Dogs for Better Lives and Atlanta Humane Society celebrate first placement through their From Shelter to Service Dog partnership
ATLANTA, Ga. — Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) is proud to celebrate the first placement in its Atlanta-based From Shelter to Service Dog Program in partnership with Atlanta Humane.
Approximately eight months ago, Kovva joined the From Shelter to Service Dog Program and was placed in a foster home with Nathan, a disabled veteran. There, she began a journey of training, bonding, and growth with the support of Nathan and Dogs for Better Lives’ training staff.
Nathan and Kovva celebrating their placement together
Through months of dedicated training, Kovva has made remarkable progress. Recently, she took the next step in her journey, transitioning into a permanent home with Nathan.
Kovva’s role with Dogs for Better Lives will continue beyond her placement. As a demo dog for DBL, she will help showcase the skills and training that can allow Service Dogs to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Her continued involvement will also support outreach and educational opportunities as DBL works to inspire future clients, volunteers, supporters, and community partners.
“We are incredibly proud of Kovva and excited to see her begin this next chapter with Nathan. As a demo dog for Dogs for Better Lives, Kovva will showcase the skills and training that help our Service Dogs make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Beyond demonstrating what’s possible, she will help inspire future clients, volunteers, supporters, and community partners through outreach and educational opportunities,” said Gwen Dudek, Interim CEO and Vice President of Program at Dogs for Better Lives.
Expanding the From Shelter to Service Dog Program
Since early 2025, Dogs for Better Lives has partnered with the Atlanta Humane Society to identify shelter dogs with the potential to become Assistance Dogs. The partnership represents an important expansion of DBL’s work in the Southeast and creates new opportunities to transform the lives of both people and dogs.
Atlanta is the second community where Dogs for Better Lives operates its From Shelter to Service Dog Program. DBL launched the program in partnership with Operation Kindness in Carrollton, Texas in 2023, and that partnership has resulted in multiple successful placements to date.
The From Shelter to Service Dog Program gives carefully selected shelter dogs an opportunity to pursue a new purpose while expanding the pool of dogs who may ultimately have the skills needed to serve people with disabilities.
Kovva’s story also represents an important step forward as Dogs for Better Lives explores opportunities to establish a veteran-focused Service Dog program. Her continued training and work as a demo dog will help DBL demonstrate the potential of shelter dogs and the life-changing impact of the human-dog bond.
“Kovva’s story is a powerful reminder that shelter dogs are capable of extraordinary things. Through our partnership with Dogs for Better Lives, dogs like Kovva have the opportunity to use their unique strengths to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. We are thrilled to see her continue her journey with Nathan,” said Cal Morgan, CEO of Atlanta Humane.
We are always seeking foster volunteers in the Atlanta metro. These volunteers are integral to the success of our From Shelter to Service Dog Program and have a unique opportunity to improve the lives of both dogs and people. Learn more about our From Shelter to Service Dog Program here.
