Spring Newsletter

“We used to have a little boy who would make very little eye contact and isolated himself in social situations. He did not seem to be very happy. Now, we have a confident, happy young man who is beginning to seek out adults and other children. He is actually making friends for the first time in his life at age 10. This is what we have been wanting for him for so long.”

Our Partners are the motivation behind all of the hard work that goes into raising, training and placing a service dog. The incredible people we serve inspire staff and volunteers to work harder and push further to continue the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs. Once a year we honor our new Saint Francis Service Dogs graduating teams. This is our opportunity to celebrate

of isolation, depression and anxiety. The result is improved overall health and a higher quality of life. Our Partners laugh more and interact more with others. They make the most of their abilities by engaging in the community, challenging themselves and embracing life to its fullest potential.

While we celebrate the success of our wonderful new partnerships, we are reminded that we have 20 approved candidates who are still waiting for their life-changing service dog. Above and beyond that, there are over 60 children and adults still waiting for a chance to apply. Saint Francis does not charge for our professionally trained service dogs. We operate without a revenue stream, government funds or insurance reimbursements. Your donations make these miracles happen. Without your help, deserving people will continue to wait to reclaim the dignity, freedom and confidence that a Saint Francis Service Dog can help to provide. Your support of our mission is what allows us to place exceptional service dogs with extraordinary people. We are proud to introduce the Saint Francis graduating class of 2018.

the collaboration of staff, breeders, puppy raisers, prison puppy raisers, foster families, puppy sitters, trainers, donors, the board of directors, advisory council members, all of our hard-working volunteers, our exceptional dogs, and most of all—our extraordinary Partners. Saint Francis Service Dogs transform the lives of the people they serve in numerous ways. Our Partners enjoy increased independence, higher self-esteem, and peace of mind, while discovering more opportunities than they ever thought possible. Most people with disabilities struggle with more than their primary disability. They deal with anxiety, depression and loneliness. Sometimes, these conditions are more painful than the physical disability. A service dog can help to relieve feelings

“Ginger helps increase student communication and language skills by following commands the children give her. She allows independence in older students who help with responsibilities such as toileting, grooming and feeding. Ginger is a fantastic help to students who feel anxiety about places that used to overwhelm them.” - Damien, Handler

Scholarship provided by Kroger Breeder: Jamie Young Puppy Raiser: Leil Hackett Prison Puppy Raiser: Howard Palmer Trainer: Elizabeth Nemore

“Jip has given me purpose and focus for my future again. She’s the best medicine both physically and emotionally. I haven’t fallen since bringing her home. Before getting Jip, I was hesitant to accept new challenges. Now, with my service dog beside me, I am more confident to tackle life.” -Deborah Scholarship provided by Cabin Fever Charities Breeder: ADI Breeding Cooperative Prison Puppy Raiser: Trampas Wingo Trainer: Jeanne Bell

“Tandem can do things for me and I don’t have to ask for help from others. He has made it easier for my whole family. Having Tandem near me makes me feel safe and more in control. When out in public, people smile and ask questions about Tandem rather than about my disabilities.” –Jennifer Scholarship provided by an anonymous donor Breeders: ADI Breeding Cooperative and Pam Hand Prison Puppy Raiser: Victor Wilson Foster Family: Susan A. Hodges Trainer: Debbie Clifton

“Biscuit gives not only emotional support and distraction when Haleigh gets overstimulated, Biscuit provides deep pressure to calm her and ears to rub, which soothes her.” - Kristi, Haleigh’s mother

Scholarship provided by Altec Breeder: ADI Breeding Cooperative Puppy Raiser: Susan A. Hodges Foster Family: Trent and Jen Fisher Trainer: Debbie Clifton

“Millie has been quite the role model and best friend to Aiden, helping foster independence, improve social skills, manage anxiety, and bridging the social gap with his peers. Aiden no longer feels alone and uncertain.” - Heather, Aiden’s mother

Scholarship provided by The Clark Foundation and The Jack and Anne Glenn Foundation Breeder: Allison Morrison Prison Puppy Raiser: Jason Sergent Trainer: Tiffany Moeltner

