Saint Francis Service Dogs - Fall 2022 Newsletter

Fall 2022

PA R T N E R S

AND

PAW S

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!

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

A message from Cabell “There are years that ask questions and there are years that answer.”

In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston wrote that line in

And it’s a good thing. Today, we have more

her classic book Their Eyes Were Watching

applicants than ever. It is good to know that

God. The simple sentence hit me square in

Saint Francis will continue to rise to meet the

the chest the first time I read it. It’s stuck

challenges that we are facing now and in the

with me for decades and continues to

years to come no matter what.

resonate for me even now. The past few years have been full of pandemic-fueled

Meanwhile, the five teams that graduate this

questions. As vaccines improve and research

year are all testimony to the strength of the

develops, it seems that we may finally be

bond between a Saint Francis Service Dog

entering the years with some answers.

and their partner. Brutus, Sophia, Koa, Hank, and Keeper are bringing their full selves to

During the pandemic, we had to react to

the job of empowering their partners. And

circumstances beyond our control and find

they are succeeding beautifully. For their

innovative ways to continue to do our work

partners, these dogs are answering the

and make it better, hoping the pandemic

questions they asked Saint Francis years

would lift sooner than later. Now we can take

ago – Can I do this? Can a dog make my life

the lessons we learned and prepare even

better? Can I do more, be more, hurt less?

better for the future. We are undergoing

For them, the answer came this year with a

our fourth Assistance Dogs International

resounding YES.

Accreditation assessment, which is a voluntary, in-depth review of our policies

As we celebrate our graduating teams

and practices to ensure that we are adhering

launching into the future together, we,

to the highest standards and treating

like them, are busy imagining the future,

our partners, dogs, staff, volunteers, and

anticipating the questions the years ahead

donors with the utmost dignity and respect.

will pose to us and how we might answer

Leadership and staff at Saint Francis are busy

them. We are deeply grateful to our donors,

charting an ambitious course that will allow

volunteers, staff, and dogs that join us in

us to provide more life-saving, life-altering

changing the lives of people with disabilities

service dogs for people with disabilities and

and supporting organizations that seek to

those that serve them.

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.

Executive Director

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I Found My Person! (cont. from cover) Thanks to all the love, support, and attention

this great, big Saint Francis family. While

I got from my Puppy Raiser, Daniel, and all

I had been working and training for

the awesome trainers at Saint Francis, I

years, I knew there were many

graduated with high honors from the

candidates doing their own work

Puppy Program in 2020! Now that I was a bit

to learn what it is like to have a

older and wiser, I moved into the Advanced

specially trained dog like me!

Training Program, where I knew I had to focus on learning how to help someone who

Finally, the nice people at Saint

needed me.

Francis said I was going to get to do something called “matching

I became part of a whole new family when

interviews.” That is when they use all their

my new trainer, Tiffany, took me home. We

knowledge to figure out who I could help

had a blast together and went on so many

the most and let me meet them! It is

adventures! Tiffany played lots of fun games

kind of like trying to fit two puzzle

with me and taught me all sorts of new tasks.

pieces together.

I still loved a big zoomie whenever I could, but learned to mind my manners. Zoomies are

That is when I found my person!

best in a big yard with lots of space to run!

I was matched with a wonderful girl named Charlotte earlier this year.

Here’s the thing: in Advanced Training, I

The moment I met her, I knew we

saw how much fun it was to learn. One of

would make a great team. I work hard to

my favorite things was figuring out how to

help her keep her balance when we go for

be the most help to my person. I learned

walks, I carry things for her, and I even go

how to pick up items that were dropped,

to school with her every day. Oh, and of

help with laundry, open and close doors

course, I love to snuggle with her and

and drawers, and walk right in line with my

help her feel safe and calm.

handler. My trainer always said I was a “go-getter” who is good at solving problems.

Thank you to ALL of the people

That made me very proud!

who helped me on my way.

Because of you, I am changing my

At this point, I had met so many amazing

Charlotte’s life. I can’t wait for all of

people on my journey. I felt like I was part of

our adventures!

Sophia

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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

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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

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.

S OF 2022!

BECAUSE OF YOU!

Felipe and Brutus

Blair and Koa

Charlotte and Sophia

“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

“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

“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 5

Behind the Scenes meet Kennel Manager

Andrew Via

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.

“It is a big family.”

“I started volunteering with my mom, and then I started volunteering on my own. I did just

angeltree Beginning in November 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.

For a sneak peek of their lists and more information, or to contribute early, visit:

saintfrancisdogs.org/angel-tree 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.

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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.

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.

Thank you to Andrew and all of our dedicated staff!

