Service Dogs of Virginia

DID YOU KNOW?
Since its founding in 2000, SDV has placed over 125 service dogs and currently has 54 active service and facility dog teams! 🐕✨ What began as a single program for physical assistance has grown into five incredible programs: Medical Alert, Autism, PTSD, Facility, and Physical Assistance. I costs $40,000 and takes two years for a dog to become a fully trained service dog🐕✨ At SDV, we cover these costs for our clients, relying on the generosity and support of individuals, businesses, and grants to make it possible. We are proudly accredited by Assistance Dogs International, reflecting our commitment to excellence.

Pictured: SDV Client Ciara and SDV Tupelo

Little Miss Glory (pictured), our adorable yellow collar pup, has taken her first steps on an incredible journey to become a future service dog. Yesterday, she joined SDV puppy raiser Kristie and now goes by the beautiful name Nouri, which means "my light".

The remaining pups, Glory(orange), Sam (pink) and Revere (purple), are own their way to Hero Dogs and Susquehanna Service Dogs

A to all of the wonderful volunteers to help us with the litter! 🐾💫

It's ! National Service Dog Month is a month-long celebration honoring the hard work and life-changing impact service dogs make on people with disabilities every day.
Each week, we share valuable information on service dogs, SDV, and hot topics surrounding these important issues. 🐶✨ Be sure to check back regularly to learn about proper service dog etiquette, test your knowledge and get involved in our celebrations! Let’s continue to support and appreciate these incredible working dogs together!

Pictured: SDV Ralph and Elliot

🌟 A big thank you to Dr. Luzaich and Kim from Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital for ensuring litter were all set to begin their journey toward becoming future service dogs! 🐾 Your care and dedication are greatly appreciated. Here’s to the next chapter in their amazing journey!

🌟 Wishing SDV Client Emma the best of luck as she continues on her path to becoming a veterinarian! 🩺🐾 With SDV Carter by her side, we're confident she'll achieve great things. Keep up the amazing work, Emma, and here's to a future full of success!

🌟 Exciting news! Little green collar boy Ellis has officially begun his journey to become a ! 🎉 He’ll now be known as “Perry,” a name lovingly chosen by the amazing donors at the Perry Foundation. 🐾

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ll be keeping one female puppy—stay tuned to find out who she is and what her new name will be! ❤️🐶

The rest of the litter will be heading out to continue their training with Hero Dogs, Susquehanna Service Dogs, and Paws for Purple Hearts Virginia.

We’re so proud of each and every one of them and can’t wait to see the incredible work they'll do in the future! 💚🐾✨

Meet SDV Board member Shaele! She is Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Engagement at the UVA Darden School Foundation. Before joining Darden in 2010, Shaele enjoyed a 12-year career at the United Way of Greater Charlottesville leading events and volunteers. Shaele is a graduate of the University of Virginia and lives in Charlottesville with her husband, four college-age kids and her two Labs.

Why I joined the SDV Board:I joined the SDV board because I am inspired by the incredible team and volunteers who train dogs to assist people with disabilities and in therapeutic settings, and it’s an honor to support their efforts.

🍽️ Who’s hungry? The pups sure are! 🐶✨ These adorable pups are growing fast and will soon embark on their journey to become future service dogs. Stay tuned for more updates as they start their exciting new chapters! 🚀💙

🐶 Happy ! 🐶

Did you know that for over 12,000 years, dogs have been our hunting companions, protectors, objects of adoration, and friends? Today, let’s celebrate these special dogs in our lives!

Share a picture of your beloved pup in the comments and let us all join in the celebration! 📸❤

It was an exciting week for the pups! On Tuesday, they went through their puppy testing, where they were introduced to novel sounds and sights in a new environment—something they've been practicing in puppy kindergarten. This test gives us a snapshot of how they might react and what they might find challenging as they start their training. After such an eventful week, little Revere (our purple collar pup) is taking a well-deserved break!

🎉 Join the Celebration! 🎉

SDV Bika and Stratos are excited to celebrate Charlottesville Aquatics, Inc.'s Anniversary, and we want YOU to be part of the fun! Dive into the fun on Saturday, September 7th! We will be there form 11am -1pm. Also there Sherry Taylor of Z95.1 .
Enjoy giveaways and refreshments while supplies last.

Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us—it's going to be a blast! We can't wait to see you there! 🎊💦

We want to give a huge shoutout to the incredible team Veterinary Hospital 🙌 From the veterinarians and vet techs to the front desk staff, they work tirelessly to ensure that all of our dogs in training are healthy and up to date on their vaccines. 🐾💉

We can’t thank them enough for their dedication and care. You all make a world of difference! 🐶

Next month we'll be celebrating National Service Dog Month! We’ll be sharing valuable information about service dogs and SDV. Do you have any questions about service dogs or SDV that you’d like us to address? Drop them in the comments or send us a message, and we’ll do our best to provide the answers you’re looking for!

