Dear Friends:
I founded SDV nearly ten years ago with a measure of naivete, energy, ambition, and a desire to make a difference. Every year, there has been growth and evolution as my training skills and understanding of our clients has increased. But this year marks a major and significant turning point, as I turn over the Executive Director’s role to another.
Luke and Polar
Polar is an exceptional dog. He is exceptionally smart and energetic, and exceptionally capable of mischief. During his puppyhood, he managed to paw the keys off a laptop and eat “G,” “E,” “R,” and “V.” He swallowed several bars of soap, and also ruined his puppy raiser’s son’s brand new iPod. That was [...]
All of us at Service Dogs of Virginia were very excited to welcome a new crop of Labrador puppies over Labor Day weekend. Sandpiper, Raven, Finch and Magpie are all from breeder Kim Maddox at Ravenwood Farm Labradors in Keswick,Virginia. They are five months old, and have made huge progress in the short time they [...]
We don’t charge our clients for our dogs. Instead, we ask them to help us fundraise for the organization. Ella Lyons’ son Jack is waiting for his dog. The Lyons live in Northern Virginia and had a fantastic fund raiser at Dogfish Head Ale House that included a silent auction and a percent of the [...]
At our recent graduation ceremony, we honored Nancy Avery as our Volunteer of the Year. Nancy has been invaluable since she came on board. Nancy is a veteran puppy raiser, having successfully raised Glory and Nelson. She’s now raising Piper and Raven. (We guess one puppy wasn’t enough for her anymore.) In addition to [...]
Update on Cousteau
Cousteau was matched with occupational therapist Kellie Doolittle earlier this year, to work at Virginia Neurocare with active duty soldiers with traumatic brain injury. Cousteau helps with emotional issues by being an accessible loving friend, but he also helps Kellie by assisting therapeutically.
People with brain injuries have trouble doing things in the correct [...]
At Service Dogs of Virginia, we teach our dogs to paint. As you’ll see below, this creative activity is enjoyable for both our clients and the dogs.
Visit our online store to view and purchase these abstract acrylic paintings and note cards. Proceeds benefit Service Dogs of Virginia.