Staff

Andrew says, “My goal at Saint Francis

Andrew says, “I love seeing the

is to always work hard and be the

impacts these dogs have on people’s

best person I can be.”

lives. We raise and train incredible dogs that are so special. Just

Andrew is exceeding that goal.

seeing how they go out and form

Because of his in-depth knowledge

such a bond with our partners is

of the dogs in our program, he also

incredible. It’s so cool getting to see

skillfully coordinates our amazing

them grow up.”

family of volunteer puppy sitters and fosters. If you are one of our faithful

Andrew, like all of our staff, goes a

volunteers, we are sure you are used

little beyond what is needed every day.

to seeing his face! It takes a special

The reason for that? As Andrew says,

person to connect with so many, but

“It’s a big family. We put everything

Andrew does it, and does it well.

we have into everything we do.”

Whether Chesi has an upset stomach,

We do. We do it for the people we

or Thumper has a toothache, or Wali

serve. We do it for the dogs we love

needs a little extra attention that day,

and care for. And for Andrew? It is just

Andrew tends to have an innate ability

another day on a job he dreamed of.

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

to pick up on what our dogs may need. And it all makes a difference. The

“For me? It is providing the best

best part is that he never loses sight of

environment and best of everything

what these dogs are destined for.

for them, so they can be the best form of themselves to be the best service dog for someone else.”

“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”

Thank you Andrew for all you do!

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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

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

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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!

J o i n u s A p r i l 1 7- 2 3

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.f rancis.service.dogs www.saintf rancisdogs.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

We have taken great care to present an accurate listing of tribute gifts in the given time frame. If an omission or other error has occurred,

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

Dante Ms. Joanne Hawley Ms. Rosemary Larsen Ellen DeHaven Mr. Ross Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Dellinger, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin

Austin Mr. and Mrs. Dale Rucker

Dino Mr. and Mrs. David Lemon

Ava Ms. Sue Anne Boothe

Drift Ms. Carole Edwards

David Baumgardner, Jr. Ms. Amanda Baumgardner

Jean Duerk Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tomlin-Brenner

Beasley Mr. Walter Miller Jr.

Echo Ms. Kathy Morck

Bella Ms. Nancy Ruth Patterson

Lil Bit Ewald Ms. Yvonne Olson

Bodhi Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mohr

Farley Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler

Lily Bongrazio Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Highfill

George Flynt Ms. Brenda Davis

Nancy Weyl Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gard III

Foster Ms. Barbara Neal

Mike Bradley Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Tucker

Cody Frye Mr. and Mrs. William Ray Sr.

Zachary Bray Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bray III

Gemma Dr. Derek O’Dell

Wilhemina Budwig Nancy Thompson

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

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

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Tony Cusumano Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

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

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

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

Erin Jones (Janney) Ann Wilkes

Beamer and Pepper Mr. Clifford Murray

K-9 Rex Ms. Fran Young

Poco Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Love

Eldon and Sue Karr Ms. Bonnie Johnson

Clara Joann Kilpatrick Porter Mr. and Mrs. John Cowlbeck

In 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

Leigh B. Singh Mr. Bodo Stock

Dr. Mark Finkler Mr. and Mrs. Scott Bauman

Sophie Ms. Emily Cook

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

Stella Ms. Adair McCabe

Abbey Frost Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sowers

Bill & Jeanie Stewart Ms. Brenda Hayth Beverly A. and Donald G. Stith Greater Houston Community Foundation

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

George C. Terry Ms. Jo Ann Terry

Bill Scully Ms. Barbara Wall

Greg Tolzmann Mr. and Mrs. Charles Souter

Brigitta “Gitta” Katharina Sensabaugh Jan and Eddy Pitsenbarger

Wendy Mr. and Mrs. Jim Miller

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

Spanky Wiegard Angie O’Brien Ms. Melissa Stanley

Nelson Greene, MD Dr. and Mrs. Nelson Greene

Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors.

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

George Chester, Diesel, Lady, Roxie, Waffles, 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

Gracie Risi Mr. and Mrs. David Risi

Yeti Ms. Kathleen Turner

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

Patty Revels and Zeus Anonymous

Harvey Thurston Mr. and Mrs. James Thurston Jr.

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

Kris Sorensen Mr. Richard Sorensen Steven Strauss Mr. and Mrs. G. Steven Agee

Wiskee Larry and Patricia Rakes Janet Wynot Ms. Phyllis Ferguson Cabell Youell Mr. and Mrs. Bob Gatewood

In Recognition Of:

Felipe and Brutus Ms. Susan Castle

Jim Bywaters Mr. Ray Smoot

Haley McCormick and Charlie Mrs. Maude Coggin

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

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

Oliver Mrs. Beth Ives

Gary Duncan Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler

Our Saint Francis Big Dogs

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. 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 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

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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-club11

Board of

Ways to GIVE

Directors

Thank you for your support.

Gifts can be made in multiple ways:

Nadia Summo President

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 409

Krista Sinnott Vice President

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

Anne Jenkins Secretary

ONLINE: saintfrancisdogs.org/donations

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.

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.

printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.

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