Saint Francis Service Dogs - Fall 2022 Newsletter

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2022

PARTNERS PAWSAND

Helping people with disabilities better experience the world through partnership with a service dog

I Found My Person!

a special edition of a pup’s progress

Hi! It’s me Sophia! I have been waiting for a long time to share the most exciting news with all of you. I FOUND MY PERFECT PARTNER! It has been an incredible journey filled with lots of hard work and lots of fun for this one purpose - to find the person I am meant to help and serve.

Many of you have been following my story, but if you don’t know me, let me take just a minute to go back to the beginning. I was born in March of 2019. My brothers, sisters, and I came into the world already surrounded by a lot of people who loved us and wanted to help us grow up to help others.

When I was a few months old, I was ready to start learning all of the things I needed to someday be a service dog. I was SO excited, but I had no idea how much was in store. I started school at this big place called Bland Correctional Center. My teacher’s name was Daniel and he helped teach me things like how to sit and how to get my puppy zoomies under control!

(continued on pg. 3)
Sophia with her partner Charlotte
Fall

A message from Cabell

In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston wrote that line in her classic book Their Eyes Were Watching God. The simple sentence hit me square in the chest the first time I read it. It’s stuck with me for decades and continues to resonate for me even now. The past few years have been full of pandemic-fueled questions. As vaccines improve and research develops, it seems that we may finally be entering the years with some answers.

During the pandemic, we had to react to circumstances beyond our control and find innovative ways to continue to do our work and make it better, hoping the pandemic would lift sooner than later. Now we can take the lessons we learned and prepare even better for the future. We are undergoing our fourth Assistance Dogs International Accreditation assessment, which is a voluntary, in-depth review of our policies and practices to ensure that we are adhering to the highest standards and treating our partners, dogs, staff, volunteers, and donors with the utmost dignity and respect. Leadership and staff at Saint Francis are busy charting an ambitious course that will allow us to provide more life-saving, life-altering service dogs for people with disabilities and those that serve them.

And it’s a good thing. Today, we have more applicants than ever. It is good to know that Saint Francis will continue to rise to meet the challenges that we are facing now and in the years to come no matter what.

Meanwhile, the five teams that graduate this year are all testimony to the strength of the bond between a Saint Francis Service Dog and their partner. Brutus, Sophia, Koa, Hank, and Keeper are bringing their full selves to the job of empowering their partners. And they are succeeding beautifully. For their partners, these dogs are answering the questions they asked Saint Francis years ago – Can I do this? Can a dog make my life better? Can I do more, be more, hurt less? For them, the answer came this year with a resounding YES.

As we celebrate our graduating teams launching into the future together, we, like them, are busy imagining the future, anticipating the questions the years ahead will pose to us and how we might answer them. We are deeply grateful to our donors, volunteers, staff, and dogs that join us in changing the lives of people with disabilities and supporting organizations that seek to help people in new and innovative ways. As I look to the years ahead, I encourage you to come with us on this journey to find answers to the pressing questions we face – it’s going to be amazing.

Thank you.

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“There are years that ask questions and there are years that answer.”
Executive Director

Thanks to all the love, support, and attention I got from my Puppy Raiser, Daniel, and all the awesome trainers at Saint Francis, I graduated with high honors from the Puppy Program in 2020! Now that I was a bit older and wiser, I moved into the Advanced Training Program, where I knew I had to focus on learning how to help someone who needed me.

I became part of a whole new family when my new trainer, Tiffany, took me home. We had a blast together and went on so many adventures! Tiffany played lots of fun games with me and taught me all sorts of new tasks.

I still loved a big zoomie whenever I could, but learned to mind my manners. Zoomies are best in a big yard with lots of space to run!

Here’s the thing: in Advanced Training, I saw how much fun it was to learn. One of my favorite things was figuring out how to be the most help to my person. I learned how to pick up items that were dropped, help with laundry, open and close doors and drawers, and walk right in line with my handler. My trainer always said I was a “go-getter” who is good at solving problems. That made me very proud!

At this point, I had met so many amazing people on my journey. I felt like I was part of

this great, big Saint Francis family. While I had been working and training for years, I knew there were many candidates doing their own work to learn what it is like to have a specially trained dog like me!

Finally, the nice people at Saint Francis said I was going to get to do something called “matching interviews.” That is when they use all their knowledge to figure out who I could help the most and let me meet them! It is kind of like trying to fit two puzzle pieces together.

