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 the teams themselves.

Click on a team below, or explore by program, listed below, to discover how these dogs have opened doors, built confidence, and brought greater freedom, safety, and joy to their lives.

  • A young boy sitting on the floor of a store aisle with a large Labrador retriever. The boy is wearing a gray cap, sunglasses, a colorful cartoon T-shirt, and black shoes, and is looking at a coloring book. The dog is lying next to him, looking at the camera, wearing a harness and leash.

    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

  • A woman hugging a service dog outdoors in a park.

    VA Tech Cook Counseling Center

    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.

  • A woman in a wheelchair outdoors smiling, with a black service dog wearing a red vest in front of her.

    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.

  • A woman in a red shirt sitting on the beach with a black Labrador retriever puppy, both smiling, during sunset.

    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.

  • A man smiling and crouching next to a yellow guide dog with a service dog vest, in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.

    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.

  • A man in a gray suit sitting on a wooden deck with a large yellow Labrador retriever dog lying beside him. The man has a light beard and is smiling. The dog is wearing a leafy green wreath around its neck.

    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.

  • Two therapy dogs, a yellow Labrador and a black Labrador, lying down in front of a sign that reads 'ReadyKIDS Entrance'. The dogs are wearing heart-shaped tags with the Ty logo. The background features trees, parked cars, and a brick sidewalk.

    ReadyKids and SDV William & SDV Clara

    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

  • A young girl in a blue winter coat, pink gloves, and pink snow pants crouches in the snow, holding a black dog by the collar in a snowy outdoor setting, with snow-covered ground and bushes in the background.

    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.

  • Smiling woman in EMS uniform sitting on grass with a yellow Labrador service dog.

    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.

  • A smiling man in a motorized wheelchair sitting outdoors in a wooded park with his arm around a yellow Labrador retriever dog wearing a blue harness.

    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.

  • A woman hugging a black Labrador retriever outside on a porch.

    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.

  • A man in a gray long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and a navy blue cap sitting on fallen autumn leaves beside a black Labrador retriever wearing a red harness. They are outdoors near a tree, with a pumpkin decoration in the background.

    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.

  • A person with short gray hair, wearing a black and white striped shirt, smiling and holding a yellow Labrador Retriever dog next to them in front of a quilted wall hanging.

    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.

  • A young boy with short blonde hair and a white t-shirt sitting on a log in a grassy area, smiling and leaning towards a black Labrador Retriever wearing a red harness, sitting beside him, in a lush green outdoor setting.

    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.

  • A woman kneeling next to a black Labrador retriever wearing a service vest, with a large black and white lighthouse in the background on a cloudy day.

    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.

  • A black service dog lying on the ground next to a brick wall, wearing a red harness with a black and white patch, and a leash attached.

    VA Beach Commonwealth Attorney's Office and SDV Zuhey

    For those navigating the court system, Zuhey’s calm, reassuring presence makes a lasting difference. Sitting quietly with witnesses, offering comfort, and helping foster trust, she ensures they feel supported and safe during difficult moments.

  • A young boy in a gray long-sleeve shirt, shorts, and red shoes standing on a forest trail with a yellow Labrador retriever sitting beside him surrounded by autumn leaves and trees.

    Elliot 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!

  • A woman kneeling on the sidewalk holding a leash attached to a black service dog wearing a red vest with a white symbol. They are in front of a white brick wall, smiling.

    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.

  • A man sitting on a bus with a black service dog. The man is smiling and wearing a green shirt and a black cap. The service dog wears a red vest and has its tongue out.

    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.

  • A person with short hair and a nose piercing taking a selfie with a large, happy dog with its tongue out, in an urban park with tall buildings and clear blue sky in the background.

    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.

  • An elderly woman standing with a cane and a guide dog in front of a poster for the musical Les Misérables. The poster shows a stylized face of a young girl with a red, black, and white design.

    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.

  • A young person with short hair is holding a large black service dog wearing a red vest labeled 'Service Dogs of Virginia.' The person is smiling and standing indoors with a window and a chalkboard visible in the background.

    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.

  • A woman with blonde hair in a ponytail walking a black dog with a red service vest along a seaside promenade. The background features a pier with a large statue and tall buildings.

    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.

  • A woman with two children and a guide dog at Disneyland with Sleeping Beauty Castle in the background on a rainy day.

    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