Shelter to Service Graduation
On Tuesday, November 11, Joybound People & Pets celebrated and honored our newest graduates of the Shelter to Service program. Three Shelter to Service graduate teams completed their training, and earned their official service dog vests. Through the power of the human-animal bond, these smart, loving dogs and their incredible handlers will help one another find a new leash on life.
Shelter to Service dog + handler teams graduated
hours of combined training to reach this goal
Thank you to everyone who made this milestone possible. We’re proud of our three newest Shelter to Service graduate teams and grateful to all who returned to celebrate. Their dedication, resilience, and partnership embody the very best of Joybound’s mission. Like all our graduating canines, these dogs will be re-evaluated on an annual basis to remain in the program.
Meet the Dogs
Only the dogs most-suited for service and support work are chosen and make it to the completion of this rigorous training process. Qualities we look for in canine candidates include: focus, confidence, affiliation, calmness, and response to reward-based training.
Here is a look at the incredible dogs who were part of this graduating class:
Lily
Role: Psychiatric Service Dog
Handler: John
Breed: Mountain Cur mix
Birth Date: May 9, 2021
Source Shelter: Fresno Humane Animal Services
Jet
Role: Home Helper
Handler: Francisco
Breed: Shepherd mix
Birth Date: September 14, 2022
Source Shelter: Fresno Humane Animal Services
Kubo
Role: Psychiatric Service Dog
Handler: Sam
Breed: Shepherd mix
Birth Date: May 1, 2023
Source Shelter: Tri-City Animal Shelter
A Day of Celebration (& Art)
After the ceremony, we opened our doors for a special reunion inviting all Shelter to Service graduate teams and their families to join us for an afternoon of arts and crafts. Veterans and their families jumped right in getting on the ground with their dogs to create original paw-powered masterpieces. “We set out canvases, brushes, markers, clay, and plenty of inspiration,” Explained Amanda Conlon, Shelter to Service Program Director. “Some families designed paw-print flowers or American flag-inspired art, while others sculpted clay keepsakes capturing the perfect impression of their dog’s paw.” Beyond the paint splatters and wagging tails, the afternoon offered something deeper: a chance to slow down, relax, and simply enjoy one another’s company.
Make the Next Class of Shelter to Service Graduate Teams Possible as a Volunteer Foster Trainer!
About Shelter to Service
Shelter to Service matches participants with psychiatric service dogs, facility animals, and emotional support animals. This personalized matching service connects each applicant with an animal who will complement their lifestyle and help them achieve their goals. Additionally, Shelter to Service now offers psychiatric service dog training for personal dogs.
Through the power of the human-animal bond, these smart, loving animals help people diagnosed with emotional and mental health conditions find a new leash on life. Shelter to Service currently matches program participants with the following types of dogs:
- Psychiatric Service Dogs: Service dogs, including psychiatric service dogs, are trained in specific tasks to assist a person with a disability. Psychiatric service dogs are allowed anywhere their handlers are permitted, such as a movie theater, hospital, or restaurant. They are highly trained and socialized to be safe and unobtrusive in public. Shelter to Service can match qualifying applicants with a psychiatric service dog, or help them train their personal pet to be a psychiatric service dog.
- Facility Animals: Facility dogs and cats are trained in specific tasks to work alongside professionals and assist their clients. These clients include those in a healthcare, visitation, or educational setting. Their skills help improve client outcomes. Facility animals are allowed in the handler’s workplace, but not in other public places that are normally off limits to pets.
- Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Emotional support dogs and cats provide comfort to people with mental health conditions. Due to the Fair Housing Act, ESAs are allowed in housing, even if the property has a “no-pet” policy. They are not allowed in public places that are normally off limits to pets.
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