Meet and Greet…..
Since 2000, Service Dogs of Virginia has placed over 100 assistance and facility dogs. Starting November 22, 2021, SDV will post here and on our our Facebook page videos from our most recent and our longtime clients. Check back every Monday morning and Thursday afternoon until December 24, to hear from a different client how their service dogs have changed their lives. You have made it possible for these deserving individuals to get a service dog.
Donnie and Palmer
Donnie serves in the Navy and was paired with his PTSD dog, Palmer this year. Palmer helps Donnie go places he has been reluctant to go and reduces Donnie’s anxiety by deep pressure hugs and gentle reminders that he is showing signs of anxiety.
Rami and Josie
Rami is a counselor at the Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech and Josie is her facility dog. One of Josie’s jobs is to reduce the stigma associated with getting counseling. She also provides comfort to individuals in therapy and is a big attraction on campus for students who want some stress relief or are missing their pets at home.
Kim and Ole
Kim relies on Ole, her physical assistance dog, to retrieve items, open doors, and help her with balance, and get help if needed. Ole is a big dog, so this is work he can do. Ole goes to work with Kim and supports her at home, where she has a busy household with a husband and two young children.
Susan and Theo
Theo was a courthouse dog for the Albemarle County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. His handler, Susan, worked with Theo to provide comfort and support to people entering the judicial system, especially children. Theo passed away this year after helping so many individuals.
Brendan and Manci
With one semester left in college, Brendan, who is on the autism spectrum, was about to drop out. With the help of Manci, he graduated from West Virginia University and is now working and living independently. Manci is Brendan’s go-to for increased independence and support and she helps him in social situations that are uncomfortable for him.
See some of Manci’s task here
Todd and Gus
Todd is a counselor at Emory and Henry College and Gus is his facility dog. Gus, who is a very large Labrador, and has become the big man on campus in no time. He is there to reduce stress and anxiety, and to make students feel comfortable when seeking therapy.
Donna and Birdie
Donna has had Type 1 Diabetes for over 40 years and doesn’t feel her blood sugar level dropping. It’s Birdie’s job to alert her to dropping blood sugar so that Donna can act to avoid a crisis. In the next year or so Birdie, who has been with Donna since 2013, will retire and Donna will get a new diabetic alert dog. Birdie allows Donna to maintain the active lifestyle she enjoys.
Aiden and Wylie
Christina’s son, Aiden exhibits autistic behaviors like meltdowns, anxiety in crowds and elsewhere, and elopement. Wylie helps him by easing transitions, performing tasks like a hug to make a dentist appointment go smoothly, and keeping him safe in public by tethering. Aiden’s mom Christina is Wylie’s handler.
Laura and Judith
Laura uses a power wheelchair and has very limited use of her hands. Judith performs many tasks for Laura, but her main job is to retrieve items and to pick up and return dropped items to Laura. Judith is always at Laura’s side, even at night.