That is when I found my person! I was matched with a wonderful girl named Charlotte earlier this year. The moment I met her, I knew we would make a great team. I work hard to help her keep her balance when we go for walks, I carry things for her, and I even go to school with her every day. Oh, and of course, I love to snuggle with her and help her feel safe and calm.

Thank you to ALL of the people who helped me on my way. Because of you, I am changing my Charlotte’s life. I can’t wait for all of our adventures!

I Found My Person! (cont. from cover)
3Sophia

Thank you! THE CLASS

Bruce and Hank

“I was all but a recluse before Saint Francis. Partnership with Hank, and Turbo before him, is the primary thing that helps me be successful interacting with the outside world.” -Bruce

VT Health Sciences and Technology Campus, Carrie, and Keeper

“Keeper is a bright, shining star on campus...When he is around, the mood is lighter and enthusiasm is higher. Keeper is the gift that keeps on giving.” -Carrie Knopf, Keeper’s handler

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These graduates are the reason for everything we do. They are why our beautiful dogs are cherished, lovingly raised, and taught for over two years by people who will ultimately say goodbye to them. They are why our volunteers work tirelessly. They are why our donors give generously.

These teams - the Class of 2022 - exist because of you.

From the puppy raisers, to the trainers, to the volunteers, to the supporters - thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

OF 2022!

BECAUSE OF YOU!

Felipe and Brutus

“Having Brutus means he can do things for me, rather than me always having to ask someone. I am more independent. I am so happy Brutus is in my life.” -Felipe

Blair and Koa

“Koa has become an extension of me. She is more than medical equipment to me, she has become my number one companion. We love working together.” -Blair

Charlotte and Sophia

“I know it has changed her life. I know it affects the way people see her. In addition to just the actual daily help, Sophia’s spirit is such a positive influence on Charlotte.” -Catherine, Charlotte’s mom

Watch the entire 2022 Graduation Ceremony at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/grad22

CLASS
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Behind the Scenes Andrew Via

meet Kennel Manager angeltree

Imagine figuring out what your dream job is at fourteen years old, and then having that dream come true! For Andrew Via, our devoted Kennel Manager, that is exactly what happened.

“I started volunteering with my mom, and then I started volunteering on my own. I did just about everything,” says Andrew.

Now, just 12 years later, we couldn’t imagine how we could manage our daily operations without him. Andrew has a special touch with every single one of the dogs he cares for so tenderly and expertly. “It’s just really cool to get to come to work every day,” Andrew says.

Each year, you bring holiday cheer to our puppies and dogs in training by donating toys, treats, and gift cards to our Angel Tree. These items are used throughout the year by dogs at every level of our program. Thank you!

Our dogs have been very good boys and girls, and soon, the wishlists they have been working hard on will be available around Roanoke.

Beginning in November saintfrancisdogs.org/angel-tree

For a sneak peek of their lists and more information, or to contribute early, visit: Your support will make their holiday wishes come true and help them on their journey to enable people with disabilities to live richer, fuller lives.

But the job is not easy. The care of the dogs in our program is a high priority, so Andrew’s work is key to our success. On any given day, he is charged with vet visits and management, nail trims, teeth brushing, bathing, feeding, and exercising all of our dogs currently in our kennel. On top of that, he maintains the high standards we have for our kennel rooms and building, which means constant cleaning and maintenance. He also works daily with the Puppy Program Manager, Training Program Manager, and Staff Trainer to update them on any behavioral or medical issues that he may observe.

“It is a big family.”
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Andrew says, “My goal at Saint Francis is to always work hard and be the best person I can be.”

Andrew is exceeding that goal. Because of his in-depth knowledge of the dogs in our program, he also skillfully coordinates our amazing family of volunteer puppy sitters and fosters. If you are one of our faithful volunteers, we are sure you are used to seeing his face! It takes a special person to connect with so many, but Andrew does it, and does it well.

Whether Chesi has an upset stomach, or Thumper has a toothache, or Wali needs a little extra attention that day, Andrew tends to have an innate ability to pick up on what our dogs may need. And it all makes a difference. The best part is that he never loses sight of what these dogs are destined for.

Andrew says, “I love seeing the impacts these dogs have on people’s lives. We raise and train incredible dogs that are so special. Just seeing how they go out and form such a bond with our partners is incredible. It’s so cool getting to see them grow up.”

Andrew, like all of our staff, goes a little beyond what is needed every day. The reason for that? As Andrew says, “It’s a big family. We put everything we have into everything we do.”

