Service Dogs of Virginia: See How Your Sponsored Dog Is Progressing

SPONSOR A DOG

THIRD QUARTER UPDATE

We’re happy to share updates on our incredible service dogs in training—each one has their own story, personality, and progress. Three siblings born in November 2024 are finishing up their advanced training and will soon begin their work as life-changing service dogs, while the rest of our pups are just starting—or about to start—their advanced training journeys.

Each dog has their own story, personality, and progress, and we can’t wait to share their journeys with you. Read on to meet each of these incredible pups and see how far they’ve come!

SDV REMY

Remy is every inch a gentleman, kind and considerate, never pushy. He has an even disposition and takes everything in stride. He recently changed homes and now shares life with two cats. He thinks they are fascinating and eagerly tries to make friends and play with them. The cats are not so inclined. He likes to lick people but is learning that not everyone likes to be on the receiving end, so he can now exercise restraint when asked. He is a Velcro dog who wants to be very close to his person and has been matched to a former First Responder with PTSD.

SDV AUGIE

August is a beautiful, sleek, muscular girl who displays a lovely balance of energy and patience. We are working on impulse control with jumping- mostly over gates but occasionally up on people. We had hoped to breed her because she is a strong candidate but she has a sibling with a health issue so even though she is quite fabulous, she was eliminated from the breeding pool. She has been doing on the job training at a counseling center at UVA and will likely be matched there. August is a joyful, loving dog who will be an enormous asset to the student population in counseling.

SDV STRATOS

Stratos, our class clown has grown up, mostly. He loves children and displays great sensitivity around their energy, keeping calm but engaged. He will still bark at other dogs playing, wanting to be the one with the toy, but he will also remove himself from the game and lie quietly with people when the other dogs are still playing. Stratos has been matched with a child on the autism spectrum and is learning to have a little person tethered to his vest to keep him from running off.

SDV WOODY

Woody is a big, handsome boy with a kind heart and easy disposition. He is utterly reliable in public settings, with children, and can work for praise alone, treats not required. He has had multiple gut issues requiring special diets and we hope we have finally found the right food to keep him on an even keel. He is learning to use his rear end to jump on a low table instead of stepping slowly with each foot. He is also developing his confidence in walking on the treadmill.

SDV NITRO

Nitro is calm and steady in public. On outings he needs very little information from his handler except for extra support on odd surfaces. He is learning the diabetic alert work, including a strong, solid bump that will notify his person that they need to check their blood sugar. When playing with other dogs, Nitro has a completely different personality. He is extremely physical, all rough and tumble. We love the way he has two very different ways of being in the world and knows how to manage his energy for work.

SDV PENNY

She’s a girl with an agenda, Penny knows where she is going and how fast she wants to get there. She loves using her nose and we are channeling this strong desire into productive use. She has started her medical alert training where she will tell us when she smells the target scent. Currently she is learning the diabetic scent but can easily transition to mast cell or low cortisol if needed. She also loves to “find the kit”, an exercise where she searches a room to locate and retrieve an emergency medical kit. We are still trying to figure out why, in certain stores, Penny refuses to go forward and sometimes is desperate to get out. We think it is odor related and hope to figure it out so that we can successfully place her.

SDV NOURI

Some days Nouri just wants to have fun. Other days,she is ready to work, engage, and interact. We are trying to tip the scale so that her workdays increase and her party days decline. We are headed in the right direction and willing to take the time needed since she is just a little over a year old. Nouri has a very sloppy sit so we are working to increase her rear and core strength. Her training includes exercises such as going from a down to a stand and backing up stairs. She does these well and we see improvement all around.

SDV PERRY

Perry is a big personality in a small package. He has an easy attitude, makes friends with other dogs easily and fits right in wherever he goes. Perry has tons of experience going to restaurants where he can lie quietly during a meal. He enjoys a cuddle but doesn’t demand attention. He has just recently started advanced training and shows the potential to take on any challenge that comes his way.

Your support gives service dogs the training, veterinary care, and equipment they need to change lives. With your ongoing gift, these dogs gain the skills to bring independence and hope to people with disabilities. When you give, you’re not just helping a dog—you’re making a life-changing difference.

Give today and be part of their journey.

SPONSOR A DOG