Saint Francis Service Dogs Fall/Winter 2018

Saint Francis Service Dogs Helping people with disabilities to better experience the world through partnership with a service dog.

Fall/Winter 2018

Puppies!

T hey are round and soft with liquid eyes and that distinctive warm puppy smell. They are somehow wiggly, cuddly and funny all at once. They burst into the Saint Francis building with puppy joy and frolic straight into our hearts. They are The Puppies. We cannot do what we do without puppies. Where do these furry balls of sweetness come from? They come from many places, some of them surprising. Our first source of puppies is breeders . Although we mostly have retrievers in our program, we have had success with a variety of breeds including Shelties, German Shorthaired Pointers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Poodles and others as well as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. One of the most recent additions to our program is an Irish Water Spaniel. The breeders that work with us are a very special group of individuals. They strive to produce the best puppies by doing extensive research and planning long before a breeding takes place. The dogs in their breeding pools are screened for genetic disorders and have the health clearances recommended for their particular breed. The breeders seek to produce dogs that have good temperaments, are structurally sound,

and will be solid, happy working dogs. They are a dedicated group of people that not only care for the welfare and preservation of their chosen breed but also support the mission of Saint Francis. Once the future mother is bred, she is watched carefully. There will be regular visits with the veterinarian to confirm pregnancy and determine the number of pups she is expecting. Special attention is paid to her exercise and nutritional needs. As whelping time nears, the breeder watches her closely for indications that labor is starting. Once labor starts, the breeder stays with the expectant mother in case there is trouble in delivery. Most moms deliver on their own but a veterinarian is only a phone call away in case of emergencies. It is a team effort. Depending on the breed and number of puppies the labor and delivery process can take a many hours. Once born, the puppies will be weighed and identified. Their weights will be monitored and recorded daily. As the puppies grow, the breeder will start to introduce the puppies to the world of humans. Puppies are handled regularly, given structured games, and introduced to many things and people so that they are prepared for their new lives. They will visit their veterinarian

Puppies! (continued)

for a check-up and vaccinations before leaving for their new homes. Many breeders will go through this intensive, expensive process and then donate a puppy to Saint Francis. It is a generous act – both financially and emotionally – to entrust a beloved puppy to our program. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. As we further the work the mother and breeder began, we stay in touch with our breeders, updating them on the puppy’s progress. Our next source is the ADI Breeding Cooperative . This is a surprising discovery for many people because it is a unique system. ADI Accredited programs like Saint Francis may join a network of other accredited assistance dog programs across the United States and Canada to share breeding stock. Dogs are evaluated and tested for physical and behavioral fitness. Temperament tests, health evaluations, and genetics are consulted when breeding decisions are made. A service dog at a Pennsylvania program may be bred with a guide dog from a school in Florida. The resulting litter may be whelped with a service dog program in Kansas. The puppies are distributed to member organizations according to a complicated algorithm that takes into account the program’s participation in the creation of the litter as well as other factors. The advantage of the Cooperative is that the dogs are bred from assistance dog stock and are evaluated using a common language and system of testing across all the participating programs. It also ensures diversity in a program’s incoming puppy class, since it is possible to receive puppies

from different parents that are similar in age. Our third source of dogs is shelters and rescue organizations . While we would love to flood our program with puppies in need of homes, it takes a special dog to be a service dog. We screen puppies from rescues and shelters to see whether they have developed fears that will haunt them or health issues that will trouble them in adulthood. Those dogs are not prepared for the work of a service dog and asking to them to serve in that role would be unfair and unkind. Another non-profit organization - Diamonds in the Ruff - combs shelters and rescues to look for dogs that may fit the bill and enjoy the life of a service dog. When they find one, we add them happily to the ranks and they are often the kindest and funniest of them all. Wherever our puppies come from, they are the heart and soul of Saint Francis. Full of equal parts promise and mischief, they are the building blocks of all that we do. Without the generosity of breeders, the community of the ABC Breeding Cooperative, and the organizations scouting for dogs in shelters, we would be unable to do our job of changing the lives of people with disabilities. These little puppies have big shoes to fill. And we treasure every single one of them.

