PARTNERS PAWS AND
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)
“Join us in this work to make the world a better place with these amazing, loving, funny dogs. We will make a difference.”
A message from Cabell
Last winter I wrote to you about my decision to be a puppy raiser for Saint Francis. I told you I was feeling generally worried about the state of, well, everything. I thought raising a puppy would help me connect to the world in a hopeful and immediate way, and I thought it would ground me in the Saint Francis mission and family of volunteers. Well, I am here to report back on how it is going now that I am eight months in on this journey. In a nutshell, I’m having a ball.
To be clear, Ivy and I are not at the top of our class. We are far from it. I am not the best teacher. Sometimes I suspect she is figuring things out IN SPITE of me, not because of me. She is full of joy, curiosity, and mischief. She doesn’t have a mean-spirited bone in her body. That does not mean that she is a good dog. She CAN be a good dog, but so far she is not super interested in that project. I am told by our instructor that it’s okay, she is young, and there is still time.
The same feeling of hope and life is permeating Saint Francis right now. We graduated eight amazing teams this year. They join the growing contingent of teams that we are supporting out in the world. Our fledgling breeding program is beginning to produce a stream of puppies, and our puppy program is expanding as we embrace the (absolutely adorable) litters. We are placing more service dogs than ever before. Our waiting list is at a historic low, and we are open for new applications for the first time in many years. We are starting on plans for our next phase of growth. We are engaging our volunteers, reaching out to our donors, and challenging our staff to new heights. It’s a good time to be at Saint Francis.
My house is now littered with dog toys and yellow lab fur. I have to listen to white noise at night because she snores like a freight train. Sometimes, when I am sitting quietly working or reading, I become aware of an intense stare followed promptly by the wet nose of a puppy in need of a purpose or a playmate. I wouldn’t change it for the world. She is so full of hope and life.
I encourage you to join us. Be a puppy raiser. Foster a dog or sit a puppy on the weekend. Become a donor. Join us in this work to make the world a better place with these amazing, loving, funny dogs. We will make a difference. We will change the world for someone with a disability or special needs. And we will do it in the most holistic, laughter-filled, nurturing way imaginable.
I don’t know what the future holds for Ivy, but I know that she’s not worried about it. She’s focused on today, and more specifically, she’s focused on making today a 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
Hayley and Rumour
(cont. from cover)
She applied for a Saint Francis Service Dog, in hopes she would soon have a teammate by her side to help her better manage her symptoms, increase her overall mobility, and bring back the confidence needed to live her life to the fullest.
While Hayley was attending candidate classes to prepare her for the journey ahead, a little black lab named Rumour, with her own quirky and contagious energy, was doing a lot of learning as well! Rumour was raised for the first year of her life by an Inmate Puppy Raiser in our Prison Pup Program. Then, as she was working her way through Advanced Training, our team started to see that spunky Rumour may be the perfect fit for Hayley. They were matched late last year – a wait that Hayley says was absolutely worth it.
“Having Rumour by my side has been amazing! She has transformed my life in ways I never imagined,” says Hayley.
Amidst life’s obstacles, Hayley and Rumour have found their stride together. Rumour assists Hayley by picking up dropped items so that she can avoid positional changes that may make her nauseous. Rumour will respond quickly to the “Help” command, going to alert a family member if Hayley needs assistance. She also can retrieve items, something Hayley realized the importance of not long after bringing Rumour home.
Hayley says, “I was in the kitchen when my heart rate spiked. Rumour retrieved my bag of medicine from upstairs in my room, preventing a fainting episode. With her help, I can get ahead of my symptoms.”
Their connection is rooted in trust, love, and unwavering support. Calling Rumour her “best bud,” Hayley knows she can always rely on her to lift her spirit when it is needed most.
“I still have many bad days and struggle, but having Rumour by my side makes my struggles lighter. Not just physically, but also mentally. Seeing her cheery smile each morning makes me so happy and motivates me to get out of bed,” says Hayley.
Now, Hayley is excited about all the new adventures ahead. With Rumour as her teammate, she feels confident she can handle whatever comes their way.
Hayley says, “I constantly tell people she is my favorite blessing, because she really is. Rumour helps me from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed. I don’t think I even have the words to say just how much she has brought to my life.“
THE CLASS
Bobby and Anna
“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
Maura and Greta
“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
“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
Hayley and Rumour
“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
Jeff and Gus
“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!
Rick and Lion
“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
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 2024exist 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!
Porter and Knox
“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
Bill and Fabio
“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
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!
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 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!
“I am so excited things are moving. We have these amazing dogs and there are people out there whose lives will be changed in ways they may not even realize yet,” says Deb Duerk, Saint Francis Director of Operations.
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: 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.
“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
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
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
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 6 - Training with your new partner at Saint Francis
STEP 7 - Launch your new life with your dog by your side!
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.
A PUP’S progress
“I am working hard and learning, but I am making sure to have lots of fun along the way!”
