Service Dogs Make Dreams Possible!
by Carol Willoughby
“I wouldn’t change my life for anything now!”
What would inspire a person living with a
disability to say this? I've discovered a single
powerful answer time and time again--a
service dog.
My own dream began more than fifteen years
ago. It started with a simple yet profound question: "How can I bring other adults and children
with disabilities the chance to realize their
dreams?" Finding an answer became my passion. It was the single most important reason
for establishing Saint Francis Service Dogs.
Behind it all was my first service dog, Booker.
A privately trained golden retriever, Booker
changed my life forever. He restored my confidence while teaching me many important life
lessons in the process. As he performed daily
tasks that helped to reduce my frustration and
conserve my energy, Booker showed me that
by working together as a team, anything was
possible.
Picture courtesy of Connie Kniseley
A highly-trained devoted service dog makes all
the difference. Each remarkable canine partner
can transform differing abilities into possibilities. Service dogs are often trained to fetch everything from a leg brace, to the telephone, to a
dropped pencil. Still, the most important thing
they can bring their partner is self-confidence.
New dreams--even those never considered
before--suddenly seem entirely possible.
Today, my first-ever Saint Francis Service Dog,
Midas, shares this same important message. I was
officially introduced to the big fluffy golden boy,
with his flouncy tail and perpetual puppy-like grin,
in September at the Saint Francis Center. Midas
quickly grabbed my heart and reeled me in. His
huge black-rimmed eyes remained glued to mine
throughout our meeting. He watched me intently
even as he lay beneath the table near the feet of
his trainer Connie Kniseley. Silently, I prayed for a
sign, asking to know if Midas was to be the service
dog for me. As I gazed into his luminous shining
eyes, I knew.
One month earlier, my thirteen-year-old golden
retriever, Griffin, had died of cancer. He was a
rescue dog that bounded into my life at the age
of eight. Looking at Midas now, with my heart
asking . . . “Are you the one?”. . . I felt chills. I
recognized a deep, ethereal look in the young
dog's eyes. It was the same look my dear Griffin
had given me months earlier when we’d had to
say our final goodbyes.
Summer 2011
Continued on page 2
Picture courtesy of Niki Voudren
Now, I felt as if my heart knew what Midas seemed to know
as well—this partnership was meant to be.
Picture courtesy of Niki Voudren
During our partner training, Midas and I worked hard to
sharpen our skills. We passed each test in a variety of public
settings, just as numerous Saint Francis teams had done
before us. And we did it all with the perfect mix of seriousness
and humor.
Picture courtesy of Doug Willoughby
That balance of hard work and laughter makes life much easier
and so much more fun as Midas works by my side today. One of
his favorite jobs requires him to bump the automated-door button at the mall. Standing upright on his back feet and placing his
front paws gently on the wall, my service dog gives the button a
swift tap with his nose. Midas always seems especially pleased
with his own nose-power as the wide mall doors open immediately for us. Then his bright eyes gleam with satisfaction. Midas
tilts his head sideways and flashes me a totally amazed grin,
looking to me for approval--and maybe a treat too. Obeying my
verbal cue of either Left or Right, Midas swings gracefully to the
correct side of my wheelchair. As we enter the mall together,
it's easy to see why he is the service dog of my dreams.
Yet Midas is more than that. For me, Midas brings the Saint
Francis dream full-circle. I am immensely proud of the teamwork between our staff, the board of directors and hundreds
of dedicated volunteers. Each of these individuals helps to
carry the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs into the future-ultimately, making a difference in the lives of many new
dreamers.
What to do when you see
a person with a service dog:
Ignore the dog. Speak to the person
in a calm tone. A dog can be easily
excited and may react to your voice.
Do not distract the dog. It is important
not to divert the attention of service dogs
by calling, whistling, petting or making
kissy-sounds.
Service dogs are well-trained yet, none
are "perfect" and may make a mistake if
distracted. Please remember to speak to
the person, but ignore the dog .
Service dogs are very friendly but they
need to stay focused on their partner
and their work.
Not to worry — service dogs get plenty
of affection and play from their person.
NEW PUPPIES FROM PAM HAND!
We welcome the latest additions to the
Saint Francis Training Program. Pam
Hand bred and donated a beautiful
litter of Labrador Retrievers. They have
entered into the Puppy Program, have
captured the hearts of their Puppy
Raisers and are impressing all with
their willingness to learn.
“Pam is completely dedicated
to researching and breeding dogs for
service work. We are so thankful to
Pam and her conscientious attention to
the breeding of exceptional dogs.”