Tidewater Tails

by Carol Downey Saint Francis Board Member and Advisory Council Chairperson

O n September 21st the Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital in Newport News held a memorial ceremony to dedicate a small rock garden to Ekko’s memory. Ekko was their Saint Francis Facility Dog that passed away unexpectedly this fall. Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital sits directly on the water overlooking the bay; the garden next to the hospital is a lovely green space often used by patients and staff. Wendy Bunting, the Director of Rehabilitation, gathered a small crowd to offer a few stories about Ekko: she spoke of Ekko as a family member, as well as a “colleague”. Her children were there, and recalled their favorite Ekko stories (they were only 4 and 6 when Ekko joined their family!) Several therapists told stories of working with Ekko, and what they witnessed first-hand about the human- animal bond. Their knowledge of animal-assisted therapy was greatly enhanced by their experience with Ekko. They saw miracles happen that they directly attributed to

Ekko. Wendy also reported that by her calculations, conservatively she estimates Ekko assisted more than 4,000 patients in her work!! The most touching part for me was when a gentleman in a wheelchair who has had multiple stays at Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital spoke. He choked back tears as he expressed clearly and passionately the difference Ekko made in his recoveries. She pushed him to do things he did not want to do, and she brightened his days greatly. He then turned to me and asked me to directly thank each and every person involved in Ekko’s training. It was a sweet and gentle ceremony to say good bye to a co-worker, miracle worker, friend and family member. A dog remembered for her huge heart and impish personality... a dog that set the bar very high for future RRI dogs :-) From everyone at Riverside Rehabilitation Hospital: Thank you for all do to help make life-changing dogs like Ekko a reality for so many.

Paws and PossAbilities

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A T T H E W I L L I A M S B U R G W I N E R Y

NOVEMBER15,2018

An Evening of Friendly Competition, Delicious Food, & Libations

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Cabell’s Column

I see a lot of puppies in my line of work – it is one of the great perks of the job. I like to pick them up, inhale their puppy smell, and kiss them on the top of their heads. But then I look them in the eyes, one puppy after another, searching their depths vainly for a sign of Bella’s warm, sassy spark. I know that means I am not ready. Even I know it is not right to burden a puppy with the ghost of another dog. I am very grateful for our rescue dog, Huck. Bella helped raise him. He is, of course, his own dog with his own character and place in the household, and he brings his own brand of joy to my life. He has helped. I think I’ve stopped looking for Bella in other dogs’ eyes. Lately, I have started to wonder if it is time for another puppy. I am still not sure. Writing this is making me teary-eyed again, which is probably a bad sign. I do know this: when the time is right, I will open my heart to another little puppy. I will do it knowing full well that my heart will break again. I will do it anyway, because it is worth the heartache to be friends with a fine dog.

I t’s been over a year and a half since Bella, the first Saint Francis Staff Dog, died. We were together from the moment I held her as an eight- week-old puppy just entering the Saint Francis Puppy Program until I cradled her as the life drained from her 11-year old cancer-riddled body. She went with me everywhere. I discovered in the weeks and months after she died how much I relied on the comforting weight of her bright brown eyes watching me. I found out how often during the day I dropped my hand absentmindedly to find her soft fur beneath my palm. I realized that I slept in a particular position at night so she could settle into her favorite spot on the bed - and that she was the reason my feet were warm for over a decade.

Available space here

Available space here

Angel Tree SAINT FRANCIS SERVICE DOGS’

Angel Tree You can make holiday wishes come true by donating

toys and treats to puppies and dogs in training.

November 16th - December 31st! The Saint Francis Angel Tree is located at Tanglewood Mall at the entrance by A.C. Moore and Five Guys. You can also find more information on how to participate in the Angel Tree on our website www.saintfrancisdogs.org and on Facebook.

Saint Francis may redistribute gifts to ensure that all dogs and puppies in the program enjoy treats and toys during the Holiday