We do. We do it for the people we serve. We do it for the dogs we love and care for. And for Andrew? It is just another day on a job he dreamed of.

“For me? It is providing the best environment and best of everything for them, so they can be the best form of themselves to be the best service dog for someone else.”

Thank you Andrew for all you do!

Beverly Amsler

Doug Becker

Madeline Bruggeman

Debbie Clifton

Deborah Duerk

Beth Fulp

Kari Grim Bob Lee

Kathy Marr

Mary Marr

Amy Milberger

Tiffany Moeltner

Erin Morris

Michelle Moseley

Autumn Overstreet

Kristine Sorensen

Maggie St. John

Loreen Thompson

Rebecca Thompson Andrew Via Marilyn Wilson

Cabell Youell

“I truly care about the dogs more than most could ever imagine. I give them everything and they give it back to me in return”
Staff
Thank you to Andrew and all of our dedicated staff!

Learning Together

partnering with future veterinarians

When we work together, it is quite incredible what we can accomplish. At Saint Francis, we are lucky enough to be a very short driving distance away from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg. This means we are exposed to a highly knowledgeable pool of veterinary students, who want and need to spend a little time with us to meet class requirements. We learn together during these externships, and the benefits are felt on both sides.

The fourth year of veterinary school is clinic based, and students are required to complete one public, corporate rotation during this time. Saint Francis is a top choice for many students because not only do they get hands-on experience caring for the many dogs in our program, but they see firsthand the life-changing impact a service dog can have.

Extern Madison Hartner says, “I chose Saint Francis Service Dogs, because my primary interest has always been the human-animal bond and the special relationship we can form with our pets. Saint Francis exemplifies this in that their goal is developing these special and truly amazing dogs that will change the life of a person in need.”

That deep bond is a vital component of everything we do at Saint Francis, and it is also a crucial element of practicing veterinary medicine. Because of this common thread, we recently teamed up with CENTAUR, the Center for Animal Human Relationships at the vet school, to produce three educational videos that allow students to get a closer look at what we do at Saint Francis. Taking this partnership to a new level, we are able to share insight into everything from how our kennels are designed to expert advice from our Board Member and Veterinary Advisor, Dr. Mark Finkler.

“These partners work with their dog day in and day out. It is critical as a veterinarian to ask detailed questions when caring for a service dog,” says Dr. Finkler.

The knowledge and expertise flows in our direction as well. During each three week rotation, our externs research, prepare, and then present an educational project to our training staff, puppy raisers or even partners. The topics have included preventative medicine, household hazards, weather related health conditions, and many more. We keep these presentations as a resource for us to use as continuing education. During their time with Saint Francis, these vet students are on hand to answer questions or offer advice to assist our staff in ensuring our dogs stay healthy and strong.

Scan this QR code to view all the videos produced by CENTAUR or visit our website at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/ learningtogether

“Raising a service dog takes a village, and it takes a big village. There is a lot that goes into these dogs and they are very special to everyone that get to interact with them,” says extern Sadye Soffin.

We are so grateful to Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and CENTAUR for sharing our mission with future veterinarians and to all of our invaluable externs for all the work you do!

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Join us April 17-23 for our spring fundraiser, Barks ‘n Rec!

Earlier this year, so many of you helped make the second annual Barks ‘n Rec a week of fun, contests, prizes, Saint Francis spirit, and an incredible showing of support for our mission.

We are excited to announce that Barks ‘n Rec 2023 is coming in April! Make sure you follow us on social media and are subscribed to our email list to be the first to hear about how to join in on the fun this year!

/SaintFrancisServiceDogs @saint.francis.service.dogs www.saintfrancisdogs.org/news-events

save the date!

Your Legacy. Their Future.

Make your giving go further by joining our Legacy Society and including Saint Francis Service Dogs in your estate plans.

Lean more at: saintfrancisdogs.org/ways-to-give

For more information, contact: Amy Milberger Director of Philanthropy (540) 342-3647 ext. 409 amilberger@saintfrancisdogs.org

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A gift that makes a difference make a holiday tribute gift this year

Celebrate the best of the holiday season by making a donation in the name of or in honor of a loved one. Your tax-deductible gift will support our programs and bring independence, freedom, and love to children and adults with disabilities. When you make your gift, you will have the option to include a message to send in a special Saint Francis e-card or mailed card for the holiday season!

Visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org/holiday-gifts for more information!

