I`m honored to share the difference my Saint Francis Service Dog

I’m honored to share the difference my Saint
Francis Service Dog, Pato, makes in my life every
day.
To highlight that difference, I‘ll begin by telling
you that I was born with cerebral palsy. Before
my first service dog came into my life, I wouldn’t
have had the courage to share that; I’d have
been too ashamed. For years, I thought other
people would see my disabled body and decide
there wasn’t enough to love—or even like—in
the person they saw. My legs, my eyes, my
hands, have never worked like most folks’ do.
I’m in constant pain. Even after decades of finding
and refining my coping skills, I admit my CP is
more than I can overcome.
But the lesson my service dogs have shared with
me is: THAT’S OKAY.
My amazing service dogs, Slugger, Kenda, and
Pato have each inspired me to define myself
not by what I must overcome, but by what I
have the courage to become.
It takes $25,000 to obtain, raise, train, and
place, a single Saint Francis Service Dog. That’s
not pocket change. Yet, as a service dog partner,
I’ll tell you that my current partner, Pato, is worth
every single penny of that and more. Much more!
Living with cerebral palsy means I cannot trust my
own body to do what I want it to do. But, thank
God, I can trust Pato. He’s always ready to lend
a paw (a very big paw) when I need him. He
supports me when I walk, steadies me when I
stand and helps me navigate steps and hills safely.
He’s also quick to run and get help when I need it.
Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but I routinely kiss
Pato’s big furry paws. I can’t help myself, because
to me those paws are priceless.
Pato’s priceless paws come with some seriously
strong legs. I depend on them and appreciate
them every day. Pato uses his strength to tug
things like heavy doors and even my laundry
basket. These days, I love doing the laundry—
who’d have thought? Thanks to Pato, I don’t have
to carry heavy loads of laundry from one room to
the next. He takes care of that for me. The way
my dog careens around corners and zips through
hallways with my dirty socks and t-shirts in tow
reminds me of a kid with a toy truck (except he
doesn’t make any vrooming sounds; he just snorts
and wags). I’ve not told Pato that laundry is actually
a chore. Some things are best left unsaid.
When it comes to my bond with my service dog,
some things don’t need to be said. Saint Francis
Service Dogs are trained to follow more than 50
commands (that means there are days when Pato
is sharper than I am). But the bond that Pato and I
now share goes beyond words, beyond commands.
Not long ago, I suffered a migraine headache and
became violently ill in the middle of the night. I
couldn’t speak, I couldn’t think. I just barely managed to get myself to the bathroom before getting
very sick. Pato followed me. Even without a single
word or command, he followed me. While I stood—
so sick—over the bathroom sink, my devoted dog
positioned himself behind me. He braced against
the backs of my legs and leaned gently into me.
He whined softly, as if wishing there were more
he could do to help. Even—or especially—in such
a challenging moment, Pato’s message to me was
clear: I’m here for you. I’m here no matter what.
He was. He is.
And my life is profoundly changed because of him.
When I was a little girl, my grandfather used to tell
me that every part of life offers the promise of
something good. Growing up with congenital CP,
I thought my grandfather was wrong. My CP only
brought pain, hardship, and frustration. But then
my remarkable service dogs helped me find my
something good—even amid the physical, emotional
and social challenges of CP.
The single good thing about having a disability is
having a service dog.
That’s a big responsibility for a dog like Pato. But
he’s not only willing, he’s happy, to shoulder the
load.
I know Pato’s willingness to shoulder such burdens
for me is driven by his heart. I also know his heart
belongs to me now thanks to other amazing hearts
who made our partnership possible.
The value of our partnership grows with each day we share.
I have been blessed to learn that—and to live it. My remarkable
service dogs have offered me independence, joy, and purpose
beyond anything I could have imagined. The only thing greater
than the difference they have made in my life is the difference
they continue to make . . . in my heart.
_____
Leigh Brill Singh shares her life with two Saint Francis
Service Dogs, Kenda (retired) and Pato. She is an
award-winning author and member of the board
of directors for Saint Francis Service Dogs. To learn
more, visit www.authorleighbrill.com.