Visit our virtual Angel Tree at www.sfsdfundraiser.org

Memorials

Ray and Nancy Cunningham in memory of Mrs. Singh and Optimist Prime Cindy Danieley in memory of Anne Burton Earlene Davis in memory of Mike Boozer, Stir Fry, and Sampson Geneva Dawson in memory of Jim Dawson Doris Day in memory of Steven Chante Phil and Betsy Dennis in memory of Mike and Jenny Dennis Doctors and Staff of Roanoke Animal Hospital in memory of Molly Deborah Duerk in memory of Rex and Aurora Alice Dugger in memory of Harmon Bill and Judy Eldred in memory of James E. Dawson Kathryn Figg in memory of Lance Moore Humes and Barbara Franklin in memory of Jacky and Emma Joanne Hawley in memory of Suki Helen Haynie in memory of James Dawson Jeff and Katie Highfill in memory of Riley Diane Heim in memory of Gordon F. Heim, Bonnie, Joshie Bear, and Athena the cat Dr. Lara Hertweck in memory of Etta, Kira, Lucky, Tracy, Cody, Carly, Bailey, Isabella, Molly, Diana, Dauphin, Bailey, General Mack, Torq, Ebony, Abba, Stinka, Rosie, Durga, Rusty, Mutt, Precious, Jack, Jake, Honey, Lucy, Gracie, Sam, Apollo, Lily, Juju, Mindi,

Sandi Adkins in memory of Baron Lyle and Libby Anderson in memory of Betty Grandusky Robin Anderson in memory of Duke Anonymous in memory of Patty Revels and Zeus Erik Brady, Caroline Velasquez, and Emily Paine Carter in memory of Roxie Goodwin Jan Barnett in memory of Jazmine, Corey, and Diamond Jan and Robyn Barnett in memory of Penny Charlotte Bennett in memory of Jackie and Jack Lucy Burke in memory of Amy Lauth John and Matilda Bradshaw in memory of Mr. Joseph O. Logan III, Lee P. Baker, and Stephen Robert Bogusky III Matilda Bradshaw and friends at RAC in memory of Cassie Tom and Mimi Butler in memory of Drake Denise and Warren Carey in memory of Freddy and Daisy Carlis and Sharon Carroll in memory of Max Sherry and Richard Chriss in memory of Ruth Bard Petkofsky Dr. Shelby Costello in memory of Nala, Sierra, Dudley, Tiger, Amelia, Bailey, and Tubby Kathleen Coxe Koomen in memory of Whit and Kathleen Coxe Sally and Sam Craver in memory of Mac Benny and Cathy Brann in memory of Jim Dawson

May - September, 2018

Office of the Vice President for Information Technology and CIO in memory of Grace Patricia Parks Jeff Puckett in memory of Niles Kendall and Tom Ruscher in memory of Ginny Pace, L.E. Sweeney, and Pat Sweeney Kemp and Kathy Savage in memory of Toby Shannon Shaffer-Kartesz in memory of Lacey and Hudson Kris Sorensen in memory of Sampson Jo Ann Terry in memory of George Terry Niki Voudren in memory of Simon, Gatsby, Rex, and Shama Carol and Greg Waters in honor of the hardworking staff/ volunteers/trainers/raisers Dr. Courtney Wiegard in memory of Michael Stanley and David Tyree Dr. Courtney Wiegard in memory of Lucy, Dewey, Ringo, Eddie, Chevy, Jewels, Bailey, Toby, Muffin, Chloe, Wilhelmina, O’Kee, Daisy, Amelia, Emmitt, JR, Mollye, Taz, Mouse, Brodie, Millie, Sergei, Becky, Gracie, Max, Merlin, Baxter, Sasha, Heidi, Ellie, Mia, Kirby, Shadow, Nicky, Sammie, Izzy,Sally, Sadie, Basil, Petie,

Haley, Nova, Cheech, Libby Lu, Polly, Bert, and Cricket Margaret Holland in memory of Rebecca Lee Richards Mr. and Mrs. Colyn Howard in memory of Claudia Dembinksi Susan Humphries in memory of Stitch Linda Ives in memory of Gabe Emily Keyser in memory of Drake Gary and Jennifer Koogler in memory of Jack Eileen Lam in memory of Donald Wilson Walker Jo Ann Lampros in memory of Gracie Nicole Laroche in memory of Frank Sheddler Margaret Lemon in memory of Mille Sandy Light in memory of Molly Jim and Jean Maas in memory of Pax Linda McGuire in memory of Belle Lovell Jim and Erma Miller in memory of Frances Kemper Kathy Morck in memory of Quigley and Hank Clifford Murray in memory of Rusty, Chelsie, and Pepper Bill Nash and Lisa Faist in memory of Anita Cronin Dr. Derek O’Dell in memory of Molly, Drake, Chocka, Buddy, Hoss, Rosie, Molly, Annie, Charlie, Socks, Happy, Suzie, Blackie, O’Kee, Suki, Sadie, Millie, and Prissy