–Marilyn Wilson
Taaza Indian Cuisine
www.taazaroanoke.com
Surf N Turf Grill
comfortcuisineva.com
1329 Grandin Rd SW
(540) 342-4995
www.dining.vt.edu
A special thanks to:
Dawn Jefferies
The Shenandoah Club
Produce Source Partners
Viva la Cupcake
vivalacupcakes.com
Charitable Estate
Planning:
If you are moved by what a
Saint Francis Service Dog is able
to do for people with disabilities,
please remember us in your will.
Tax and income benefits
are available to you from
charitable gift planning.
If you are interested
in helping Saint Francis
in this very special way, you
will be helping to assure
continued growth and
financial security for many
generations to come.
Board of Directors:
Paula N. Mitchell: President
John Carlin: Vice President
Chris Wingfield: Treasurer
Jay O’Keeffe, Esq.: Secretary
Ben Boone: Past President
R. Craig Balzer
Kathy Baske-Young
Sally Craver, MSW
Jo Lynn Draper
Dr. Mark Finkler, DVM
Nancy Hack
Annette Kirby
Susan Lowe, RN
Clay Morrissett
Pamela Moskal
Nancy Patriarco
Leigh B. Singh & Pato
Robert Villamil
Advisory Council:
Carol E. Downey
William B. Downey
Victor Foti
Kent Greenawalt
Jack Hans
Peter Milward
Gregory C. Troy, DVM
Carol Willoughby & Midas
Staff:
Executive Director: Cabell Youell
Development Director: Niki Voudren
Puppy Program Administrator: Marilyn Wilson
Partner Training Administrator: Elizabeth Broyles
Staff Trainer: Connie Kniseley
Office Manager: Deborah Duerk
Bookkeeper: Linda Eaton
Maintenance & Grounds: Doug Becker
Volunteer Coordinator: Debbie Conner
Kennel Manager: Robby Thomas
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Visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org for more details.
MEET THE TEAM
Owen and Jigsaw are a new team and quickly becoming inseparable companions. Owen is affected by Fetal Congenital
Hydrocephalus. He is also deaf and suffers from seizures. Service Dog Jigsaw accompanies Owen at school, occupational
therapy, hearing therapy, and all of his doctor’s appointments. Since the two were paired, Owen sleeps much better
because Jigsaw is right by his side to comfort him throughout the night.
Jigsaw is being trained to alert Owen’s parents when he has a
seizure. When his seizures occur, time is critical. Jigsaw will retrieve
an emergency kit that includes medication to stop the seizure as
well as a magnet that sends electrical impulses to Owen’s brain
that activates a pacemaker which stops the seizure. When Owen is
seizing , time is of the essence because if Owen doesn’t receive the
proper care in time, he will aspirate
which can cause pneumonia. Once
Jigsaw retrieves the medical kit,
Owen's mom Michelle is quick to
administer the medication and apply
the magnet. At this crucial time,
Owen is desperate for comfort. He
reaches for Jigsaw and she is there
to soothe him.
Because of his seizures, Owen needs
to be monitored constantly. Jigsaw
gives Owen’s parents peace of mind
because she will get help when necessary.
Jigsaw was bred by Lynda
McGarry. She was raised
and trained by Leil Hackett
and Connie Kniseley.
“During a seizure there are a lot of things to do in a short amount of time. We have to keep him upright and make sure
that he doesn't aspirate as his seizures almost always begins with vomiting. Then, we have to swipe the magnet as quickly
as possible. After that we must get out the pulse-ox and the oxygen tank. During all of this Owen is awake and reaching
out for comfort from Jigsaw. Through all of this, Jigsaw lay close to Owen and he petted her while we did the work. She
stayed right by him, both during the seizure and while he was sleeping it off.”
—Owen’s mother, Michelle
Pictures courtesy of Elizabeth Broyles
As the pair grow closer, their
bond will deepen and Jigsaw
will become more in-tune
with Owen’s needs. Jigsaw’s
calm, gentle spirit and work
ethic is exactly what this
family needs.
You can make a donation online at www.saintfrancisdogs.org!
It’s convenient, fast, secure and simple.
MEMORIALS & HONORARIUMS
January 1, 2011 — March 31, 2011
SPONSORED BY:
OAKEY’S PET FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
HONORARIUMS:
Rose and Dick Abbott in honor of Rose
and Jack Halpin
Lynn, Kim and Kayla Brock in honor of
their Golden Retriever, Sassy
Marilyn Bussey in honor of Rye
Robert and Helen Carty in honor of Naji
and Michelle Karim
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Combs in honor
of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Roberts
Mrs. Judy Conley in honor of Stephen J.
