How One Service Dog Turned a Difficult Weekend Into a Triumph

When nine-year-old Lucas arrived at his first District Championship swim meet last month, he came ready to compete. While his family usually brings his service dog SDV Tulley everywhere, they expected Friday to be a short day and decided to leave her home.

That plan changed fast. Lucas qualified for finals, turning Friday into a nearly 10-hour day. The noise, the crowds, the intensity of elite-level competition —became too much. Lucas experienced multiple panic attacks and reached a point where he no longer wanted to keep swimming.

It was a gutting moment. It was also an undeniable reminder of what Tulley means to him.

Lucas swam exceptionally well. He made state cuts and became one of the youngest swimmers in his practice group to qualify for states. But his mom says the most important thing wasn't the times or the qualifying standards.

“More importantly, he rediscovered confidence and enjoyment in the sport.”

Tulley's impact went beyond the water. Newly competing in the 9–10 age group, Lucas didn't know many of the older kids — and that kind of social uncertainty carries its own weight. Tulley became a natural bridge. Teammates gravitated toward her, asked questions, and suddenly Lucas had an easy, comfortable way in. Even the coaches found moments throughout the meet to stop by Tulley for a little calm and reset. By Sunday, she had unofficially become the team mascot.

This is what your support makes possible. Every donation to Service Dogs of Virginia helps train dogs like Tulley — and gives kids like Lucas the chance to show the world exactly what they're made of.

Join Service Dogs of Virginia at Eastwood Winery for an evening of fun and support of our favorite furry friends. This special event will feature a showcase of local dog-focused rescues and nonprofits, each sharing their mission and stories.

We hope you’ll stop by our booth, say hello, and cast your raffle ticket vote for Service Dogs of Virginia as your favorite nonprofit of the evening!

Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings at each organization’s booth and the opportunity to connect with fellow animal lovers while supporting organizations making a difference.

Make a full evening of it with live music by Lenny Burridge from 5–8 PM, plus dinner and all of Eastwood’s offerings — award-winning wines, local beer, crisp cider, and delicious food options.

Sip, savor, and support — and don’t forget to vote for SDV!

We can’t wait to see you there!

We are thrilled to introduce two incredible additions to the Service Dogs of Virginia team this spring.

Her favorite work by far has been serving as a lead trainer in a pet/prison program, where she spent eight years working in various correctional facilities. Virginia brings a wealth of experience and passion to this role and is especially excited to join Service Dogs of Virginia as we expand our program into a local prison.

Jessica holds a PhD in particle physics from the University of Virginia, and she is thrilled to bring her love of math and science into her work as Breeding Colony Manager — where science and service dogs converge. We are so grateful to have her passion and dedication in this expanded role!

Puppy Raisers play a vital role in the early development of our service dogs. As a puppy raiser, you will open your home and your heart to a young dog, providing socialization, basic training, and the love and stability they need to grow into the remarkable animals that change lives like Lucas's.

Nights & Weekends Volunteers — Our dogs in advanced training spend their days working hard at our training center Monday through Friday. What they need from you is a loving home to come back to in the evenings, on weekends, and over holidays. It's a deeply rewarding way to be part of a dog's journey without the full-time commitment of puppy raising.

Not the right fit for you right now? That's okay! If you know someone who might be interested, please pass this along — you never know whose life could change, both theirs and the dog's. To learn more or to sign up to volunteer, click the button below.