VIPuppy Matching Campaign Announcement
- Service Dogs, Inc.
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
She had no home, no food, and no help. She didn’t even have a name. She nursed her puppies while surviving on trash—growing thinner and weaker with each passing day. But she never gave up on her babies.
When they were just two weeks old, someone found this thin red dog and brought her and her litter to Harris County Pets, a shelter overwhelmed with over 500 dogs. Ribs and hips jutting out, she curled protectively around the pups she’d given everything to, not daring to hope.
Then we met her.
Our Director of Training, Tailer O’Neill, had just launched a new idea: the Pilot Puppy Program. Could we adopt a nursing mother and her puppies—raise them in a safe, loving environment from day one—and train them into the most stable, confident, life-changing Service Dogs we’ve ever placed?
At first, the thin red dog with seven fluffy black puppies wasn’t chosen. We didn’t have space, and her litter was too large. But something about her stuck with Tailer.
A week later, he came back.
“I can’t stop thinking about that dog,” he said. “That was one of the best evaluations I’ve ever done.”
So we made room—for the thin red dog who’d tested so extraordinarily, her seven pups, and the possibilities ahead. We named her Siena, after the beautiful Italian Renaissance city.
She arrived exhausted, heartworm positive, and out of fight. But when she stepped into her clean suite in our "Muv’s House of Luv" kennel, she stretched, sighed, and finally rested. She knew: she and her babies were safe.
Now, Siena and her puppies are thriving—they’re growing, learning and playing with a treasure trove of toys, including their own baby pool!
But we can’t do this without you.
This innovative program—and Siena’s second chance—is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Your donation today will actually double in its impact! Thanks to a generous, and long time benefactor, and his companies below, all donations up to $20,000 are being matched!
So, will you help?
Your gift of $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more will fund the care, training, and veterinary support that Siena and her pups need to succeed. Every dollar brings them one step closer to serving a wounded veteran, a child surviving trauma, or brave first responders—and brings meaning to the lives Siena fought so hard to protect.
Please donate today.
Together, we’re giving these shelter dogs not just a home, but a purpose.
With heartfelt thanks,
Sheri Soltes
Founder and CEO
Service Dogs, Inc.
P.S. Siena’s story is just beginning—but they need you to continue. Please give today and be part of their journey from abandoned to indispensable. These 7 puppies—and their future partners—are counting on you.
