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"Do Something Worth Remembering" -- Elvis

Updated: Jun 6

When Amy lost her first SDI Service Dog Mystic to old age, she knew she wanted to keep her independence with a Successor Service Dog. Enter the one and only Elvis.

 

Adopted from Williamson County Animal Shelter in Georgetown, this handsome Labrador mix has the charisma, work ethic and love of people to make him the perfect match for Amy. With Elvis at her side, she can continue to steer her own nonprofit, using horses to support those with mental health challenges.

 

After a week of Team Training at SDI, we moved Elvis into his own Graceland with Amy and her husband DJ in Ennis, Texas. Our amazing Trainer Izzy Harris travels there weekly to conduct their three months of In-Home training, all free of charge to Amy.

 

Now That's All Right!


Special thanks to the Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation for a $50,000 grant to sponsor Elvis! Won't you chip in to support other clients and dogs in our training program?



Diane & Jaguar Graduate

First it was the wheelchair. Then it was the walker. Finally, the cane.

 

Since Jaguar came into her life, Diane, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, has been discarding all sorts of items she no longer needs.

 

In May, Diane and Jaguar passed their certification exam. This includes a tough public access test in a store and restaurant.

 

Diane writes:

Jaguar had his beautiful “Saving Day” when Tailer adopted him, bringing him to SDI, where his “New Life” began.  He started putting on some weight he needed badly to strengthen his very skinny body.

Jaguar, became his name, and the amazing trainers at SDI began teaching this disregarded pup!

 

After time and hard work, this dog Jaguar has become my indescribably devoted, loving Service Dog! We went on training outings with Izzy, our  trainer, to stores like Target, Home Goods and Mc Donald’s and Chick-Fil-A and such. As we bonded, our connection 

grew to work as one!  

 

We just passed the PUBLIC ACCESS TEST so it’s all official now!  

 

We walk and walk, as I hold onto the wheelchair handles, many times each day

Which has strengthened my legs and arms too.  The activity I now have keeps me moving, improving all my muscles.

 

I can now get out to stores and Jaguar loves that too!  His help at home is so mastered, he has become on Auto Pilot, closing every door, draw, cabinet that I open.  We both have a rewarding reaction each time. He will open doors when asked, as well!!

 

He retrieves items for me, and in his playfulness he steals washcloths and a small towel from the kitchen or whatever has to do with me ~ and some attention. 

 

He is always by my side to steady my balance and assist with my standing and moving around.  He is my companion and emotional support assisting me everyday!!

 

Jaguar has changed my life, and I guess I changed his.   

 

Thank you SDI for everything you do 

Saving these dogs, and saving people!

 

Diane Len


Adopted from Austin Animal Center

Sponsor: 80% by The Lowe Foundation; 20% by your donations. Please consider a gift to support our other clients and dogs!




Jackson & Disco

Opening Doors

Despite a traumatic brain injury as a child, Jackson lives on his own. He recently moved from an apartment to his own house, the perfect time to welcome new Service Dog Disco into his life.

 

After an amazing week of Team Training at SDI in May, we move Disco in with Jackson in Corpus Christi this month! In addition to helping Jackson live his best life, Disco's new adventure includes discovering the beach. Not a bad gig for this twinkle toes!

 

Sponsor: C.C. Carlton Industries

Adopted from: PAWS Shelter of Central Texas


Most of our Teams do not have Sponsors. Please consider a donation to support other dogs and clients in our training program





A Little Banjo Going A Long Way


Deputy Wayne Hudson went from 25 years of patrol with the Gillespie County Sheriff's Department to serving as their new Mental Health Officer.

 

In May, Deputy Hudson and Banjo completed their Team Training at SDI. Now, we will move Banjo to Fredericksburg to live and work with Deputy Hudson to support the Sheriff's Office and citizens of Gillespie County.

 

As their new Facility Dog, Banjo will help Deputy Hudson connect with people in crisis. "We had a teenage girl who had been trafficked around the state. She is finally with her dad. She wouldn't go to school. She wouldn't talk to anyone. I see Banjo making real difference with her."

 

Banjo will also support his fellow officers. "In the biggest cities in Texas, they'll see mental health issues as being weak," he said. "Sheriff Ayala here wants to support our officers. Banjo will help us do exactly that. You can't look at him and not smile."


Sponsor: Your donations needed. Please consider contributing today!

Adopted from: Williamson County Animal Shelter




Monte Warden

MTDW Grand Marshal!

We are thrilled to announce that Texas music icon Monte Warden will serve as Grand Marshal for our 25th Annual Mighty Texas Dog Walk, Nov. 22!

 

Monte's songs have recorded by artists such as George Strait (“Desperately”), Josh Turner (“Lovin' You on My Mind”), Patty Loveless (“Up Against My Heart”) and Travis Tritt (“I Wish I Was Wrong”).

 

A lifelong dog lover and 7th generation Texan, Monte graciously accepted our invitation to Lead the Pack of 2,000 Austin dog-lovers and their best friends to support SDI!

Monte and his band The Dangerous Few set the stage on fire the third Thursday of each month at Kris Kimura’s famous Parker Jazz Club in Austin. So far, he's sold out 47 shows in a row. Don't wait to get your tickets for the June 19, 7:30 pm show today!

 

And don't forget your Mighty Texas Dog Walk tickets, too! Bonus, see Monte, his family and his canine pal Matlock in the Pace Car



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