Aukward
Nancy Cunningham in honor of Gail McGirt
Jill Dattilo in honor of Sue Karr and Daisy,
Carol Willoughby and Midas
Ray D. Dickerson in honor of his dear wife
Ann - his standard for courage
Charlotte and John Engleby in honor of
Kathy White
Mark and Beth Finkler in honor of the staff
at Saint Francis Service Dogs
Mark and Beth Finkler in gratitude to Oakey's
Pet Funeral Home
Susie Fletcher in honor of Gertie Girl
Diana E. Good in honor of Fleta, Jesse
and Abby Wilson
Dr. and Mrs. W.B. Gross in honor of Lisa Gross
Lisa Gross in honor of Burn and Betty Gross
William and Leil Hackett in honor of Ellie and
Bandit
Mr. and Mrs. J. Bruce Hagedorn in honor
of Maryann Rubin and Montana
Pam Janney in honor of Kolmer and Marie
Wertz
Timothy and Jackie Kaufman in honor
of Sophia Kaufman
Nikki Klebienko in honor of Luke Demianenko
- Happy Birthday, Luke! Love, Philip
Harry Lea in honor of Charlie Riddle and
Bandit
Kate, Harry, Harry Jr., Corrine and Rudy
McCoy in honor of Rudy
Bridget Meneghini in honor of Denali,
Ladybug and Walter
Robert and Nancy Meyer in honor of J. Coffee
David and Janet Miller in honor of Erik and
Dawn
Margaret Milona in honor of William Milona
Neathawk, Dubuque and Packett Senior
Management Group in honor of Kathy
Baske Young
Pam Robbins in honor of Cindy Martin
Mary Ryan in honor of Irish Wolfhounds
Jack and Terri Smith in honor of Tate and
Braelyn Harris
Taaza, LLC in honor of all Taaza employees,
past and present
Evelyn S. Turner in honor of Clay Morrissett
Waters Edge, Inc. in honor of Mickey
Bart Wilner in honor of Vic Foti
Chris and Mary Wingfield in honor of Marilyn
and Harley
RECOGNITIONS:
Marlene Anderson in recognition of
Yankee Dog
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Betzel in recognition
of Francis Lendy
Richard and Barbara Cullen in recognition
of Louie Cullen
James H. Ford, Jr. in recognition of Moose
and Maggie
Blanche Hamden in recognition of Bernie
and Willis
David M. Harman in recognition of Tori
Rick and Cindy Kropft in recognition of Dakota
Jane Paynter in recognition of Mrs. Everette
Hudson
Barbara Withycombe in recognition of Boomer
Sharon and Carlis Carroll in recognition
of Tanner
Augustus Chidester in recognition of Joan
Cookfair
Ben Cooper and Polly Gault in recognition
of Harry McConnell
Frank and Sheila Drobot in recognition of Taz
Douglas B. Hudgins in recognition of Neko
Kathy Janney in recognition of Jasper
Ron and Joyce Kessinger in recognition of
Hunter Ayres
M.A. Riley in recognition of Irene and Jack
McAuley
Cynthia Sayers in recognition of Mark Fried
Regina Schwabe, DVM in recognition of Kenny
Mrs. Gene Smallwood in recognition of Mrs.
Kathy L. Arnold
Karine Tramontini in honor of Alaska
MEMORIALS:
Sandi M. Adkins in memory of Timbo
Mr. and Mrs. Jake Allison in memory of Bleu
Mary Ann and Ben Beagle in memory of Willie
Mae Kendall Louthian
Tobie Bentz and Helen Craig in memory of
Roxy Halliburton
Susan Best in memory of Joseph Manello
Frederic T. Bradley in memory of Eleanor
Overstreet Jacobs
Evelyn C. Brown in memory of Lee Hartman, Jr.
