The Lone Star State Steps Up for Dogs and People

From community events to corporate partnerships, Texans are finding new ways to support the life-changing work of Dogs for Better Lives.

As one of Dogs for Better Lives’ newest Regional Advisory Boards (RABs), the RAB–Texas is bringing together volunteers across the state who are passionate about service, community, and the extraordinary bond between people and dogs. While the Regional Advisory Board supports fundraising, outreach, Puppy Raiser and foster recruitment, and community partnerships across the state, its members say the greatest reward has been becoming part of a network of people united by a shared purpose.

For Board Chair Sonya Thompson, that purpose was clear from the beginning.

“Dogs for Better Lives is an organization that focuses on the fact that dogs and people together are better,” she said. “I wanted to do what I could to support that mission and, as someone who is invested in nonprofit success, this seemed a perfect fit.”

Working in the nonprofit health and human services field, Sonya regularly meets individuals and families whose lives could be transformed by an Assistance Dog.

“I see individuals and families very often who could benefit from a Service Dog,” she said. “The idea that I can help grow DBL’s reach is very inspiring.”

That inspiration fuels everything the Texas RAB does—from introducing new audiences, to Dogs for Better Lives at community events, to building relationships with local businesses and organizations.

“I love talking about DBL—from Puppy Raising to the From Shelter to Service Dog Program—and I think outreach and events are ways we can do that,” Sonya said. “Both are equally important. This was my first year with Bone AppeTREAT, and those who supported and attended had a great time.”

The board is also helping create opportunities in Texas, identifying corporate partnerships and bringing communities together in ways that reflect their state’s local character. Sonya believes that’s only the beginning.

“The Texas RAB has a responsibility to educate, encourage, and model what it means to support DBL. This means reaching out to everyone from corporations, individuals, churches, etc. to be a part of the mission. My agency, for example, engaged in Puppy Raising to support DBL and our staff. It has been a great success,” said Sonya.

For fellow board member Sheree Carter, joining the RAB–Texas felt like a natural extension of a lifetime dedicated to serving others.

“By nature, I am a service-oriented person,” she said. “Being a part of the Texas RAB means I have found a great fit of like-minded individuals who love dogs and serving others.”

As an educator and longtime volunteer, Sheree has always believed in the power of service. Through events like Cornhole for a Cause and Bone AppeTREAT, she has gained an even deeper appreciation for the work that happens behind the scenes to prepare each Assistance Dog.

“Seeing the actual Puppy Raisers, the dog trainers, and the dogs themselves brings clear and specific meaning to our mission,” she said. “Realizing all the time, energy, and care that goes into each and every future Service Dog brings the need for outreach and fundraising into clear focus for me.”

For board member Dawn Alcorn, joining the RAB–Texas was an opportunity to combine her professional expertise with a cause she believes in.

“Joining the RAB–Texas was a natural extension of both my professional experience and my personal passion for creating meaningful social impact,” she said. “When I learned that Dogs for Better Lives was launching a Regional Advisory Board in my home state, I knew I wanted to be part of it.”

Dawn sees serving on a Regional Advisory Board as more than volunteering—it’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth while making a tangible difference.

“I would describe it as a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while growing both personally and professionally,” she said. “Serving on the Regional Advisory Board allows you to support a mission that transforms lives through Assistance Dogs while collaborating with a diverse group of accomplished professionals who are passionate about giving back.”

One particular experience reinforced her commitment. Visiting Operation Kindness, one of Dogs for Better Lives’ From Shelter to Service Dog Program partners, gave her a firsthand look at DBL’s dogs and the process.

“Seeing how Dogs for Better Lives partners with shelters to identify dogs with the right temperament for service work brought the mission to life in a way that words simply can’t,” Dawn said. “It reminded me that every relationship we build, every awareness opportunity we create, and every dollar we help raise supports a journey that changes two lives—the dog’s and the recipient.”

That spirit of connection is at the heart of the Regional Advisory Board experience. Members bring their unique skills, perspectives, and professional networks together to support Dogs for Better Lives in ways that strengthen local communities and expand the organization’s impact.

Whether it’s introducing someone to the mission for the first time, recruiting the next Puppy Raiser, planning a successful fundraising event, or helping build partnerships that open new doors, every effort helps create more life-changing partnerships between people and Assistance Dogs.

For those considering getting involved, the members of the RAB–Texas agree: serving on a Regional Advisory Board is an opportunity to do meaningful work alongside people who share your values. It’s a chance to build friendships, grow your leadership skills, strengthen your community, and help more people experience the incredible difference an Assistance Dog can make.

After all, changing lives is even more rewarding when you do it together.

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Dogs for Better Lives has Regional Advisory Boards in the following locations and are always welcoming new members:

• Texas
• Pacific Northwest
• California
• Northeast
• Southeast

Learn more about Regional Advisory Boards and apply on our website.