Welcome, Kris Sorenson,
to the Saint Francis team!
Kris Sorensen joined the staff of Saint Francis
Service Dogs as Administrative and Development
Assistant in September of 2013 after having been
a volunteer for several years. Her trusty sidekick,
Basset Hound Leo, has also accepted a position
as Official Greeter at Saint Francis.
Kris grew up in northern Minnesota but moved
to Roanoke in 1994 and promptly lost the
northern accent. She has a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of
Minnesota-Duluth as well as a Master’s Degree
in Liberal Studies from Hollins University. Kris
is very active in local theatre and has directed,
acted in, or been involved with several productions
since moving to Virginia.
“I am so happy and proud to be a part of the Saint
Francis family. This is an incredible organization!”
Thanks to Purina for supplying all of the food and
treats for The Saint Francis Puppy Program, The Prison Pup Program, and The Training Program.
It takes two years and $25,000 to obtain, raise, train, and place a Saint
insurance reimbursements, or government funds. We need you
Please give the gift of independence and u
Eyes: Watches his partner’s
every move & anticipates
his partner’s every request
Brain: Retains &
executes over 50 tasks
Nose: Searches & retrieves
items for his partner; turns
light switches off & on, pushes
elevator buttons; & more!
Mouth: Retrieves items;
opens doors; bark alerts
for help; & gives kisses
Heart: Loyal & generous
beyond compare; &
gives unconditional love
Legs: Goes anywhere any time with his
partner& will get help when needed
Ea
h
t Francis Service Dog. We accomplish this without a revenue stream,
ur help. With your donation, you can be a part of the miracle.
unconditional love by making a donation.
ars: Listens intently for
his partner’s request
Intention: Dedicated to love
& serve; committed for life
Fur: Soothing to the
touch; calms nerves
Spirit: Provides comfort,
security, companionship,
& humor
Tail: Communicates
happiness & enthusiasm
Vest: Two years of training; permitted public
access; accredited by Assistance Dogs International
Memorials
Sandi Adkins in memory of Baron
Sandi Adkins in memory of Al Williamson
Sally Bagley in memory of Annie West
Nancy Barbuto in memory of Totoro
Hinkle
Jan Barnett in memory of Kismet "Kis"
Jan Barnett in memory of Ella
Mark and Kathy Baske Young in memory
of Cruiser
Richard Becker in memory of Frankie
and Daisy
Charlotte Bennett in memory of
Shortbread
Irene Betzel in memory of Albert F.
Betzel
Roger and Judith Binkley in memory
of our Golden, Buddy
Peggy Bizjak in memory of Harley
Eileen and Gwynn Board in memory
of Onyx
Lucy Burke in memory of Amy Lauth
Steve and Kathy Buttil in memory of
Mrs. Constance Corola Buscher
Dorothy Chidester in memory of A.B.