Lt. Col. and Mrs. George T. Burnop in memory
of Clancy, a great Irish setter
Marilyn Bussey in memory of Daphne and
Reuben
Randy and Patricia Cargill in memory of
Henrietta Kutz
Sharon and Carlis Carroll in memory of and
in celebration of the life of Lance Crumpacker
Moore
Marcia Day Childress in memory of Stephen
Mayer
The Christmas List Craft Show in memory
of Chelsie
Community School in memory of Richard
H. Farrand
Jane Copeland in memory of Sweet Beagle
Ned
John and Kathryn Cowlbeck in memory of
Jake Randolph Goff
Mrs. Joseph W. Coxe III in memory of Maddie
Jim and Lois Crane in memory of Willie Mae
Kendall Louthian
Nancy Cunningham in memory of Slugger
Mr. and Mrs. Calvert G. de Coligney, Jr. in
memory of Dr. James Lampros
Phil Dennis in memory of Mike and Jenny
Dennis
Wayne E. Dickerson in memory of Eunice
Dickerson
Gregory Fortner in memory of Goldie,
Cherokee and Tippy
Kimberly and Anthony Gilbert in memory
of Smokey Gilbert
Sally Glei in memory of Blaze
William and Leil Hackett in memory of
Harley and Doobie
Jo-Anne F. Hill in memory of Barkley
Randy and Cathy Hill in memory of Susan
Hill and Barkley
Michael Jacobs in memory of Jim Evans
Katheryn and Wayne Jacobs in memory
of Joseph Manello
Andrew and Shannon Kartesz in memory
of Bean
Keeva Kase in memory of Lance Moore
Holly D. Kelley in memory of Ethel Dalzell
Dawn A. Lamm in memory of Anthony
Gasparro
JoAnne Lampros in memory of Sunshine
JoAnne Lampros in memory of Scout
JoAnne Lampros in memory of Bridget
Mike and Jan LaPrade in memory of Boris
and Tucker
Jerry Lee in memory of Wendy Floyd Serber
Helgard Legg in memory of their beloved
Tasha
Wendy Lewis in memory of Lucy
Emily A. Lunceford, Thomas H. Miller,
Rebecca K. Wallace, William H. Bond and
Dale W. Webb in memory of Amber
Becky and Jeff Mackey in memory of Emma
John Mann in memory of Mollie
Warren C. Martin in memory of Clara Moses Herndon
Melanie Mitchell in memory of Bandit
Melanie Mitchell in memory of Mollie
Margaret Mitchell in memory of Raleigh
Clay Morrissett in memory of Steven Eisenberg
Marcella Murray in memory of Ruth Stewart
Jane C. Newman in memory of Morgan
Betty (Ruth) Nichols in memory of Howard Nichols
Kim O'Conner in memory of Everlyn Arnold
Linda Perdue in memory of Leta Cummings
Donna Pritchard in memory of Anthony
Barbaro
Bridget Quatmann and Andy Roberts in
memory of Darlene Finkler and Emma Rose Finkler
Chuck and June Rayfield in memory of
Margaret Potts Barksdale
Hope W. Rector in memory of Kodi Bear
Dot Richardson in memory of Everlyn Arnold
Jane C. Richardson and Carol Schell in
memory of Darlene Finkler
Pam Robbins in memory of Max
Charlotte Sandy in memory of Lin Daniel
Peggy and Carlton Saul in memory of Joey Manello
Susanne Scanlin in memory of Louise Burton
Mr. and Mrs. William T. Shaner, Sr. in
memory of Mia
Stephany and Henry Simpson in memory of Samantha, Kitty Boots, Taffy, Brandy and Murky
Sue Anne Teal in memory of Fluffy the Rottweiler
Paula and Jimmy Thompson in memory of Harley
Jim and Amy Thurston in memory of Rudy Kirkwood
Roberta Dianne Toney in memory of Gator
Karine Tramontini in memory of David Phelps
Nancy Vest in memory of Sam and Ana Vest
Judith Walter in memory of Joseph Manello
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Weinstein in memory of Sid
and Ann Weinstein
Sara West in memory of Emma - remembered forever for her happy, sweet, gentle heart
Steve Young in memory of Louise L. Burton
Fran Young and Daisy in memory of Magic
IN MEMORY OF SUSAN H. BRAY:
Jane B. Curley
Carolyn Lozier
William Shaffer
Patrica White
IN MEMORY OF MARY BRYAN MATNEY:
Whaley Batson
Elizabeth K. Bringle
John A. Core
Katherine Dupree
Debra Estby
Phillip and Patsy Keith
Trinette Kirkman
Virginia Lawrence
Christel and Mike Merritt
Charles Rose
Tom and Elizabeth Weir
Thanks to our friends at Purina
for supplying all of the food
for our dogs in training!
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 3
BEDFORD, VA
Saint Francis Service Dogs is a non-profit,
501(c)(3) organization that raises and trains
service dogs for children and adults with
disabilities.
An envelope is enclosed for your convenience
if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution
to support the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs.
A financial statement is available upon written request
from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.
Their bond is extraordinary. Your gift is essential.
Join us in congratulating Cody and Buck who were honored with the BOOKER WILLOUGHBY
SERVICE DOG AWARD By the OMEGA TAU SIGMA Lambda Chapter
Veterinary Service
Fraternity at VIRGINIA-MARYLAND REGIONAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE at VIRGINIA TECH
Picture courtesy of Connie Kniseley
“This year’s applications
were sent out to service
dog organizations throughout Virginia and North
Carolina. After receiving
many nominations that
included a biography of
the dog and a picture of
the partnership, the
students at the VirginiaMaryland Regional College
of Veterinary Medicine vote
for a winner. We are proud
to present this year’s
winner of the Booker
Willoughby Service Dog
award to Buck who
provides faithful service
to his boy Cody."
— OTS of VMRCVM 2011