Your Impact
This fall, we’re celebrating record growth, community connection, and extraordinary moments made possible by you. From the highest number of active Service Dog teams in our history to the incredible generosity shown during Day of Pawsitivity, your impact continues to ripple across the country.
Thank you for being part of this journey—whether you’ve donated, volunteered, raised a puppy, or spread the word about our mission. Together, we’re creating better lives through the love and skill of professionally trained dogs.
Key Milestones
Most Active Service Dog Teams in DBL History
This season, we reached an incredible milestone: 170 active Service Dog teams nationwide—the highest number in our organization’s history.
Each team represents a story of empowerment, independence, and connection between people and their dogs. Together, we’re building safer, more inclusive communities—one partnership at a time.
National Service Dog Month Awareness
September was full of celebration and outreach as we marked National Service Dog Month with 10 events across 6 states! From awareness walks to local meet-ups, our teams and volunteers connected with communities coast to coast.
We also launched our annual Calendar Contest, celebrating DBL Service Dogs and puppies and raising nearly $15,000.
Pack Members Celebrate Rocky’s Placement
Our Pack continues to grow stronger! This fall, 210 Pack Members celebrated Rocky. Certified Hearing Dog Rocky was raised by volunteer Puppy Raiser Jenna and her family. When he returned to our West Campus for evaluation, Certified Assistance Dog Trainer, Eli, discovered that he excelled at soundwork. After months of training, Rocky was placed with Jozlyn. Monthly donors – members of The Pack – helped support his journey and received monthly updates throughout his time at DBL. Learn more about The Pack here.
Day of Pawsitivity a “Pawsitive” Success
This year’s Day of Pawsitivity exceeded all expectations! With your help, we raised $23,925, surpassing our $20,000 goal in support of Service Dog Team follow-up visits. A heartfelt thank you to every donor, volunteer, and community member who made this success possible.
Changing Lives
The heart of our mission shines brightest through the people and dogs whose lives are forever changed. This fall, we’re honored to share inspiring client stories—each one a reminder of why your support matters.
Bruce and Certified Hearing Dog Brady
“Brady and I are developing quite well as a team, almost to the point of each of us knowing what the other is thinking. Over the past year, Brady has made sure that I not miss any telephone calls, visitors in the house, or morning alarms. In public, Brady knows what is expected of him and has never misbehaved.”
Andrea and Facility Dog Melvin
“Something I noticed when Facility Dog Melvin came to my classroom last year was that the kids were nicer to each other. Melvin has completely changed our school atmosphere for the better.”
Featured News
Featured News: Prison Pet Partnership
New Partnership Bringing Second Chances
We’re proud to feature Prison Pet Partnership, an inspiring program that provides second chances—for both dogs and people.
Through this partnership, carefully selected dogs receive foundational training from incarcerated individuals, helping them grow into confident, capable Service Dogs.
“By expanding our puppy raising network to include the dedicated handlers at Prison Pet Partnership, we’re not only helping to raise the next generation of Assistance Dogs, but we’re investing in people who deserve second chances. Everyone wins—especially the communities that will one day be served by these incredible dogs,” said Gwen Dudek, DBL’s Vice President of Program. Read more about this partnership.
Thank you for helping us create these life-changing connections.
Every milestone we reach—every team, every event, every life changed—is because of you. As we look ahead to the new year, we can’t wait to see the incredible things we’ll accomplish together!