Chidester, Susan Hill, and Barkley
Diana and Maxie Coker in memory of
our precious, longtime friend and
companion, Cody
Hope Cogen in memory of Stefano Testa
A. and E. Constantinides in memory of
Rudasill Hume
True S. Coxe in memory of Rufus the
Good
Carter and Kay Craigie in memory of
Frodo
Nancy Cunningham in memory of Widget
Dana Cushing in memory of Bennie the
Boston
Deborah Dalon in memory of Naomi
Dalon
Anne Daly in memory of Don Daly
Barbara Daniel in memory of Bear and
Elvis, pride of the Lingerfelts
Julie and Baylee Dellinger in memory
of Gracie
Karen Desurcy in memory of Gabriel
Marcus Prince
Agnes Downie in memory of John
Downie and Pepper, and Ben Chidester
Lee Fitzgerald in memory of Rowdy
Howard K. Fortner in memory of Goldie
Howard K. Fortner in memory of
Cherokee
Martha Freaney in memory of Maggie,
Kodie, and Peyton
Albert and Carolyn Gard in memory
of Brent Fields
Nancy Gillespie in memory of Amy Lauth
Phyllis Hall in memory of my husband,
Tom Hall
David Harman in memory of Alex, Tori
and Athena
June Heim in memory of Red, Brandi,
Bonnie, Josh, Jordan and Rudy
Katie Highfill in memory of Angie
Susan Hill in memory of Clyde
Robert and Allyne Holland in memory
of Stella
John and Harriet Holm in memory of
Virginia Powers
John and Harriet Holm in memory of
Arnold Koopenaal
John and Harriet Holm in memory of
our longtime friend, Richard Keirnan
and in honor of his love of dogs
Mary Alice Howell in memory of
Sweetie
The Rev. and Mrs. Francis Hubbard in
memory of Charles T. Hubbard
Saundra Jeffries in memory of Maxi
Martha Kirk in memory of Junior Boone,
my dearest angel dog
Connie Kniseley in memory of Sandy
Wyatt and Talos
Gary and Jennifer Koogler in memory
of Marcella McCain and her faithful
companions, Max and Tink
Gary and Jennifer Koogler in memory
of Diesel
Mr. and Mrs. John Legg in memory
of Ilse Marx
Helgard Legg in memory of Helen
Vaughan
Christina Leonard in memory of
Victoria Leonard
Ernie and Kim Littlefield in memory
of Baron and Harley
Bob and Alice Lively in memory of
Maxine Bosserman
Donald and Virginia Lynch in memory
of Alice G. Huff
Joan Martin in memory of April, the
Greyhound
Susan Martin in memory of Maggie
and Nicki
Janet McKibben in memory of Joshua
D. Bailey
Philip Montano in memory of Wiggles,
Pepper, and Bella
Diane Montemayor in memory of
Barbara Harrison
Kathy Morck in memory of Marlene
Halsey
Clay and Mike Morrissett in memory
of Joe Gwaltney
Clay and Mike Morrissett in memory
of Mr. William Perkins
Marcella Murray in memory of James
Garland Cline
Barbara Neal in memory of Ruby
Betty Nichols in memory of Howard
B. Nichols
Bob and Laurie Nunnery in memory
of Pepper
Stephen and Judith Ogle in memory
of Jake and Onyx
Stephen Pave in memory of Lee
Gollwitzer
Linda Perdue in memory of Ruby
Linda Perdue in memory of Joe
Linda Perdue in memory of Morgan
Linda Perdue in memory of Richard
Guillot
Linda Perdue in memory of Ann
Burnley
Don and Jaye Poole in memory of Kidd
Mary Louise Puritz in memory of
Cooper Ridley, a great dog
Jack and Mary Rapoport in memory
of Opal Kingery
Hope Rector in memory of Betty
George
Vickie Rife in memory of Coy Bowling
The Doctors and Staff at Roanoke
Animal Hospital in memory of Jacob
Dickie Roe in memory of Luke Woody
Pamela Schmidt in memory of PJ for
Valentine's Day
Susan Schott in memory of Frances
F. Hollander
Regina Schwabe DVM in memory of
Bella
Regina Schwabe DVM in memory of
Miss Emmy
Joseph and Barbara Sciacca in memory
of Staciu and Lady
Phyllis Sexton in memory of Peter
Presley Thornton
Michael Shelton in memory of BUL3
J.F. Peck, VSW KIA Vietnam
Michael Shelton in memory of BUH3
F.G. Goelz, USN, KIA Vietnam
Pat Simpson in memory of my
precious dog, Li'l Bit
Kathy Slack, Nancy Moorhead, The
French Family, and The Haddads in
memory of A.J.