Tribute GIFTS

June 1 - September 30, 2022

In Memory Of:

Elizabeth Anderson

Bluewater Bay Association, Inc.

Libby Anderson

Joanne and Rick Boettcher

Mary Cole

Jim and Valerie Gerst

Ms. Lisa Puckett Mr. and Mrs. Tom Reeder

Ms. Cindy Stark

Austin Mr. and Mrs. Dale Rucker

Ava

Ms. Sue Anne Boothe

David Baumgardner, Jr. Ms. Amanda Baumgardner

Beasley Mr. Walter Miller Jr.

Bella Ms. Nancy Ruth Patterson

Bodhi

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mohr

Lily Bongrazio Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Highfill

Nancy Weyl Bradley

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gard III

Mike Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Tucker

Zachary Bray Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bray III

Wilhemina Budwig

Nancy Thompson

Shirley Callaway Mr. Eugene Callaway

Champ Mr. and Mrs. David Derr

Alice Chase Mr. James Chase

Cloud Mr. Peter Dent

Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wilhelm III

Curly Ms. Patricia Cargill Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David Worland

Tony Cusumano

Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

Dante Ms. Joanne Hawley Ms. Rosemary Larsen

Ellen DeHaven

Mr. Ross Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dellinger, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin

Dino Mr. and Mrs. David Lemon

Drift Ms. Carole Edwards

Jean Duerk Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tomlin-Brenner Echo Ms. Kathy Morck

Lil Bit Ewald Ms. Yvonne Olson

Farley

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler

George Flynt Ms. Brenda Davis

Foster Ms. Barbara Neal

Cody Frye

Mr. and Mrs. William Ray Sr.

Gemma Dr. Derek O’Dell

Mary Susanna “Sweetsie” Gilmore

Ms. Bonnie Alberts

Ms. Betsy Barefoot

Ms. Barbara Barry Andrea Bedsaul

Bill Beecher

Mr. Eric Best Judy and Bill Boland

Ms. Margaret Brock

Timothy Chavis Ms. Barbara Clay Lynn Cook

Mr. Rick Cormany

Mr. Stephen Corwin

Ms. Alice Coughlin

Ms. Kimberly Coulson

Ms. Christine Cox

Ms. Emily Dwoyer

Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Fisher

Ms. Donna Florio

Ms. Salle Ann Gill

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gilmore

in the given time frame. If an omission or other error has occurred, we offer our sincerest apologies. Please let us know by contacting Kari Grim at kgrim@saintfrancisdogs.org or 540-342-3647x405.

Mary Susanna “Sweetsie” Gilmore (cont.)

Mr. and Mrs. David Gilmore

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Goodykoontz

Mr. and Mrs. George Harkrader

Dan & Nancy Heller

Ms. Lucy Hochstein

Ann Hogge

Philip Hrichak and Teresa Coomes Mr. Mike Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Jones Mr. William Keveney Maryann Krayer Mr. Abe Kwok Joan Lemcke

Steve and Eileen Lerch

Lyerly Foundation The Mac Kays Ms. Nicole Marko

Ms. Amanda Martin Ms. Ann McFarland Marilyn and Larry McGlamary Terry and Roberta Nester Mary Patterson

Pine Valley Pool Board

Chris Ripley

Dana Rose

Luisa Rothwell

Mr. Joe Stinebaker Barbara and David Teague Gary and Delores Upp Mr. Chester Watts

Libby Watts Amanda Zarrabian

Lloyd Gravois Ms. Bobbie Kaylor

Anne Hammersley, On Her Birthday Ms. Elizabeth Barber

Kathy Hannon Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

Harley Ms. Kathy Morck

Alice G. Huff Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lynch Mike Huffman Jonathan Richardson

Betty Humphries Ms. Dorothy Richardson Tim Jones Mark and Kathy Baske Young

Erin Jones (Janney) Ann Wilkes

K-9 Rex Ms. Fran Young

Eldon and Sue Karr Ms. Bonnie Johnson

Kendall Mr. and Mrs. Sam Craver III

Karen Lee Layton Mr. and Mrs. John Ruffner III

Brian Lee Mr. and Mrs. David Lee

Jim Loux Ms. Rochelle

Margo Ms. Margaret Grayson Mrs. Nancy Revercomb

Kevin McMahon Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Carlis Carroll Mrs. Debra Moore

Dr. Ronald Mergl Ms. Constance Chandler

Mickey Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Baer

Otis Minnick John Lugar

Pat Moran

Mr. and Mrs. William King

Napa Mr. Walter Miller Jr.

