Welcome to Dogs for Autism
Great Things are Happening
We've had a great summer! Thanks to your help we've raised more than $15,000 for urgent program needs. Our grant application process is in high gear, and we're optimistic about receiving some major funding starting in November. Our current dogs are making good progress in their training, and we've solved a big piece of the training puzzle by identifying a large, ongoing source of puppy raisers. (Now THAT is really exciting stuff!)
Speaking of puppies, Dogs for Autism is expecting three litters in October, which will make for a fun-but very busy-month. A number of the puppies will be headed out to various guide dog agencies in New York and Michigan, and even Switzerland and Holland. Having a larger number of pups at one time allows us to combine efforts with other programs; the pups best suited for DFA have quite different personalities than those appropriate for guide work. As each litter contains a "range" of personalities, having a larger number of pups at one time allows more efficiency in choosing which ones should go where.
Speaking of exciting stuff, DFA has been chosen as one of the class projects of Leadership Greenville's Class #35-if you're not familiar with Leadership Greenville, you can read about it on the website of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, www.greenvillechamber.org. Short version: a team of successful Greenville business leaders has decided to help us create a facility for all those puppies and momma dogs. Having a central location specifically for that purpose will greatly streamline the process, including allowing for more volunteer help and interaction with the puppies.
Meanwhile, our challenge is to make sure there is cash on hand for the ongoing needs of September and October. We estimate We have the following urgent needs for training expenses and puppy prenatal care: $1,900 by October 19th. $7,800 by October 1st. If we could find 435 people willing to contribute $20.00 each, we'd be in excellent shape. Can you please help us? Can you ask a friend to help also? These little faces are counting on you!
