Life-Changing Partnerships
in Their Own Words
Since 2000, Service Dogs of Virginia has created over 125 life-changing partnerships between people and their incredible service and facility dogs. But don’t just take our word for it — hear directly from our teams about how these dogs have opened doors, built confidence, and brought greater freedom, safety, and joy to their lives.
JJ and SDV Finn
With Finn by his side, JJ is discovering calm, confidence, and connection—whether it’s making friends, navigating busy places, or gaining new independence in everyday life. Read JJ & Finn’s full story.
Va Tech Cook Counseling Center and SDV Josie
At Virginia Tech’s Cook Counseling Center, Rami saw firsthand the impact of Facility Dog Wagner and recognized the need for another four-legged partner to support students. Enter Josie, who now brings comfort, calm, and connection to students during their most vulnerable moments. Read about Josie’s impact.
Laura and SDV Judith
With cerebral palsy, everyday tasks can be challenging—but Judith brings independence, confidence, and kindness to every day. From fetching dropped items to opening doors, Judith makes life smoother and brighter. Read Laura and Judith’s story.
Maria and SDV Dougan
Starting her first apartment and college life felt overwhelming—until Dougan arrived. Maria’s service dog brings calm, confidence, and unwavering support every day. Read Maria' and Dougan’s story.
Didi and SDV Wylie
Moving away from home was overwhelming—until Wylie arrived. With her service dog by her side, Didi gained confidence, independence, and calm, transforming daily life and helping her thrive professionally and personally. Read Didi and Wylie’s story.
Hannah and SDV Clara
After being diagnosed with Addison’s disease, Hannah’s future felt uncertain—until Olive arrived. With her first service dog, she graduated college, landed her dream job, and gained the confidence to live independently. Now with her new partner, Clara, Hannah continues to thrive, safe, empowered, and unstoppable. Read Hannah and Clara’s story
ReadyKids and SDV William & SDV Chaya
At ReadyKids, creating a safe and supportive environment is key. With Facility Dogs William and Chaya, young clients gain comfort, calm, and confidence, helping them engage more fully in therapy and navigate challenging moments with support from four paws and wagging tails. Read about William’s and Chaya’s impact.
Donnie and SDV palmer
Living with PTSD often left Donnie navigating unpredictable challenges and overwhelming emotions. With Palmer, his service dog from Service Dogs of Virginia, those challenges feel more manageable. Palmer’s intuition, focus, and quiet presence give Donnie confidence and security every day. Read Donnie and Palmer’s story.
Bruce and SDV Whit
Bruce creates stunning art with a pencil in his mouth, but everyday tasks can be challenging. Whit, his service dog, provides essential support and independence—helping Bruce focus on his talent and live life on his terms.
Caroline and SDV Baldwin
Calm in the chaos, safety in the unexpected—Baldwin gives Caroline the steady support she needs, and her family the freedom they once feared was out of reach. Read Caroline & Baldwin’s story
Michelle and SDV Dottie
Life with PTSD can feel unpredictable and overwhelming for Michelle, an Army veteran and elementary school teacher. With Dottie, she finds comfort, focus, and the confidence to face each day. Read Michelle and Dottie’s story
Brendan and SDV Manci
On the verge of dropping out, Brendan found his footing—with a little help from Manci. His service dog didn’t just help him graduate; Manci gave him the confidence to live independently and thrive. Read Brendan and Manci’s story
Region Ten and SDV Ole
Ole works alongside his handler, Francee, at RegionTen in Nelson County, providing essential support to individuals navigating mental health, intellectual disability, crisis, and substance use services. His calm, reassuring presence helps create a safe and supportive environment for everyone he meets. Read about Ole’s impact
Sam and SDV Forest
When Forest came into Sam’s world in 2018, even simple outings—like going to the store or eating at a restaurant—felt impossible. Living with autism made everyday experiences overwhelming, but Forest brought calm, confidence, and connection, turning challenges into possibilities. Read Sam and Forest’s story
Joel and SDV Spirit
After serving in the Army, Joel faced a new kind of battle—life with PTSD. With Spirit, his service dog, he found more than support: he found comfort, confidence, and the courage to face life’s challenges.Read Joel and Spirit’s story
VT School of Design and SDV Aiden
Aiden, the second facility dog at Virginia Tech, supports students at the School of Design by offering comfort, connection, and a sense of relief amid the pressures of academic life. With his playful and calming presence, he helps students navigate challenges, find resilience, and regain perspective when they need it most. read about Aiden’s impact
Emily and SDV COnrad
Emily works at the Children’s Advocacy Center, providing trauma-informed mental health services to children and adolescents. With Conrad, her facility dog, by her side, she creates a safe and supportive space where clients feel comforted, staff feel supported, and healing can begin. Read about COnrad’s impact
Tamera and SDV Irene
When a yellow jacket sting put Tamera’s life at risk, Irene arrived—and became her lifesaver. From detecting blood sugar drops to emergency rescues, Irene isn’t just a dog; she’s a guardian and a partner for life. Read Tamera and Irene’s story.
Kindra and SDV Monroe
Living with Type 1 diabetes for 50 years, Kindra has faced countless challenges—but Monroe, her medical alert dog, has been a lifesaver. From detecting dangerous blood sugar drops to providing calm and confidence, Monroe makes every day safer and brighter. Read Kindra and Monroe’s story
Will and SDV Zach
Life after military service brought hidden challenges for Will, a veteran living with PTSD. With Zach, Will has found more than support—he’s found calm, confidence, and the ability to sleep again. Read Will and Zach’s story.
Adele and SDV Champ
With Champ by her side, Adele faces work and life with confidence, calm, and stability. From office breaks to therapy sessions, her service dog transforms challenges into moments of comfort and success. Read Adele and Champ’s story.
VA beach Commonwealth attorney’s office And SDV Zuhey
For those navigating the courthouse, Zuhey’s calm, reassuring presence makes a lasting difference. Sitting quietly with young visitors, offering comfort, and helping foster trust, she ensures they feel supported and safe during difficult moments. read about Zuhey’s impact
Lucas and SDV Tulley
For Lucas, Tulley is more than a service dog—she’s a calming force, a teacher of responsibility, and a source of peace for the whole family. Read Lucas & Tulley’s full story
Christine and SDV Ruffin
Living with a chronic nervous system disease, Christine relies on Ruffin, her service dog, for balance, support, and independence. Every day, Ruffin turns challenges into confidence and companionship. Read Christine and Ruffin’s story
Reagan and SDV Pearl
Facing Addison’s disease and the risks of adrenal crisis, Reagan’s life changed the moment Pearl arrived. Her service dog detects dangerous hormone drops before symptoms appear, giving Reagan the confidence to live independently and safely. Read Reagan and Pearl’s story
Elliott and SDV Ralph
Ralph brought calm, joy, and confidence to Elliott’s life—making everyday challenges easier and even stealing the show on a birthday trip! Read Elliot and Ralph’s story
Adele and SDV Champ
With Champ by her side, Adele faces work and life with confidence, calm, and stability. From office breaks to therapy sessions, her service dog transforms challenges into moments of comfort and success. Read Adele and Champ’s story.
Victor and SDV Holly
Life with PTSD meant constant mental battles for Army veteran Victor, made even harder by the unpredictability of daily life. With Holly, his service dog, he has a steady, reassuring presence by his side — bringing calm, confidence, and the strength to face each day. read Victor and Holly’s story
Adele and SDV Champ
With Champ by her side, Adele faces work and life with confidence, calm, and stability. From office breaks to therapy sessions, her service dog transforms challenges into moments of comfort and success. Read Adele and Champ’s story.