Saint Francis Service Dogs Summer 2024 Newsletter

Behind the Scenes The Journey to the Perfect Match

There is no doubt…the moments are magical.

Debbie Clifton, Saint Francis Training Manager, says, “First-come, first served placements do not necessarily allow for the matching of specific needs of the candidate or for the lifestyle needs of the dog. We like to take a more holistic approach to placement versus trying to get as many dogs through the program as possible.” But the journey to find the perfect fit starts long before a service dog meets their potential partner for the first time. The team at Saint Francis gathers valuable information from each of our candidates through screening interviews, home visits, and during our candidate classes. We learn their individual needs and lifestyles. Meanwhile, our trainers are closely watching our dogs in training to identify their strengths, weaknesses, energy level, and demeanor.

The process culminates during the matching interview, when a candidate meets with a dog as our team carefully observes. Kris Sorensen, our Services Coordinator, says, “The poignant moments are when you see the candidate a nd dog make a connection.” “Sometimes the connection is obvious and sometimes it is more subtle, but it’s always a reminder of why we do what we do.” And while finding the perfect match takes patience, the end result is well worth it. Kris says, “Our goal with everything we do at Saint Francis is to place a dog with someone to improve their quality of life. The matching process is one step of many that helps to ensure the partnership is the best it can be.”

“I felt comfortable with him right away. Lion walked over and laid down on my feet and flipped over on his back to get a belly rub,” says Rick of meeting his service dog, Lion, for the very first time. “My personality and Koa’s are so alike. The matching process is so personal and ensured I had the exact right service dog for me,” Blair says of being matched with her service dog, Koa. But behind the magic and the moments, there is a meticulous method to our matching process that is a careful blend of skill, experience, and a thorough understanding of each unique person and dog. It helps us ensure that each match will be successful and mark the start of a life-changing partnership.

Debbie says , “The ultimate goal is to find the right dog for the right person.”

6