Partners and Paws - Fall 2024

Fall 2024

PA R T N E R S

AND

PA W S

Empowering and transforming the lives of people with disabilities - one dog, one person, one family, one community at a time

the future is bright Hayley and Rumour Hayley has the type of energy that is contagious. Her smile is the kind that lights up a room – one that makes you want to smile right along with her. She is young, bright, and has her whole future ahead of her.

She first heard about Saint Francis from one of her college professors who thought a service dog might help Hayley as she navigated life with several health challenges. Hayley has a condition that affects her autonomic nervous system, often leading to dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells. She made a leap of faith in 2021. (continued on pg. 3)

A message from Cabell Last winter I wrote to you about my decision

The same feeling of hope and life is

to be a puppy raiser for Saint Francis. I told

permeating Saint Francis right now. We

you I was feeling generally worried about the

graduated eight amazing teams this year.

state of, well, everything. I thought raising

They join the growing contingent of teams

a puppy would help me connect to the

that we are supporting out in the world. Our

world in a hopeful and immediate way, and

fledgling breeding program is beginning to

I thought it would ground me in the Saint

produce a stream of puppies, and our puppy

Francis mission and family of volunteers.

program is expanding as we embrace the

Well, I am here to report back on how it is

(absolutely adorable) litters. We are placing

going now that I am eight months in on this

more service dogs than ever before. Our

journey. In a nutshell, I’m having a ball.

waiting list is at a historic low, and we are open for new applications for the first time in

“Join us in this work to make the world a better place with these amazing, loving, funny dogs. We will make a difference.”

To be clear, Ivy and I are not at the top of our

many years. We are starting on plans for our

class. We are far from it. I am not the best

next phase of growth. We are engaging our

teacher. Sometimes I suspect she is figuring

volunteers, reaching out to our donors, and

things out IN SPITE of me, not because of

challenging our staff to new heights. It’s a

me. She is full of joy, curiosity, and mischief.

good time to be at Saint Francis.

She doesn’t have a mean-spirited bone in her body. That does not mean that she is a

I encourage you to join us. Be a puppy

good dog. She CAN be a good dog, but so

raiser. Foster a dog or sit a puppy on the

far she is not super interested in that project.

weekend. Become a donor. Join us in this

I am told by our instructor that it’s okay, she

work to make the world a better place with

is young, and there is still time.

these amazing, loving, funny dogs. We will make a difference. We will change the

My house is now littered with dog toys and

world for someone with a disability or special

yellow lab fur. I have to listen to white noise

needs. And we will do it in the most holistic,

at night because she snores like a freight

laughter-filled, nurturing way imaginable.

train. Sometimes, when I am sitting quietly working or reading, I become aware of an

I don’t know what the future holds for Ivy,

intense stare followed promptly by the wet

but I know that she’s not worried about

nose of a puppy in need of a purpose or a

it. She’s focused on today, and more

playmate. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

specifically, she’s focused on making today a

She is so full of hope and life.

good day. I will keep raising her with an eye always on her future, and meanwhile, she will keep me grounded in the present. I am so grateful – to her and to all of you who are joining us on this amazing journey.

Executive Director

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Hayley and Rumour (cont. from cover) She applied for a Saint Francis Service Dog,

Hayley says, “I was in the kitchen when

in hopes she would soon have a teammate

my heart rate spiked. Rumour

by her side to help her better manage her

retrieved my bag of medicine from

symptoms, increase her overall mobility,

upstairs in my room, preventing a

and bring back the confidence needed to live

fainting episode. With her help, I

her life to the fullest.

can get ahead of my symptoms.”

