Welcoming Our First Team of 2026: Lt. O’Neill & Woody

Because of your support, Woody’s journey is becoming exactly what you hoped it would be: a life of purpose, partnership, and service.

When people hear “police dog,” they often imagine explosive detection or tracking suspects. But SDV Woody’s job will look different—and in many ways, even more personal. Woody has been selected for a special role with the UVA Police Department as a facility dog, working side-by-side with Lt. O’Neill to bring comfort, calm, and connection to people during stressful and vulnerable moments.

Picture a child separated from their parents at a crowded football game. Or a loved one waiting anxiously in the hospital for difficult news. In moments like these, Woody will be there—offering comfort without judgment and reassurance without words.

From puppyhood to placement, Woody has been shaped by training, time, and a whole community cheering him on. You helped make this placement possible. Thank you for investing in Woody’s journey—and in every person he will support at UVA for years to come.

We’re excited to share a new coffee collaboration with Aerial Resupply Coffee a veteran-owned business that proudly supports Service Dogs of Virginia.

Art Unleashed Update: The Dogs Have Arrived

Here’s what happens next:

• March: The dogs return briefly so a protective clear coat can be applied and pedestals can be built.

• July: The completed, painted dogs will be placed throughout Albemarle County for the community to enjoy.

And yes—we’re going to make it extra fun: we’ll be sharing a way for supporters to track them down and “collect” sightings—think of it as a county-wide dog hunt (no leash required!).

Save the Date: October 24

On October 24, we’ll host an Art Unleashed Auction at the CODE Building, where these painted dogs will be auctioned off. Proceeds will support the building of our new facility, helping us serve more Virginians living with disabilities.

Purchased dogs can be kept for personal display—or, if the buyer chooses, placed in select public locations as a creative way to spread the word about Service Dogs of Virginia.

To learn more about the artists and sponsors—and to follow along as the dogs come to life—visit: www.servicedogsva.org/artunleashed and stay tuned for updates!

Join Paw Partners—SDV’s monthly giving community—and help power our mission every month of the year..

Monthly gifts provide steady, reliable funding that helps us plan ahead and say “yes” when a dog or client needs what comes next—food, veterinary care, training supplies, team training, and all the little (and big) things it takes to raise and place life-changing service dogs.

When you become a Paw Partner, you’re not just making a donation—you’re joining the community that helps move dogs from training to placement and helps transform lives across Virginia.

As a thank-you, new Paw Partners receive an SDV service dog stuffed animal or an SDV grocery tote.