“Esme helps Benjamin develop his physical abilities while giving him constant emotional support. Esme’s presence makes therapy a fun, happy task while providing comfort, laughter and positive energy. When we are having a bad day, all we need is a little Esme.” –Christina, Benjamin’s mother Breeders: Pam Hand and the ADI Breeding Cooperative Puppy Raisers: Jennifer Tonkin and Dara Aherns Prison Pup Raiser: Pete Allen Foster Family: Trent and Jen Fisher Trainer: Debbie Clifton

It takes tens of thousands of dollars to obtain, raise, train and place one Saint Francis Service D without a revenue stream, government funds or insurance reimbursements. Your donatio

g. We support our Partners for the working life of the dog. Saint Francis Service Dogs operates s enable us to continue our mission. Thank you for your support! Your donations in action:

Trinette Kirkman in memory of Carol Willoughby

Nancy Verity in memory of Brandi Ann Vernon in memory of Mac McLaughlin Niki Voudren in memory of Raven Nicole Wagner in memory of Bella Boo Francis Dr. Courtney Wiegard in memory of Molly, Jordan, Tyson, Bailey, Lacy, Rufus, Mercy, Patches, Sophie, Tucker, Sasha, Hannah, Katie, Lucy, Lilly, & Misty Pam & Glenn Wingo in memory of Benny Childress

Sandra Adkins in memory of Baron The Alginos in memory of Cheryl Setzer Judy Bates in memory of Maximus Gina Beninato in memory of Barbara Beninato Kelly Bonhotel in memory of Sammie & Scout Peggy Bowditch in memory of Ellie Mae Bowditch Mary Branch in memory of Bogey Kim Brock in memory of Sassy Brock & Iva Poore James & Judy Caudill in memory of Annie & Sadie John & Kathryn Cowlbeck in memory of Lavon Cadiero "Sue" Johnny & Earlene Davis in memory of Dr. Tommy Ray Tucker, & Jerry & Dottie Davis Kenny & Janie Entsminger & Family in memory of Sandy Wyatt & Tylos Lisa Faist & Bill Nash in memory of Jean Snidow & Jeff Edmunds Reid & Lisa Garst in memory of Jackson K C Gilbert in memory of Dr. Patricia Morgan Sanford Giles in memory of Ralph Giles & Don Jackson Jacob & Linda Gish in memory of Dottie De Forest Wes & Sheri Gordon in memory of Tanner Kensington & Macie Jade, our precious babies Bob & Judy Griffith in memory of Shakiyah Vince & Jane Hazleton in memory of Cody Frye June & Diane Heim in memory of Lilias A. Sinclair Dr. Lara Hertweck in memory of Tasha, Buddy, Geronimo, Ozzy, Tigger, Chester, Hokie, Odie, Lexi, Roxie, Midnight, Drake, Gus & Sam, & Nugget Catherine & Randall Hill in memory of Susan Hill & Barkley

Robert & Victoria Luzader in memory of Paul Scheier Derek O'Dell in memory of Midnight Koiner, Princess Rose Pendleton, Pete Fowler, & Charley Adams Kevin & Patricia McMahon, Sr. in memory of Kevin McMahon, Jr. Michael Michalski in memory of Darlene Haymond Jim & Erma Miller in memory of Tasha George & Vicki Morgan in memory of Dozer of C.A. & Mary Susan Fulton Linda Perdue in memory of Ben Mayhew Joseph & Wallie Polinski in memory of Tam & Nikki Lawrence & Margaret Ptaschek in honor of Gus & Francy Joyce & Larry Reed in memory of Brandi Barbara Reynolds in memory of Ruby William O. Roberts, Leil & Bill Hackett, William, Debra, Preston, & Lexi Benton, Laurel & Don Smith, Nathaniel Hackett in memory of Aminee Woods Jones Roberts Mike & Jo Russin in memory of Memphis Jenny & Tommy Sease in memory of Ida Mary Addison Nancy Snidow in memory of Fred Charles & Carrie Souter in memory of Greg Tolzmann Dorothy Spradlin in memory of Lilly Susan Tabor in memory of Genevieve Delores Glazik Meyer Sharon Tarpley in memory of Chelsie & Lilly Danny & Jeannette Templeton in memory of Patches, Lil, & Buddy Mrs. Rita Thomas in memory of Carl Thomas Levinia Thompson in memory of Steven L. Thompson Julia Truelove in memory of Tivo O'Dell Mike & Clay Morrissett in memory of Molly & Sparky Yvonne Olson in memory of Hecate Steven & Mary Owen in memory Mary Smullen in memory of Conan "Max" Maxwell

