Facility Dog

Sponsored by Brown Collision Center big and happy, Legacy "Gus" began his career as a physical assistance dog for a Parkinson’s patient. After his original client passed away, Gus returned to SDV for additional training to be placed with another client as he was still young. He worked as a facility dog at Emory&Henry College in southwest Virginia and is currently working with his handler at Appalachian State in Boone, NC.

Facility Dog

Sponsored by Scott Wagner Integrated Medicine, Wagner is a lovable guy who enjoyed participating in our staff meetings by pulling up his own chair to join at the table. Wagner worked as a facility dog at The Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech and now works with his handler in her private practice.

PTSD Service Dog

Sponsored by L'Esprit de Campagne, Spirit was a pleasure to train and now works as a PTSD service dog for a retired Army Captain, Joel. Read about Spirit’s work supporting Joel here.

PTSD Service Dog

Sponsored by Scott Wagner Integrated Medicine, Palmer is one of Holly's litter of 10. Palmer is now working as a PTSD service dog for an retired naval officer.

Medical Alert Service Dog

Sponsored by Pearl's Bake Shoppe, Pearl is a fun and energetic girl and now works as a medical alert service dog for a recent JMU student who is now working as a Family Liaison with an elementary school.

Physical Assistance/Medical Alert Service Dog

Sponsored by Albemarle Dermatology and Signature Medical Spa, Bonnie helped her handler transition form law student to lawyer.

Fender-Bender, sponsored by Brown’s Collision, was an easy-going, affectionate, and handsome guy. Originally placed as a medical alert service dog, Fender returned to SDV in 2023 after his handler passed away. He then underwent training to become a facility dog and was successfully placed in August 2024 at UVA's Women's Center, where he brought comfort and support to many.

Sadly, Fender passed away in the spring of 2025 after a battle with cancer. We are grateful for his years of service and the joy he brought to so many lives. His gentle spirit and dedication will always be remembered.

Sponsored by Jefferson Area Motorcycle Squad, Jams is an sweet energetic girl with an efficiency for nose work. She is worked as medical alert dog for a little girl with Type 1 diabetes until the summer of 2023. She is now retired and living with her trainer Linda.

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Sponsored by Brown Collision Center, Axle is part of Nova's litter of nine. Axle was released from the program due to medical issues

Heiser was born in September 2020 to Nova. He was originally placed as a balanced dog for a young woman in college, but he was later returned when she felt she no longer needed the full support of a service dog. In the fall of 2023, Heiser found his new purpose and was successfully placed as a facility dog, where he continues to make a positive impact. He was named by the Hesier Foundation.

Facility Dog

Sponsored by Brown Collision Center, co-op puppy Lincoln came to SDV from Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Paws (EENP). Lincoln was placed as a facility dog in June 2023 and works with a psychologist who specializes in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and stressed family systems.

Michael was born in May 2021 and now works as a physical assistance dog for a person living with M.S. He was named by the Heiser Foundation.

PTSD Service Dog

Sponsored by HomeBase Credit Union, Cash II came to SDV from the ABC breeding co-op member NEADs in April 2022. Cash was placed in September 2023 and works as a PTSD service dog.

Sta was sponsored by The Order of the Eastern Star - Grand Virginia Chapter. Highly energetic, she struggled to settle into our program and was eventually released. However, she discovered her true calling and is now employed with the CIA.

Sponsored by HomeBase Credit Union, Finn came to SDV in February 2023 from the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in New York. Finn was placed as an Autism Service Dog in August 2024.

Clara, sponsored by High Point Digital, is a co-op puppy with an impressive background. Her mother comes from a program in Massachusetts, while her father is from a service dog organization in Europe, making Clara quite the international pup. One of her standout traits is her strong desire to stay close to her special person, which made her an ideal candidate for medical alert training. Clara was placed in November 2024 and now serves as a medical alert service dog.

Sponsored by The Order of the Eastern Star, Lily was a pup from SDV Maggie’s first litter. She began her advanced training in May 2024 and was placed in April 2025 as a facility dog with the University of Virginia Police Department. Due to circumstances that made the role no longer the best fit for her, Lily returned to us and is now happily transitioning into a new career. She is currently being trained as a medical alert dog for a client whose current dog is retiring.

Born on November 25, 2023, and generously sponsored by Stratos Solutions, Stratos quickly showed a natural love for being around young children. Because of his gentle temperament and eagerness to connect, he was selected and trained as an Autism Service Dog s. Today, Stratos works proudly as a dedicated Autism Service Dog for a little boy, providing support, and companionship every day.

Born at the end of November 2024, Augie has grown into a confident and compassionate partner in her role as a facility dog at the UVA Women’s Center. Her name was generously given by the Heiser Foundation, and she now brings warmth, comfort, and connection to everyone she meets.

Penny is the third dog to be named by our longtime sponsors, HomeBase Credit Union. Born on April 13, 2024, Penny came to SDV from a service dog organization in North Carolina. In April 2024, Penny began her advanced training.

Sherwood “Woody” came to us from NEADS. He’s a slow-and-steady, thoughtful dog who is well-suited for facility work. Woody is on track to be placed with the UVA Police Department in early 2026. He was named by the Heiser Foundation in memory of board member Gary Sherwood.

Perry, from our 2024 “Fourth of July” litter, was named by The Perry Foundation. He began his advanced training in the summer of 2025 and has been impressing us ever since with his enthusiasm and steady progress. If he continues on this wonderful path, we anticipate his placement in the summer of 2026.

Born on August 15, 2025, Jake came to us through an international breeding co-op and was part of a litter whelped at NEADS. He was named by The Henry L. and Grace Doherty Charitable Foundation. Jake is just beginning his journey with his second-time puppy raiser and is starting classes alongside fellow puppy-in-training, Justine. We’re excited to watch him grow and thrive! goes here