Jack and Terri Smith in memory of
Jenni Banks Neal
John H. Smithey, Jr. in memory of
Mr. Bentley H.M. Stanley
John and Eleanor Spegele in memory
of Pepper, June 1999-February 2013
Jan Stice in memory of Ruby
Greta Stull in memory of Linda, Eddie
and Girls
Theresa Sullivan in memory of Heart
Clark
Ann Z. Tankersley in memory of
Lawson Beckley
The Richards Family in memory of
Chili David, Margot, Gavin and Claire
Tingler in memory of Blaze
Larry and Marie Tressa in memory
of Judy Toobert
Nancy Tucker in memory of Casey
Krista Vannoy in memory of Bogie
Ann B.Vernon in memory of Howard
C. Smith, Sr.
Judith Walter in memory of Homer
Rentiger Bear Cat
Williamson Road Church of the
Brethren in memory of Drake Rubush
Faye Wingate in memory of Precious and
Diamond
Fran Young in memory of Rusty
Marni and Andy Zevon in memory of
Gloria Raftery
In Memory of William Connor
Robert and Sally Cone
Robert and Janet Craver
Ray and Julie Crescenzo
James and Clara Duggins
Mark Guenther
Robby and Eloise Hassell
Industrial Air, Inc.
Ken Johnson and Jo Joyce
Bill and Else Knott
Mac, Alexandra and Olga Ramsay
William and Pamela Ruane
The Staff of Adams Electric Company
In Memory of Gary Vickers
Nan Avery and the Alzheimers Caregivers
Support Group
Jack Bunce
Richard Coram
Robert and Sandy Cowen
John and Sue Dickman
Economics Department of Auburn University
Gary and Jennifer Koogler
Susan Miller
Gary Price Bernhard and Nancy Schwaninger
Kim Toothman
Amy Turner
Doug Waldo
In Memory of Mildred Cook Jofko
Ann Cathey
Laurie Cook
Samuel and Ruth Cook
Sam Cook
Laurie Cook
Samuel and Ruth Cook
Sam and Frances Cook
John and Julie Danstrom
Cynthia Payne
Nancy Shelby
Shi Kang Sorority
Kathryn Snead
Jane Steele
Mary Lou Temple
Betty O. Williamson
In Memory of Carol Lee Morrison
Margaret Martin and Mary Sue Bowman
Bernadine G. Lester
Ray and Joyce Lester
Mike and Mindy Lewis
Jim and Mary Lynn Walker
Margaret Woolwine
In Memory of Wallace O’Conner
T.J., Emily, Tyler, and Carter Allen
Martha Anderson
Kathy and Alice Baker Dana and Steve
Esworthy and Children
Marshall and Donna Fox
Lori Jones
Connie Kniseley
Ellen McKinnon
In Memory of Sandra Barker Whittle
John and Julie Danstrom
Johnson, Equi and Co., PLC
Beverly and Tyler Pugh
Carole Stalling
In Memory of Jeanne Farabaugh
Nancy Cunningham
Dana Dreczka
Dorothy Farabaugh
Becky Mullinary
Sharon Waters
Honorariums
Lynn, Kim, and Kayla Brock in honor of our
Golden, Sassy
Julie Buchanan in honor of Charlie Riddle
Donald Bull in honor of Ursula Kurzmann for
her birthday
Caldwell and June Butler in honor of Conner
Evelyn Chianelli in honor of Gene Chianelli and
Guinness
Judith Conley in honor of Stephen J. Aukward
Donna DeWeil in honor of Devon Fretwell and
Cyrus
Kevin and Nancy Dye in honor of Nikki
John and Charlotte Engleby in honor of
Kathleen White
Eva and Calvert de Coligny Fund in honor of
Dr. James Lampros
Donna De Weil in honor of Devon Fretwell
and Cyrus
Jed and Dana Dehart in honor of Cody Frye
Carolyn DiMambro in honor of Sophie
Dorothy Dodson in honor of Karen and Tom
Whitt's 25th Anniversary
Carol Downey in honor of Caramine Kellam
Randall Gross in honor of Summer and Meadow
Leil and William Hackett in honor of Penny
Lowe, Brown Stegall, and Sandy
Jennifer Hamlen in honor of Liz Parr
Anne M.Hjort in honor of Sarita - Merry
Belated!
