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.

My goal is to grow the organization so that we can help more people faster. I hate telling clients they may have to wait one or two years to get a dog from us. While the waiting list is long, the wait is also a function of time and money—if I had more time to dedicate to training instead of all the other roles I assume—from writing grants to answering the phone, ordering supplies, paying bills, training volunteers, etc., then we could place more dogs. If we raised more money we could hire more trainers and place more dogs.

When you start an organization, it is hard to let go. But being the parent of an amazing 21-year-old daughter has taught me that other people can provide her with things I can’t. Thus I realized that to grow my other baby–Service Dogs of Virginia– there are people with skills and talents who can give the organization things that it needs that I am not so great at delivering.

I am pleased to say that Amber Capron has taken the helm as executive director of Service Dogs of Virginia. Amber will be in charge of raising funds and making sure the day-to-day operations run smoothly. She will be my partner in setting a course for the future and in helping me realize my goals—to grow the organization so we can help more people who need our dogs, to reduce the wait time, and make a difference.

Ten years into this amazing venture, I am smarter, more experienced, and even more ambitious about the future of our organization. I am grateful for the support you have shown me and look forward to the next ten years with a great new partner to help us realize our goals.

Sincerely,

Peggy Law
Founder and Director of Training