Dogs for Better Lives

Follow-Up Friday: DBL Assistance Dog in Training 🐾 Tino’s Next Big Adventure! Today, we’re celebrating Puppy Raiser Joanie, who has been an incredible part of Tino’s journey. Joanie has turned Tino over to DBL for formal training, and while saying goodbye is never easy, Joanie is already preparing for her next adventure—raising DBL Puppy Dakota, one of Cider’s pups. Joanie shared that raising Assistance Dogs has given her a profound sense of purpose, and she plans to continue making a difference for as long as she can. Thank you, Joanie, for your dedication and love for these amazing dogs! Meanwhile, DBL Apprentice Trainer Melissa has taken the lead in Tino’s formal training. We’re thrilled to share that Tino is already making strong eye contact and showing off his potential. We can’t wait to see him soar as he continues his journey to becoming an Assistance Dog. Let’s all cheer on Joanie, Tino, Melissa, and Dakota as they take on these exciting new chapters! #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram #followupfriday #puppyraiser

Focused, Determined, and Oh So Good! Check out Assistance Dog in Training 🐾 Scully hard at work! Despite the tempting challenge of scattered kibble all around, Scully stayed laser-focused and showed off those impressive self-control skills. These small but mighty moments are what prepare our pups to become life-changing companions for those in need. Way to go, Scully! #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram

🎄🐾 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Dogs for Better Lives! 🐾🎄 This season, we’re reminded of the joy and hope that our Assistance Dogs bring to those they serve, all made possible through your support. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday filled with peace, love, and plenty of paw-sitive moments! Thank you for being part of our mission. #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram #happyholidays #merrychristmas

Last week, our amazing DBL WST trainers and Assistance Dogs in Training made a special visit to the Harry & David Corporate Office! The team had the opportunity to introduce the incredible work of our dogs, practice greetings, and bring smiles to the faces of the Harry & David staff. A huge thank you to Harry & David and especially Rhonda, for their unwavering support of Dogs for Better Lives. Your generosity, including sponsoring the 2024 Bone AppeTREAT, helps us continue changing lives—one wagging tail at a time! 📸 Here's a snapshot of the fun with our trainers Claudia, Jenny, Eli, Emilia, Dana, and Melissa with Rhonda from Harry & David along with Assistance Dogs in Training 🐾 Magna, 🐾 Morales, 🐾Jacob and 🐾 Luke and CHD 🐾 Lupo #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram

⏳ Only 8 Days Left! ⏳ Make a tax-deductible gift before 12/31 & double your impact! Thanks to a $75K match, we’re raising $150K to fully fund THREE #ServiceDogs for 2025. Every donation helps us reach our goal! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dF-rq_rZ

Follow-Up Friday with Career Change Dog 🐾 Jemma Back in 2011, CCD Jemma was adopted by our Program Department Advisor, Emily, after deciding that the Assistance Dog life wasn’t quite her calling. Since her “career change,” Jemma has embraced the good life—exploring the great outdoors on peaceful nature walks and enjoying cozy naps on the couch. From her early days to now, Jemma has brought so much joy and love to everyone around her. Sometimes, the best careers are the ones filled with belly rubs, adventures, and all the couch time you could ever want! Swipe to see Jemma’s glow-up from 2011 to today! #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram #followupfriday

Exciting News: Dogs for Better Lives is Expanding in Texas! In January 2025, DBL Regional Advisory Board – Texas officially launches, bringing together passionate volunteers dedicated to advocating, fundraising, and spreading awareness for Dogs for Better Lives across the Lone Star State. Under the leadership of Chair Lauren Hausheer, RAB-TX will champion programs like the From Shelter to Service Dog Program and deepen community connections through innovative initiatives and partnerships, including with Operation Kindness in Carrollton. "I'm excited for RAB-TX to expand its outreach, deepen community connections, and create an even greater impact," shared Lauren. RAB-TX will also participate in North Texas Giving Day, alongside national campaigns like Puppy Love (February) and Barks & Brews (September). Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxuyJbqg Join us in making a difference! We're looking for passionate volunteers to support our mission of enhancing lives through Service Dogs. https://lnkd.in/gmsxmeWk Let’s create a bigger impact together! 📷 RAB-TX chair Lauren Hausheer and her rescue 🐾 Duncan. #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram #regionaladvisoryboard

Assistance Dog in Training 🐾 Magna is pawsitively showing off her impressive "Leave It" skills while hanging out with her fluffy stuffed animal friends! Training moments like these help Magna stay focused and calm as she works toward becoming an incredible Assistance Dog. Who else thinks she deserves a treat for being such a good girl? #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram

Holiday Cheer Meets Training Excellence! Our trainers Claudia, Dana, Eli, and Jenny took Assistance Dogs in Training 🐾 Mango, 🐾 Lincoln, 🐾 Scully, 🐾 Nana, 🐾 Morales, 🐾 Williams, and 🐾 Magna on a special training town trip to Hobby Lobby! With Christmas decorations dazzling all around, these amazing dogs worked on their focus, calmness, and obedience in a busy, real-world environment. Trips like these are a regular part of our training program—helping our dogs prepare for their future roles as life-changing companions. From navigating aisles to staying composed amidst festive distractions, every outing builds confidence and skill for both dogs and trainers. Plus, with our climate-controlled vans, the journey is just as comfortable as the destination! 🎥 Watch the video to see how these pups shine amidst the holiday sparkle. Comment below if you spot your favorite decoration or future Assistance Dog superstar! #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedogintraining #servicedog #servicedogintraining #servicedogsofinstagram #hobbylobby

🐾 Assistance Dog in Training Mighty’s Monthly Update! 🐾 Training Focus: Mighty is honing his obedience skills and diving into new tasks for the Hearing Dog program. He’s also practicing during regular public outings to perfect his focus and confidence in new environments. Adventures This Month: Mighty enjoyed a scenic wildlife nature walk at Crane and visited the Falmouth Shopping Center, where he showcased his calm demeanor and impressive focus. Fun Fact: Mighty has started learning advanced hearing tasks and is making amazing progress with his hearing alerts! He’s well on his way to becoming a life-changing companion. 💙 Let’s cheer Mighty on as he continues his journey to make a difference! #dbl #dogsforbetterlives #assistancedog #assistancedog #servicedog #servicedogintraining #puppylove #MightyHero #HeroInTraining #ServiceDogJourney #PawPatrol #Mighty