Earlene Davis Nanci Pristou Kris Sorensen

Perry, Denise, & Dwayne Hodges Julie Lynch Jim North Ray Smoot Cia Verseman

Gary & Jennifer Koogler Barbara Reynolds Lloyd Ruona

Cindy Martin Dennis & Beth Shearer

Kris Sorensen Krista Vannoy Niki Voudren

Alisha, Graig, Sawyer, & Wyatt in honor of Zoey, Holly, & Bella Ed & Becky Allen in honor of Martha Worrell Nancy & Jeff Armstrong in honor of Ed & Becky Allen Joseph & Doris Artusio in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Norman Lagueux, Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Shapiro, Mr. & Mrs. William Howard, & Mr. & Mrs. John Black Mary Ellen & Michael Barb in honor of William & Zayd Jan Barnett in honor of Ben Helen Barrier in honor of Sue Schulz

William Hill in memory of Susan Hill & Barkley Janet Janson in memory of Julia Bocckinfuso Geoffrey & Susan Jennings in memory of Molly Stuart Jones in memory of Sir Edwin Radar Jones

Peter & Elizabeth Galantich in honor of Carol Downey Carsten Goerg in honor of Beth Darragh Sandra Gross in honor of Meadow & Shia Vickie Guilliams in honor of Vic Foti Betty Hall in honor of Ms. Lois Hash Pam Hanks in honor of Lucy Davis Beverly & Leon Harris in honor of Jean & Allen Ingram June & Diane Heim in honor of Heim Wedding Anniversary Mary "Bird" Heuchert in honor of Mary Jo & Tom Harris & Doris & Dick Clark Joe & Alicia Hoggan in honor of our beloved Jasper Joe & Alicia Hoggan in honor of Ryan & Katie Read Clint & Nancy Hopkins in honor of Brian W. Britt Jason Houser in honor of Bill & Carol Downey Tracy Hudgins in honor of Frank Hanson Duane Hlavinka in honor of Kelly Hlavinka Stuart Jones in honor of Kathryn Hull & Carroll Lahaye Charlie & Linda Jordan in honor Bill & Betsy King in honor of James & Leigh Simpson & Allen & Jean Ingram Jodie & Steven Kitchens in honor of Sharon & David Kitchens Harry Lea in honor of Charlie Riddle & Bandit Mary Jean & John Levin in honor of Sherri Spell Fred Lindsay in honor of John & Elizabeth Surma Lucy & Lewis Little in honor of Mrs. Charles Sparkman Mary Marshall in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Al Vick Daniel McBroom in honor of Dorian Dugger Adair McCabe in memory of Finnigan Danny & Debbie McCormick in honor of Hayley & Charlie Donna & Robert McCray in honor of Zoey McCray Harold & Joyce McDonald in honor of Susan Lowe Thank you for your support: The Louise R. Lester Foundation of James & Leigh Simpson Dr. & Mrs. William Kagey in honor of Stephanie McNeill George Killinger in honor of Bates & Anne Killinger

