CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Eleven dogs became graduates, earning not a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but a lifetime of rewarding work helping the people who need their service most.
Through Service Dogs of Virginia, these young dogs finished two years of rigorous training to prepare them to become full-time service dogs. The nonprofit celebrated by inviting their trainers, clients, supporters, and the community to the Center at Belvedere, honoring what these dogs have completed and what they will go on to accomplish.
Members of Service Dogs of Virginia said the organization is only among three of its kind in the Commonwealth, and part of its work is to provide the service dogs, once trained, to their clients free of charge.
Lani Morrissey is a member of the SDV board said and the graduation ceremony drives home how impactful the service dogs can be.
“We’re here to celebrate the graduation of our excellent client-dog teams that have worked very hard over the last two years,” Morrissey said. “It’s just wonderful work and we’re here to celebrate that.”
All eleven of the dog’s trainers did so as volunteers, with some as young as high school age. Morrissey added the nonprofit is always looking for support.
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