While Hayley was attending candidate classes

Their connection is rooted in trust,

to prepare her for the journey ahead, a little

love, and unwavering support.

black lab named Rumour, with her own

Calling Rumour her “best bud,” Hayley

quirky and contagious energy, was doing a lot

knows she can always rely on her to lift her

of learning as well! Rumour was raised for the

spirit when it is needed most.

first year of her life by an Inmate Puppy Raiser in our Prison Pup Program. Then, as she was

“I still have many bad days and

working her way through Advanced Training,

struggle, but having Rumour by

our team started to see that spunky Rumour

my side makes my struggles

may be the perfect fit for Hayley. They were

lighter. Not just physically, but also

matched late last year – a wait that Hayley

mentally. Seeing her cheery smile

says was absolutely worth it.

each morning makes me so happy and motivates me to get out of bed,”

“Having Rumour by my side has been

says Hayley.

amazing! She has transformed my life in ways I never imagined,” says Hayley.

Now, Hayley is excited about all the new adventures ahead. With Rumour as her

Amidst life’s obstacles, Hayley and Rumour

teammate, she feels confident she can

have found their stride together. Rumour

handle whatever comes their way.

assists Hayley by picking up dropped items so that she can avoid positional changes

Hayley says, “I constantly tell people she is

that may make her nauseous. Rumour will

my favorite blessing, because she really is.

respond quickly to the “Help” command,

Rumour helps me from the moment I wake

going to alert a family member if Hayley

up to the moment I go to bed. I don’t think

needs assistance. She also can retrieve items,

I even have the words to say just how much

something Hayley realized the importance of

she has brought to my life.“

not long after bringing Rumour home.

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THE CLASS

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Bobby and Anna

Maura and Greta

“Anna helps Bobby feel more confident about being home when I am out of the house. Anna’s ability to retrieve things he needs increases his independence and his overall well-being.”- Eileen, Bobby’s wife and Anna’s handler

“Her daily help has already relieved the burden of many life routines.

But Greta has become so much more – a blessing that extends far beyond the physical.”- Maura

Caleb and Lola

Hayley and Rumour

Jeff and Gus

“Lola has brought healing to Caleb and our family. She brings a lot of happiness and hope for the future.

It has been a great journey.”- Lynn, Caleb’s mom and Lola’s handler

“Having Rumour by my side has been an amazing blessing! She has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. With Rumour by my side, my struggles feel lighter - not just physically, but mentally too.”

- Hayley

“I finally feel like I am in a place where I am more independent.

I am not so dependent on other people to help me. I have Gus to help me do the things I wasn’t able to do.” - Jeff

OF 2024!

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 eight new placements in our Saint Francis Family - the Class of 2024 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.

BECAUSE OF YOU!

Rick and Lion

Porter and Knox

Bill and Fabio

“He makes such a big difference in my life. He keeps me going. It’s like we were meant to be together. I look forward to many happy years ahead with Lion by my side.“ - Rick

“Knox has really filled a void for Porter. The two of them are inseparable. Knox helps with Porter’s socialization. He brings Porter out of his shell.“ - Dan, Porter’s dad and Knox’s handler

“Fabio provides us with a great sense of safety and security. Bill has been able to do more activities with me feeling less anxious about him falling. Fabio has enriched our lives.”

- Jan, Bill’s wife and Fabio’s handler

Watch the entire 2024 Graduation Ceremony at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/graduation

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The Journey Starts Here The demand for Saint Francis Service Dogs is incredible. We have worked tirelessly for years to meet this demand, producing as many of our professionally trained, highly skilled working dogs as possible for those who need them.

In early 2019, we had more than 100 people waiting to even begin the application process for a service dog. We made the decision to stop accepting new applications to work through our already

angeltree Beginning in November

lengthy list of potential candidates. COVID only exacerbated these challenges, increasing the need for our dogs and hindering our ability to provide them.

All that is behind us now. With your help, we worked through it, all the while growing and changing in ways that have brought us to today.

We are accepting service and facility dog applications again!

Each year, you bring holiday cheer to our puppies and

“I am so excited things are moving. We have these amazing dogs

dogs in training by donating

and there are people out there whose lives will be changed in

toys, treats, and gift cards to

ways they may not even realize yet,” says Deb Duerk, Saint Francis

our Angel Tree. These items

Director of Operations.