Frederick Howe and Gayle Shelden in honor
of Lambeau
S. Caecilia Hubbard in honor of Carol and
Doug Willoughby
Joan Hunter in honor of Clay Morrissett
Emily Keyser in honor of Sarah Rubush and
Drake
Gloriadene Lancaster in honor of Janet Wynot
Annie and John Lichtenstein in honor of Mark
Finkler
Shirley Linkous in honor of my dog Cleo and
grand dogs Cassie and Nick
Emily Logwood in honor of Marcia Paul
Rob Maddox in honor of Monte, 16 year old
Golden Retriever
Kristen McCraw in honor of Dev McCraw
Rebecca McCray-Brown in honor of Little Bit
Dorothy Mundy in honor of Mr. and Mrs.
Richard Cummins
Orlean Volunteer Fire Department in honor
of Jake Jones, Bodie, and Paris
Rebecca Perdue in honor of Jasper, Merlin,
Mr. Bill, Moose, Piper, Sammy, Sophie,
Wiggins, and Woody
Marty and Jami Poff in honor of Zack and
Brooks Poff
Ronald and Marlene Read in honor of Katie
and Ryan Read
Hope Rector in honor of my grandchildren
Hope Rector in honor of Thomas Rector
Larry and Betty Reed in honor of Janet Wynot
Carol Reedy in honor of Joy, our dog
Alfred and Patricia Revels in honor of Elizabeth
Revels and Zeus
Starr Shank in honor of Nicholas
John and Jane Shoemaker in honor of all in need
David Weaver in honor of Rita Weaver
The Roanoke Smithey Family in honor of
Martha Brown, Jean and Tom Denton, Sally
and Sam Craver, Barbara Dickinson, Broaddus
and Luann Fitzpatrick, Kitty Coxe Koomen,
Clay and Mike Morrissett, Rebecca Perdue,
and Evelyn Turner
Jim and Amy Thurston in honor of Leonard
Shank on his 80th birthday
Recognitions
The Helen Cadd Elderly Protection Fund of
Foundation for Roanoke Valley
Kelly Bonhotel in recognition of Sammie and
Scout
Christine Cadwallader in recognition of Ozzie
Nancy Chabot in recognition of Wendy
Rannie and Cheryl Clifton in recognition of
Mildred Greer
Virginia Dameron in recognition of Sarah
Judy and Dave Derr in recognition of Champ
Joseph and Sharon Duckwall in recognition
of Sandra Reynolds
Bob and Judy Griffith in recognition of Chaing
Michele and Greg Haley in recognition of Buster
David Harman in recognition of Athena
Robert and Sharon Lowman in recognition
of Junior Clements
Harold and Marion McComsey in recognition
of Puddles
Celia Michalski in recognition of Darlene
Haymond
Marty Montano in recognition of KiKi and Becca
Jeff Puckett in recognition of Freda Metz
Pam and Dale Rucker in recognition of Cabo
Lynn Schedler in recognition of Leo
Dorothy Schmidt-Wilkie in recognition of
Molly, a wonderful dog
Walter and Bonnie Skelton in recognition of
our son, Travis Skelton, and "Charley Brown"
Linda Sorrells in recognition of Leon Buchanan
Carrie Souter in recognition of Greg Tolzmann
Joanne Lisa Strauch in recognition of Mayrose
Lisa
The Girls at Good Looks and Bliss in
recognition of Sally Fishburn Crockett
WaterWorks Pools, Spas & Outdoor Living
in recognition of Poppy
Karleta Wood in recognition of my dog, Koko
P.O. Box 19538
8232 Enon Drive
Roanoke, VA 24019
(540) 342-3647
www.saintfrancisdogs.org
Saint Francis Service Dogs is a non-profit, 501(c)(3)
organization that raises and trains service dogs
for children and adults with disabilities.
An envelope is enclosed for your convenience
if you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution
to support the mission of Saint Francis Service Dogs.
A financial statement is available upon written
request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.

8232 Enon Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019
For directions and more info, visit: www.saintfrancisdogs.org
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