Saint Francis Service Dogs 2025 Annual Report

A message from Cabell

As I write this letter to you, we are locked in a wintry grip of sleet, snow, and freezing temperatures. I gingerly pick my way across my frozen yard. The dogs can’t run and play like they want to because it is too slick, and they are not in the least bit pleased with the bathroom situation outside - frankly, it is too slippery for all of us. In spite of these conditions, Saint Francis chugs along. There is always someone on site, so our dogs in the kennel are still fed, watered, and exercised. We tend to our staff cat, Moo Moo, scrape the driveway, and de-ice the sidewalks. Those who can come in to help, and those who can’t carry on from home to keep our work moving forward. Our volunteer puppy sitters graciously extend their time with the dogs they are sitting if they can, and our volunteer puppy raisers and inmate puppy raisers carry on their puppy training with virtual support. Board and staff meetings retreat from in-person to computer screens. We adapt, and the work goes on. Whenever the regular pattern of life is interrupted, it quickly becomes apparent how fortunate we are at Saint Francis to have you. Our volunteers are quick to lend a hand, our donors always ask how they can help, and our staff go to tremendous lengths to support our work and each other. All of you are the magic that makes this place hum.

I recently heard that James March, a Stanford University professor, said that leadership is a balance between poetry and plumbing. The poetry is the vision, and the plumbing is the practical work of an organization. You need both to make an organization successful. I don’t know of anywhere else where the poetry and plumbing feel so closely intertwined. As we look forward to our 30th anniversary, our vision of empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities feels as compelling as ever, and our way of doing that – with these beautiful, generous, capable dogs – is as hope-filled and energizing as it has ever been. In this Annual Report, you will get a good look at the plumbing of Saint Francis in our financials, key metrics, and charts. You will also see the poetry in the words of our partners and the stories of our dogs. As I sit with dogs at my feet, all bundled up in front of my computer, I am very clear on this: None of it works without you. Our volunteers, donors, partners, and staff are the key to the poetry AND the plumbing of Saint Francis Service Dogs. I am so grateful for your belief in our mission and your support of this spectacular, uplifting, life-changing work.

Executive Director

Our vision of empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities feels as compelling as ever, and our way of doing that – with these beautiful, generous, capable dogs – is as hope-filled and energizing as it has ever been.

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