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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What to Expect applying for a Saint Francis Service Dog

STEP 1 - Complete your eligibility screening questionnaire at saintfrancisdog.org/how-to-apply STEP 2 - Complete your application In just the last few years, we launched our Breeding Program to provide a steady stream of puppies into our program. We added new trainers to our staff, doubling the number of dogs we could move through Advanced Training. We made the whole process easier by switching to an online application. All of this helps us to accomplish the goal of bringing these exceptional dogs and extraordinary people together more efficiently, while never compromising the quality of the work we do.

“We are so invested in every single person and every single dog.

The whole reason we are here is to do this one thing,” says Kris Sorensen, Services Coordinator.

With our applications open, we are energized for the future. We will continue to ensure that the right dog is matched with the right person. We will remain focused on making the process as smooth and supportive as possible. At Saint Francis, changing the lives of the

STEP 3 - Screening process, guided

by Saint Francis STEP 4 - Preparatory candidate classes to get you ready for your teammate STEP 5 - Matching interviews to meet your future service or facility dog STEP 6 - Training with your new partner at Saint Francis STEP 7 - Launch your new life with your dog by your side!

people we serve is at the core of everything we do.

Debbie Clifton, Training Manager, says, “If they are already on the candidate list, if they have just applied, even if they are just starting to think about applying for a service dog...every single one of those people matter to us. It is what drives us every day.”

For a full list of eligibility requirements and to apply for a Saint Francis Service or Facility Dog, visit saintfrancisdogs.org/apply or Scan this QR Code to go directly to the applications page.

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A PUP’S p r o g r es s Hi guys! I’m back, and I’m big now! I am

So we are at an impasse. My person

10 months old and I am almost grown –

wants me to control myself and

but on the inside, I’m still a puppy.

I can’t stand it. So I jump up and down like a kangaroo. I bark so the

So, here is what is going on in my world:

other dog knows I see them, and I

classes and learning. So much learning. I

want to play. For some strange reason,

am learning the difference between settle

this does not please my person. I don’t

and down, how to go to my place, how to

see what the big deal is. Anyway, from

hold things in my mouth gently and give

what I understand, we are “working on

them when asked. I am learning to move

it.” That means she is trying to get me to

out of the way, to sit, to come when I’m

calm down, and I am trying to get her to

called and stay close by. I’m learning to

lighten up. Whatever. I still love walks!

put my front paws on a railing or a wall

They are the best!

and to load into a car or a crate. All that is well and good and pretty easy, really.

So if you see me and I am not being allowed to run over to you, it’s not

The hard part is this – going for a walk.

my fault, it’s my person’s fault. Let me

Boy, do I love to go for a walk! There is so

apologize for her rudeness in advance.

much to see and especially to smell, and

She’s not a bad sort, but if I had my way, I

you never know what might happen. The

would jump all over you and lick you and

hard part is that my person wants me to

make sure you know how glad I am that

keep my leash loose. I am not supposed

you are here.

to pull. It is so hard to remember not to pull when I smell something interesting.

And even harder when I see another person and dog! How am I supposed to contain that kind of excitement? I can’t!

“I am working hard and learning, but I am making sure to have lots of fun along the way!”

To read prior editions of A Pup’s Progress, visit saintfrancisdogs.org/publications

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ivy

Join us in May 2025

for our fifth annual Barks ‘n Rec fundraiser!

Earlier this year, so many of you helped make Barks ‘n Rec 2024 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 is returning for the fifth year in May 2025! 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

stay tuned for details!

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: David Johns Major Gifts Director (540) 342-3647 ext. 409 djohns@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 15, 2024

In Memory Of: Ward and Gus Angell Mrs. Allison Angell Annie Mr. and Mrs. Steven Cunningham Apollo Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Danielsen Ms. Jo Lynn Draper Ariel, Cadi, Chester, Cocoa Bean, Eve, Heidi, Kimbo, Lincoln, Molly, Moscow, Nikki, Penny, Princess, Remmington, Sookie, Suri, Tigger, Toto, and Trixie Averill Dr. Courtney Wiegard Ned Baber Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr. Baby Ms. Janet West

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we offer our sincerest apologies. Please let us know by contacting Kari Grim at kgrim@saintfrancisdogs.org or 540-342-3647x405.