So we are at an impasse. My person wants me to control myself and I can’t stand it. So I jump up and down like a kangaroo. I bark so the other dog knows I see them, and I want to play. For some strange reason, this does not please my person. I don’t see what the big deal is. Anyway, from what I understand, we are “working on it.” That means she is trying to get me to calm down, and I am trying to get her to lighten up. Whatever. I still love walks! They are the best!
So if you see me and I am not being allowed to run over to you, it’s not my fault, it’s my person’s fault. Let me apologize for her rudeness in advance. She’s not a bad sort, but if I had my way, I would jump all over you and lick you and make sure you know how glad I am that you are here.
To read prior editions of A Pup’s Progress, visit saintfrancisdogs.org/publications
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
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
“Ferg”uson Balke
J. Lee Osborne
Ranger Brown
Mr. and Mrs. J. Lee Osborne
“Jo-Jo” Brown
Ms. Cheryl Wilson
Lily Campbell
Dr. Kait McBane
Cash
Ms. Starr Shank
Chardonnay
Ms. Rochelle
Coconut
Mrs. Shannon and Brad Haskins
Kelley Coons
Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash
Daphne
Ms. Starr Shank
Dixie
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler
Mrs. Barbara Reynolds
Mrs. Leo Driscoll
Dr. Kait McBane
My Parents and Special Cousin,
Shirley Durrant
Ms. Doris Simpson
Jeff Epperly
Mrs. Pennye Epperly
Finn
Mr. and Mrs. Rand and Jan Garrett
Tony Fouse
Ms. Debby Bickford
Harry Lewis Francis Sr.
Ms. Katie Benson
Ms. Judith Hunt
Frank
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin
Gus
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harvey
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Magee
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.
Baxter Hicks
Ms. Tessa Hampden-Smith
Ginny Jarrett
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wilhelm III
Daniel E. Karnes
Mrs. Nancy Karnes
Judy Banks Keith
Ms. Lisa Faist and Mr. Bill Nash
Rev. Msgr. Joseph Lehman III
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Russin
Molly Lemon
J. Lee Osborne
Lincoln and in honor of Lizzie
Ms. Linda Ives and Mr. Steve Lucado
Little Henry
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Tucker
Mabel
Ms. Louise Forsyth
Ava Marko
Laura Beard
Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cox
Nemo
Ms. Kathy Morck
Dr. Blackford “Blackie”
Nowland
Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr.
Toller Oates
Dr. Kait McBane
Jerry Presley
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Martin
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
Patty Revels and Zeus
Anonymous
Hailey Rigsby
Ms. Shannon Shaffer
Rileigh
Mrs. Patricia Reese
Gracie Risi
Mr. and Mrs. David Risi
Bruce Rollins
Mrs. Kelly Rollins
Sammy
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Koogler
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
Joanne O. Woods
Mr. Thomas Woods
In Honor Of:
Frank and Linda Foti
Mrs. Eleanor Roemer
John Frailing
Ms. Lynda Imirie
Dr. George Henning
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Strong Jr.
Don Hodson
Shannon Shaffer and Adair
Janice Holland
Roanoke Animal Hospital
Terri Hudson
Ms. Patricia Davidson
Michelle Karim
Mrs. Helen Carty
Rory Mae
Mic Platt
Dr. Trevor Owen
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Strong Jr.
Denise Parker
Ms. Rosemary Larsen
Martini Pattisall
Sherry Frantz
Sallie Boxley
Mr. and Mrs. John Bradshaw Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Brickey
Mrs. Barbara Honeycutt
Lion and Rick Caudill
Diane Casey
Prison Pup Program
Mr. Richard Lewis Jr.
Deborah Sells
Roanoke Animal Hospital
Pamela Simmons
Ezra Waddey
Sayde Soffin
VetEvolve
Kris Sorensen
Mr. Richard Sorensen
Ellen Walton
Ms. Caroline Haddock
Dr. Courtney Wiegard, DVM
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Bodley
Ms. Sandra Reynolds
In Recognition Of:
Al Steed
Ms. Sandi Adkins
Thank you to our cherished group of monthly donors.
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
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
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-club
Board of Directors
Krista Sinnott President
Jo Lynn Draper Vice President
Anne Jenkins Secretary
Marie Wimmer, CPA Treasurer
Mark R. Finkler, DVM Veterinary Advisor
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
StaffMadeline Bruggeman
Debbie Clifton
Deborah Duerk
Sharon Grant
Kari Grim
David Henry
David Johns
Bob Lee
Kathy Marr
Tiffany Moeltner
Erin Morris
Michelle Mosely
Autumn Overstreet
Kristine Sorensen
Maggie St. John
Cortney Thibodeau
Loreen Thompson
Rebecca Thompson
Andrew Via
Marilyn Wilson
Cabell Youell
Ways to GIVE
Thank you for your support. Gifts can be made in multiple ways:
PHONE: (540) 342-3647 ext. 405
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 people with disabilities achieve their goals and have greater independence through partnership with exceptional service and facility dogs.
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 prepared in house by Saint Francis Staff unless otherwise noted.
printing and mailing provided in part by Wordsprint.
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