I’m so excited about my new volunteer project! I’ll be working with Assistance Dogs of America Inc. to capture images for their newsletter and new website. I headed out to their Swanton facility to meet the staff and dogs and to hear a little more about what they need me to do. 

Everyone I met was SO nice and the dogs were amazing. Of course I got some pics of them while I was there and I can’t wait to share more from each time I go to visit.

To learn more about ADAI check out their website, and in case you are looking to adopt a dog, not all of them make it through the entire Assistance Dog program so they adopt out the "Fabulous Flunkies"  to families. It’s a great way to get a sweet and well trained dog who may just have a hard time giving up chasing squirrels but would make a fantastic pet (chasing squirrels seems to be a favorite hobby of my 2 dogs:)

Here are a few photos I grabbed of some of the dogs who are in training…

ADAI uses mostly Labs, Golden Retrievers, and mixes like Labradoodles & Goldendoodles. Every dog I met was well mannered and I had to restrain myself from wanting to take them all home, we already almost have a zoo!

The most platinum blonde Golden Retriever I’ve ever seen:)

Victor’s first time over the top:)

Zeus napping after a training session.

Love this guy, they told me he has one of the highest IQ’s of this group.

Dwight the Labradoodle.

This is Lydia, she just got back from the Puppy Prison Program and is ready for her evaluation:)

I really wanted to take Wixey home with me, who could resist a face like that?

And last but not least, Sierra, one of two resident cats. She helps the dogs get used to being around felines (as well as making visitors feel right at home:)

Hope you all enjoyed the photos, I can’t wait to learn more about how ADAI trains the dogs, and I really can’t wait to see the dogs in action to witness how they change people’s lives. I may also have the opportunity to go to the prison to see how the Puppy Prison Program works and to get some photos of the inmates training the pups.

Please go check out the ADAI website, and if you are inspired to help there are many ways to do so. One thing you can do right now is to text  DOGS to 20222, by doing this you will contribute $5 to Assistance Dogs of America* see below for details.

-Tabitha

 *A one time donation of $5 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All charges are billed by and payable to your m,obile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of ADAI by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to terms found at www.hmgf.org/t.  You can unsubscribe at anytime by replying STOP to short code 20222. Reply HELP to 20222 for help.