Baxter Hicks Ms. Tessa Hampden-Smith

Jerry Presley Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin

Coconut Mrs. Shannon and Brad Haskins

Ginny Jarrett Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wilhelm III

Kelley Coons Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

Daniel E. Karnes Mrs. Nancy Karnes

Daphne Ms. Starr Shank

Judy Banks Keith Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

Dixie Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler Mrs. Barbara Reynolds

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Lehman III Mr. and Mrs. Mike Russin

Lincoln and in honor of Lizzie Ms. Linda Ives and Mr. Steve Lucado

Doris Prillaman Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bass Ms. Luann Bridle Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Bryant Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Clark Ms. Sandra Clearwater Ms. Betty Crocker Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Franklin Mr. Joseph Lawyer Ms. Evelyn Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Barry Medinger Gary and Jamie Meeks Ms. Rita Rufty Darrin Sembarski Charles and Tzena Wicker Ms. Louise Wimmer Ms. Linda Woody Ms. Narlene Dulaney

Little Henry Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Tucker

Patty Revels and Zeus Anonymous

Mabel Ms. Louise Forsyth

Hailey Rigsby Ms. Shannon Shaffer

Ava Marko Laura Beard

Rileigh Mrs. Patricia Reese

Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cox

Gracie Risi Mr. and Mrs. David Risi

Nemo Ms. Kathy Morck

Bruce Rollins Mrs. Kelly Rollins

Dr. Blackford “Blackie” Nowland Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr.

Sammy Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler

Mrs. Leo Driscoll Dr. Kait McBane My Parents and Special Cousin, Shirley Durrant Ms. Doris Simpson Jeff Epperly Mrs. Pennye Epperly

“Ferg”uson Balke J. Lee Osborne Ranger Brown Mr. and Mrs. J. Lee Osborne

Tony Fouse Ms. Debby Bickford

“Jo-Jo” Brown Ms. Cheryl Wilson

Harry Lewis Francis Sr. Ms. Katie Benson Ms. Judith Hunt

Cash Ms. Starr Shank

in the given time frame. If an omission or other error has occurred,

Chardonnay Ms. Rochelle

Finn Mr. and Mrs. Rand and Jan Garrett

Lily Campbell Dr. Kait McBane

We have taken great care to present an accurate listing of tribute gifts

Frank Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin Gus Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Magee

Molly Lemon J. Lee Osborne

Toller Oates Dr. Kait McBane

Lois Smith Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash

In Memory Of: (cont.)

Snooper Dr. and Mrs. William Wellborn PhD. Rose Mary Stone Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Tucker Maury Strauss Mr. and Mrs. Joe Jones Tazz, the beloved Pomeranian Mr. and Mrs. Vince Snidow Teddy Mrs. Debra Moore Joel Tenzer and Zoe Ms. Jo Lynn Draper and Sully George Terry and Opal Reed Ms. Jo Ann Terry West Point Class of 1967 KIA RVN Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shelton

Frank and Linda Foti Mrs. Eleanor Roemer

Pamela Simmons Ezra Waddey

John Frailing Ms. Lynda Imirie

Sayde Soffin VetEvolve

Dr. George Henning Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Strong Jr.

Kris Sorensen Mr. Richard Sorensen

Don Hodson Shannon Shaffer and Adair

Ellen Walton Ms. Caroline Haddock

Janice Holland Roanoke Animal Hospital

Dr. Courtney Wiegard, DVM Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bodley Ms. Sandra Reynolds

Terri Hudson Ms. Patricia Davidson

Rory Mae Mic Platt Dr. Trevor Owen Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Strong Jr. Denise Parker Ms. Rosemary Larsen

In Honor Of:

Martini Pattisall Sherry Frantz

Mr. and Mrs. Brickey Mrs. Barbara Honeycutt

In Recognition Of: Al Steed Ms. Sandi Adkins

Michelle Karim Mrs. Helen Carty

Joanne O. Woods Mr. Thomas Woods

Sallie Boxley Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr.

Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors.

Prison Pup Program Mr. Richard Lewis Jr. Deborah Sells Roanoke Animal Hospital

Lion and Rick Caudill Diane Casey

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!

Saint Francis Big Dogs Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison Kenneth “Andy” Anderson and Dr. Marti Anderson Mike and Carol Anderson Dr. Timothy Andriano Peggy Bizjak Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brunette Mr. and Mrs. Sam Craver III Ms. Jo Lynn Draper Duffy Family Foundation Mr. Peter Emch Dr. and Mrs. Mark Finkler First Four Petroleum LLC Linda and Frank Foti Mr. and Mrs. Victor Foti Foti, Flynn, Lowen & Co. 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 Ms. Elizabeth Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Jim Petrine Mrs. Emily Reynolds Mike and Krista Sinnott Mrs. Joy Davis Smith Mr. Marvin Smith Mr. Maury Strauss, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Strauss Ms. Suzanne Thorniley Varsity Landscaping and Grounds Karen and Chuck Wakeford Mr. and Mrs. Barton Wilner Ann Marie and Reggie Wood Ms. Dianne Woody

Learn more at saintfrancisdogs.org/big-dogs

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Ms. Sandi Adkins Mr. and Mrs. Ed Allen Jourdan Alvarado Cat Ayers Mr. Ralph Baker Mr. and Mrs. Ab and Julie Boxley 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. Brandy Disbennett-Albrecht Ms. Deborah Duerk Mrs. Kay Early Mr. and Mrs. Hutton Easley Ms. Carole Edwards Ms. Charlene Fay Mark Fisher Mr. and Mrs. David Fretwell Marc Gagne Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Grim Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hack Mr. and Mrs. George Hales Mr. Charles Henton Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hornick Mr. David Hudson Ms. Christy Izard Dr. and Mrs. David Johns Patty Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David Kapp Cort Kirkley Mrs. Jacqueline Lantz Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lash 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 and Amy Milberger Ms. Jeannette Mistele Ms. Erin Morris Mr. and Mrs. David Nickell Mrs. Susan Paganelli Mr. and Mrs. Demetrio Perez Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Pinkley Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Read Ms. Carol Reedy Ms. Elizabeth Sensabaugh Mrs. Drusilla Sexton Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Krista Sinnott Mr. and Mrs. Derek and Jennifer Slaughter Ms. Nancy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Smith Ms. Kris Sorensen Mr. Bodo Stock Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Sulka Mr. and Mrs. Brian and Nadia Summo Mr. David Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Barry Vann Mr. and Mrs. Bob Villamil Ms. Jackie Werb Dr. and Mrs. Edward White Mr. and Mrs. Jim Wisser Matthew Witting Mr. and Mrs. Ann Marie and Reggie Wood

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:

Krista Sinnott President

PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 405

Jo Lynn Draper Vice President

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

Anne Jenkins Secretary Marie Wimmer, CPA Treasurer

ONLINE: saintfrancisdogs.org/donations

Mark R. Finkler, DVM Veterinary Advisor

Saint Francis Service Dogs is a secular, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to help people with disabilities achieve their goals and have greater independence through partnership with exceptional service and facility dogs.

Nadia Summo Past President Craig Balzer Jeff Barbour, CPA Julie Boxley John Carlin Sally B. Craver, MSW Annette Kirby Paula Mitchell Jim Petrine Steve Strauss Robert Villamil Courtney Wiegard, DVM Kathy Baske Young

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.

Newsletter Credits: Copy, Art Direction, Design, and Photography

Staff

Madeline Bruggeman Debbie Clifton Deborah Duerk Sharon Grant Kari Grim David Henry David Johns Bob Lee Kathy Marr Tiffany Moeltner Erin Morris

prepared in house by Saint Francis Staff unless otherwise noted.

Michelle Mosely Autumn Overstreet Kristine Sorensen Maggie St. John Cortney Thibodeau Loreen Thompson Rebecca Thompson Andrew Via Marilyn Wilson Cabell Youell

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

printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.