Nichlas Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rencsok

Niki

Mrs. Barbara Reynolds

Marianne Opilla Mrs. Betsy Hatfield

Oswin Mr. and Mrs. David Conner

Philip G. Padgett Jr. Ms. Elizabeth Padgett

Parker Dr. William Wellborn PhD.

Lucy Peete Gene Smallwood

Beamer and Pepper Mr. Clifford Murray

Poco Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Love

Clara Joann Kilpatrick Porter Mr. and Mrs. John Cowlbeck

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Memory Of: (cont.)

Opal Reed

Ms. Narlene Dulaney

Joseph A. Reynolds, Jr.

Mrs. Emily Reynolds

Dawn Richardson

Ms. Dorothy Richardson

Sadie

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler

Sandie

Ms. Nancy Ruth Patterson Ms. Marilyn Wilson and Mr. Art Hafdelin

Bill Scully

Ms. Barbara Wall

Brigitta “Gitta” Katharina Sensabaugh

Jan and Eddy Pitsenbarger

Landon Shaff

Neely Barnhardt

Ms. Donna Batzel

Jessica Bertholf

William Campbell

Ms. Melanie Creamer

Tom and Cindy Cundiff

Ms. Louise Dillon

Ms. Janet Duncan

Mrs. Gina Dunnavant

The Willems Family

Edward and Judy Gallagher

Benjamin Garst

Mrs. Mary Hastings

Ms. Ally Heeg

Martine Hunnicutt

Mark Kennedy

Martha Lockman

John Lugar

Ms. Lee McBride

Mr. Chris McCart

Ms. Jacquelyn McCurdy

Ms. Mary Margaret McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mitchell Dr. and Mrs. Joe Moskal

Nani Moskal

Ellen Pekovitch

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pittman

Ms. Gail Price

Kaitlyn Purcell

Mr. Matthew Reames

Jay Robertson and the Fields, Matney

Family

Mr. Robert Shaff

Mr. Robert Stauffer

Logan Stevens

Ms. Avery Sturm

Delma Tingler

Rome Walker

Charlie and Jeanne Watson

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Williams

Leigh B. Singh Mr. Bodo Stock

Sophie Ms. Emily Cook

Stella Ms. Adair McCabe

Bill & Jeanie Stewart Ms. Brenda Hayth

Beverly A. and Donald G. Stith Greater Houston Community Foundation

George C. Terry Ms. Jo Ann Terry

Greg Tolzmann Mr. and Mrs. Charles Souter

Wendy Mr. and Mrs. Jim Miller

Spanky Wiegard Angie O’Brien Ms. Melissa Stanley

George Chester, Diesel, Lady, Roxie, Waf fles, Duncan, Noel, Tucker, Taytor, Ruby, Macey Lynn, Bella, Daphne, Primrose, Otis, Keoki, and Reckless, Izzy, Peaches, Polly Piper, Duke, Bella, Paco, Margo, Ramsey, Miette, Wyatt, Beebo, Frank, and Nikkie

Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard

Yeti Ms. Kathleen Turner

Patty Revels and Zeus Anonymous

In Honor Of:

2022 Graduates

Ms. Linda Ives and Mr. Steve Lucado

Lois Angeletti Dr. and Mrs. Paul Bullock

Stephen J. Aukward Ms. Judith Conley

Felipe and Brutus Ms. Susan Castle

Haley McCormick and Charlie Mrs. Maude Coggin

Sam and Sally Craver Dr. and Mrs. Luther Beazley III

Gary Duncan Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler

Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman

Vic and Sue Foti CMRF Enterprises, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Tuttle

Abbey Frost Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sowers

Nelson Greene, MD Dr. and Mrs. Nelson Greene

Dr. Kathleen James Ms. Cindy Carpenter

Michael James Manning Mr. and Mrs. Abney Boxley III

Tommie Nichols Mr. Timothy Murphy

Katie, Ryan & Missy Read, Walker & Wells Carol and Frank Roberts Wojcik

Elizabeth Revels Mr. and Mrs. Robert Price

Gracie Risi Mr. and Mrs. David Risi

Kris Sorensen Mr. Richard Sorensen

Steven Strauss Mr. and Mrs. G. Steven Agee

Jim Thurston Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston Jr.

Harvey Thurston Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston Jr.