When symptoms of PTSD make the world feel small, a service dog can help you reclaim your space and confidence. This summer, SDV Dottie was there to support her handler as they embarked on a journey to Mount Rushmore National Memorial . 🐕✨ Together, they faced new horizons and made unforgettable memories. 🏞️❤️

🎉🐾 A Happy Belated Birthday to SDV Medical Alert Service Dog Avery! 🎂🎈 He turned 7 back in July, and celebrated in style! 🐕💫 Here’s to many more years of joy and service! 🥳🐶💖

Meet SDV Board Member Holly: A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Holly currently serves as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Albemarle County.

Why I joined the SDV Board: “I work with facility support dogs and have seen firsthand the way they bring comfort and dignity to people navigating the difficult criminal justice process. It's an honor to support the mission of Service Dogs of Virginia."

We’re excited to celebrate Charlottesville Aquatics, Inc. 51st Anniversary ! 🎂🎈 Dive into the fun on Saturday, September 7, from 11 AM to 6 PM. SDV will be there from 11am-1pm with some service dogs in training. Don’t miss out on the celebration—see you there! 🌟💦

Facility Dog Heiser received a special invitation to attend National Night Out from his local fire department! 🚨🔥

The firefighters, who know Heiser from his work with them, specifically requested his presence to brighten their day and keep them company. It’s heartwarming to see the bond and appreciation between Heiser and first responders!

🎉🐾 Happy National Spoil Your Dog Day! 🐾🎉 Today’s the perfect excuse to shower your furry friend with all the love and treats they deserve. Whether it's a new toy, extra belly rubs, or their favorite treats, let’s hear how you’re going to spoil your pup today!

Update: This week, SDV Stratos, Augie, and Bika had an exciting outing to Lowe's for their puppy class! 🐾

They worked hard on some essential skills:
Meet and Greets: Practicing introductions to new people.
Walking Through Doors: Learning not to pull their handler.
Encountering Novel Sights: Staying calm around unusual objects.

These skills are crucial for their future as service dogs. Proper meet-and-greet protocol ensures they focus on their handler and not other people, while mastering doorways and strange sights helps them remain steady and composed in any situation. Way to go pups!

Pictured: (L) SDV Stratos works with puppy raiser Nancy on not reacting to the scuba driver and pirate. (R-Top) SDV Bika and puppy raiser Marty prepare for a meet and greet (R - Bottom) SDV Augie and puppy raiser Terri practice "go throughs"

What happens when two former service dog classmates run into each other while out with their handlers? They stop for a picture, of course! 📸 SDV Holly II and SDV Wylie had an adorable and unexpected meet-up. And while we can't scientifically prove that service dogs have anti-aging powers, we can definitely attest to the immeasurable support and love they provide.

Pictured: (L) SDV Holly II (R) SDV Wylie

🌍🐾 It's International Assistance Dog Week! 🐾🌍

Help us celebrate by making a donation and support our mission to place service dogs at no cost to our clients. Your contribution ensures that we can continue providing these life-changing partnerships and make a difference in the lives of many.

Be a part of something incredible—your donation helps us bring the support of a service dog to those in need. You too can become a life changer!

Pictured: SDV Autism Service Dog Finn and JJ

Donate at https://www.servicedogsva.org/donate

🐶🎉 Happy National Work Like a Dog Day! 🎉🐶

In honor of this special day, we’re thrilled to celebrate our newest teams who worked tirelessly last week and successfully completed their team training👏 We’re so excited to see the incredible things you’ll accomplish together!

You won't believe what happened to SDV Lily at the The Shops at Stonefield. This service dog in training had to run the ultimate gauntlet - ignoring the delicious popcorn scattered all over the ground. 🍿

Service dogs have to be on their best behavior, even when there are delicious distractions all around. Lily aced the challenge, proving she's one impressive pup. 🍿 🎬

Exciting times at SDV as Fender, Champ, Clara, and Finn gear up with their partners to become working service dogs! Hats off to the hard working new teams! # 🐾🎓

Its # and we want to give a big shout to SDV friend and Board Member Polly! Polly is a software engineer with Delta Air Lines. She has an innate passion for working dogs and has volunteered for SDV since 2014. She delights in flying puppies from the ADI Breeding Cooperative around the country, assisting in whelping litters of pups, and providing a respite home for dogs in advanced training. She definitely is a true friend to SDV!

Why I joined the SDV Board: "Hearing from clients at graduation brought tears of joy to my eyes and gave me goosebumps."

Pictured: Polly with SDV Clara. One of the many dogs she has taken into her home.

Have you heard about SDV's e newsletter- Paws in Action? Stay in the loop with and get all the latest updates and events right to your inbox. Sign up now at https://www.servicedogsva.org/paws-in-action/sign-up

Just like Olympic athletes, SDV Aiden, Lily and Finn have been training tirelessly, learning all the skills they'll need to perform at the highest level! And while they may not be officially on the roster they are sending their best wishes and boundless enthusiasm to every member of !