Saint Francis 2023 Annual Report

Lion’s Pride With Thanks to Our Saint Francis Family

When Lion was born in 2021, he was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Persistent Right Aortic Arch . It made it difficult for Lion to eat solid food and required surgery at the veterinary hospital at Virginia Tech when he was just a few months old. Now, as he begins his next chapter as a service dog, it seems to have all come full circle. Lion lives with his new partner, Rick, close the hospital that helped him on his journey. “I feel that Lion was meant to wind up living in the Blacksburg area, where he had the surgery that saved his life and allowed him to become a service dog. He and I have both been through a lot of challenges in our younger years, even before we ever met,” Rick says. Dr. Julie Cecere, part of the veterinary team that handled Lion’s case says, “We are so glad that Lion was a success. It’s not often we get to see these dogs beyond breeding and puppyhood, so I was thrilled to give Lion a huge hug and talk with his new family.”

Rick says, “It’s like we were meant to be together - to care for and about each other. I look forward to many happy years ahead with Lion by my side.”

This partnership would not have been possible without the help of all the people - Lion’s Pride - who contributed to his care and training over the last several years.

Thank you...

Tonya Harmon and Family - Volunteer and Lion’s Whelper Dr. Amy Frazier and Family - Volunteer and Lion’s Puppy Raiser/Foster

Debbie Clifton - Staff Member and Lion’s Trainer Cortney Thibodeau - Staff Member and Lion’s Trainer Kathy Marr - Staff Member and Lion’s Foster The Veterinarians and Staff at the Virginia - Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine’s Hospital including: Dr. Julie Cecere Dr. Orsolya Barlogh Lydia Polland for helping Lion on his journey from puppy to partner.

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