the incredible volunteers who helped raise and care for me, and the staff and trainers at Saint Francis who taught me all I needed to know - they all helped make my biggest dream come true. When I was finally ready to start meeting the people who might be my partner, I was very nervous. But, my friends at Saint Francis knew I was ready. During my matching interview with Rick, I felt right at home. So much so, that I walked over and laid down at his feet and turned over for a belly rub! I knew I had found my person. Rick, his wife Linda, and I spent a lot of time together after that. The trainers at Saint Francis made sure I could help Rick in the best way possible, and that he knew how to give me all the special commands I had worked so hard to learn. Now, I wake up with Rick every day! He takes me on lots of walks, which he says motivates him and keeps him moving. I help him by opening and closing doors and drawers and retrieving items he needs. I know how to go get a “help button,” which puts Linda’s mind at ease when she is not with us at home. Rick calls me his “smile magnet.” He says it’s because when people see us, we get three smiles. First, they smile at me, then they look at Rick and smile, then Rick smiles back.

But, I know...it’s really four. Because I am smiling too.

Lion

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

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