Wiskee Larry and Patricia Rakes

Janet Wynot Ms. Phyllis Ferguson

Cabell Youell Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gatewood

In Recognition Of:

Jim Bywaters Mr. Ray Smoot

Max, Onyx, and Libby Mr. and Mrs. Scott Winter

Oliver Mrs. Beth Ives

Our Saint Francis Big Dogs

Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison

Kenneth “Andy” Anderson and Dr. Marti Anderson

Mike and Carol Anderson

Dr. Tim Andriano

Mr. and Mrs. Sam and Sally Craver

Jo Lynn Draper

Duffy Family Foundation

Membership in this leadership group is reserved for those who give generously to our vital Prison Pup Program at Bland Correctional Center. Our Big Dogs Prison Pup Partners are essential in sustaining our mission and placing service dogs with those who need them.

We cannot thank our Big Dogs enough for their support of this initiative!

Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

Mr. Peter Emch

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler

First Four Petroleum LLC

Linda and Frank Foti

Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Co.

Mr. and Mrs. Victor Foti

Dr. and Mrs. Paul Frantz

Mr. Ed Hall

Happy Endings Bar and Grill

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Milward

Ms. Mary Anne Mullins and Mr. Christopher Robinson

Ms. Yvonne Olson

Mr. and Mrs. John Olver

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine

Ms. Elizabeth Parsons

Mrs. Emily Reynolds

Mike and Krista Sinnott

Mrs. Joy Davis Smith

Mr. Marvin Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Strauss

Mr. Maury Strauss Jr.

Suzanne Thorniley

Varsity Landscaping and Grounds

Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilner

Ms. Dianne Woody

cherished group of monthly donors.

Ms. Sandi Adkins

Mr. and Mrs. Ed Allen

Mr. Ralph Baker Mr. and Mrs. Abney Boxley Mrs. Mary Branch Mr. Chris Brown Mr. and Mrs. John Carlin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Cody Mr. William Corey and Ms. Kathy Umbdenstock Ms. Lee Cox Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Crist Ms. Kathy Cvizic

Ms. Carole Denney

Mrs. Barbara Dickerson

Ms. Deborah Duerk

Ms. Carole Edwards

Ms. Charlene Fay Mr. and Mrs. David Fretwell Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hack Ms. Cathie Havrilesky

Mr. David Hudson Ms. Christy Izard

Mr. and Mrs. David Kapp Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lash Ms. Angela Laug Mr. John Lawrence and Ms. Elizabeth Adams Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Love Ms. Cynthia Martin Mr. Tim Masick Mrs. Lynda McGarry Mr. and Mrs. Karl McNeece Mr. and Mrs. Mark Milberger Ms. Dawn Morgan

Mrs. Erin Morris

Mr. and Mrs. David Nickell

Mrs. Susan Paganelli Mr. and Mrs. Demetrio Perez Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Katie Read

Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Krista Sinnott

Ms. Nancy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith Ms. Kris Sorensen Mr. Bodo Stock

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sulka Mr. and Mrs. Barry Vann Mr. and Mrs. Bob Villamil Ms. Jackie Werb Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Dr. Courtney and Mr. Spencer Wiegard Mr. Ronald Winter Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wisser

To join the Saint Francis Friends Club as a faithful monthly donor, visit: saintfrancisdogs.org/friends-club

11 In
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Board of Directors

Nadia Summo President

Krista Sinnott

Vice President

Anne Jenkins Secretary

Jeffrey Barbour, CPA Treasurer

Mark R. Finkler, DVM

Veterinary Advisor

Courtney Wiegard, DVM

Past President

Craig Balzer

John Carlin

Sally B. Craver, MSW

Jo Lynn Draper

Nancy Hack

Annette Kirby

Paula Mitchell

Jim Petrine

Steve Strauss

Robert Villamil

Kathy Baske Young

Newsletter Credits: Copy, Art Direction, Design, and Photography prepared in house by Saint Francis Staff unless otherwise noted. printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.

Ways to GIVE

Thank you for your support. Gifts can be made in multiple ways:

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 409

MAIL: Saint Francis Service Dogs PO Box 19538 Roanoke, VA 24019

ONLINE: saintfrancisdogs.org/donations

Saint Francis Service Dogs is a secular, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to help children and adults with disabilities live more independent and self-sufficient lives through partnership with a professionally trained service dog.

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 Balaban Center for Service Dog Excellence PO Box 19538, 8232 Enon Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019 Telephone: (540) 342-3647 | Fax: (540) 342-0906 www.saintfrancisdogs.org

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