Zip & Vince Basile in honor of Sandy Light Kristen Beam in honor of Carol Downey Faye Becker in honor of Cindy Danieley & Linda Frece Scott & Karen Berglund in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Brown & Dr. & Mrs. Doug Kirtley Bill, Annie, Miles, & Josie Bing in honor of Barbara Bing Dr. & Mrs. Carl Bivens in honor of Dr. Mark Finkler & Roanoke Animal Hospital Mr. & Mrs. Donald Boecker in honor of Michele & Greg Heckman Ellen & Whitney Brown in honor of Scott Kitts Donna Britt in honor of Brian W. Britt Eric & Meg Buchanan in honor of Ashby Garst Donald Bull in honor of Werner Kurzmann Marilyn Bussey in honor of Sarah & Cairo Catherine Caddy in honor of Lilly Helen Carty in honor of Michelle Gereaux Karim James & Judy Caudill in honor of Mattie Doug & Paulette Chessen in honor of Cabell Youell Kathie Childers in honor of Kathy Marr Dr. & Mrs. James Coggin in honor of Haley McCormick & Charlie The Coppages in honor of Brian W. Britt Tom & Virginia Cox in honor of Ryan & Katie Read Cindy Danieley in honor of Faye Becker Pat Davidson in honor of Tyler Burks, Sally Fronk, Ellie Moser, & Charlie Moser Earlene Davis in honor of Bland Puppy Raisers Dorothy Dodson in honor of Karen & Tom Whitt Alice Ann Dugger in honor of Mrs. Rebecca Cheatham, Mr. & Mrs. S. Leard Huggins, Mr. Herman Friedman & Family, Mr. & Mrs. James Byerly, Mrs. Ellen Byck, Sr. Margaret Beatty, Reverend & Mrs. Peter Hartmann & Family, & Case Veterinary Hospital Frank & Lucy Ellett in honor of John & Matilda Bradshaw John & Charlotte Engleby in honor of Kathy White Leslie Frusco in honor of Mr. & Mrs. John Holman, Ms. Lynn Woodward, Mr. & Mrs. Kim Woodward, & Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Day

Gail McGirt in honor of Nancy Cunningham Stephanie McNeill in honor of Dr. & Mrs. William Kagey John & Kathy Mundy in honor of Hokie & Lucky Susan Nance in honor of Harold & Marion McComsey & Doug & Mary McComsey Joel & Christy Nichols in honor of Clara Belle & Django Jon & Beth Packman in honor of Mary Rotondo Patricia Palmer in honor of Susan Palmer & Bonnie Martin Rebecca Peebles in honor of Rene & David Bowditch Linda Perdue in honor of Emily Mayhew Marty & Jami Poff in honor of Jackson Dr. & Mrs. Cleveland Porter, Jr.in honor of Porter Anderson & Fedor Ronald & Marlene Read in honor of Ryan Read The Reads in honor of Carys, Reece, & Jasper William O. Roberts, Leil & Bill Hackett, William, Debra, Preston, & Lexi Benton, Laurel & Don Smith, & Nathaniel Hackett in honor of Ellie, Bandit, & Jigsaw Charlotte Rogers & Richard Serton in honor of Pam Hand Mike & Jo Russin in honor of Jennifer Russin & Tandem Dr. & Mrs. Richard Sallade in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Smola Sarah, Gabby, Matthew, & Laura in honor of Kenneth Algino Mr. & Mrs. Kemp Savage in honor of The Hodges Family Jeanne Schilgen in honor of Susan Burr Jenny & Tommy Sease in honor of Elaine Addison Maria Sparkman in honor of Dr. Robert Howell Dorothy Spradlin in honor of the intelligent service dogs & their devoted trainers The Staff of Roanoke Animal Hospital in honor of Dr. Mark Finkler Lois Sumpter in honor of Jane Sumpter & Lucy Lou Sharon Tarpley in honor of Dorothy Spradlin Alan & Kim Turner in honor of Judy Bates Mathew, Pat & Lee Underwood in memory of Bill Gibson Jane Washburn in honor of Pam Hand Ann Watson in honor of Marti & Andy Anderson John Grooman & Halley White in honor of Mary Rotondo Charles & Sarah Youell in honor of Janice & Terry Martin & Jean Selman Victor Skaff in honor of Kai Memmer Edward & Melissa Smith in honor of Marilyn Wilson Nancy Snidow in honor of Winston

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID

P.O. Box 19538 8232 Enon Drive Roanoke, VA 24019 (540) 342-3647 www.saintfrancisdogs.org

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Saint Francis Service Dogs is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that raises and trains service dogs for children and adults with disabilities. An envelope is enclosed for your convenience if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to support the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs. A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.

The Kevin Dodson Memorial Picnic Bash: June 22 & 23 674 Coles Knob Rd, Pilot, VA Contact: Rob Maddox 404-229-9906 rob.maddox@altec.com/cabinfevercharityevents.org All proceeds from food & t-shirts benefit Saint Francis Service Dogs. Bring your dog & a $25 donation will be made to Saint Francis.