Loki, Mindi, and Dante Jan and Robyn Wright

in memory of Gary Reynolds Mark and Kathy Baske Young in memory of Eddie and Midas Fran Young in memory of Annie

Memorials (continued)

In Memory of Charlie: Karin Banks Joann Bedsaul Jennifer Crozier Mary Dunker Karen McLaurin Tammy Miller Carol Reedy Stephanie Williams

In Memory of Opal Reed: Don and Becky Darnell Gary Dulaney Marlene Dulaney

Barbara Reed Rhonda Reed Jo Ann Terry

In Memory of Brenda Sullivan: Dr. and Mrs. William Kagey Michael and Joan Kellett Lake City HS Class of 1964 In Memory of Spirit White: Sue Abercrombie Dr. and Mrs. Max Glass Thomas and Elizabeth Leggett Carol Majors Lester and Elizabeth Payne Jane Bray White In Memory of Daisy Young: Barbara Freund Richard and Pat Knopka John Scott McAllister Kathy Morck Vicki and Clarence Rout

In Memory of Willy Feazelle: Allstate Insurance Co./ABO/ATSC Dana Decker Rob Essington Stephanie Graham

Dena Greenway Lawanda Harvey Jorge Hernandez Tony Joyce Michele Nikkel Melissa Rodocker Roxanne Roeben Karen Vest Niki Voudren

In Memory of Cody Frye: Donna Akers Lisa Barnette Garland and Angie Frye Robert and Anna Frye

In Memory of Bear Lee: Barbara Dickinson The Doctors and Staff of Roanoke

Animal Hospital Deborah Duerk Niki Voudren Sally and David Worland

Available space here

Honorariums May - September, 2018

Kimber Pennington in honor of Dr. Courtney Wiegard Pete in honor of Jean Goad Ryan Read in honor of Connie Jessica Stein in honor of Koda The Tatum Family in honor of Jordi Berroteran and his Eagle Scout Award The Trust Company of Virginia in honor of Elfleda Ring Evelyn Turner in honor of Clay and Michael Morrissett Suzette Turner in honor of Scott Kitts and Wes McCune Niki Voudren in honor of Whitney and Rob Maddox and Nan Strader Karen Wendorf in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Herskovitz Dr. and Mrs. Edward White in honor of Cindy Vickers and Sandy In Honor of Clay Morrissett: Wade and Jane Frazier Margaret Lemon Cecily and Bill Orlando Bill and Mary Ellen Stokes In Honor of Sarah Rubush and Cairo: Tom and Mimi Butler Jean Davis Emily Keyser

Sue Abercrombie in honor of Jane White Donna Akers in honor of Jim and Linda Eaton Helen Carty in honor of Michelle Karim The Clock Family in honor of Carol Downey Dorothy Dodson in honor of Karen and Tom Whitt Mary Frances Donnelly in honor of Angelika Kayte Alice Dugger in honor of Mrs. Agnes Cowan Tracey Haeseker in honor of Donna and William Spencer Diane Heim in honor of Caroways Jordan Barbara Honeycutt in honor of Simon and Rascal

Bobbie Jean Kaylor in honor of Courtney Bill and Else Knott in honor of Sarah Connor Carroll LaHaye in honor of Honeycomb Rosemary Larsen

in honor of Nancy Sisler John and Helgard Legg in honor of Alyssa, Elli, and William Otto Ken and Barb Long in honor of Walker, Katie, and Ryan Charlotte McNulty Kagey in honor of Aspen Grove Bed and Breakfast and Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic Pat and David Nash in honor of Sally and Sam Craver

Helen and Basil Owens in honor of John Ellmore

U.S. Postage PAID

Non Profit

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Permit #172

P.O. Box 19538

8232 Enon Drive

Roanoke, VA 24019 (540) 342-3647

www.saintfrancisdogs.org

Saint Francis ServiceDogs

U.S. Postage PAID

Non Profit

Wordsprint

Permit #172

Available space here

P.O. Box 19538

8232 Enon Drive

Roanoke, VA 24019 (540) 342-3647

www.saintfrancisdogs.org

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.