Classroom NEWS

Classroom News

FSDS Thanks the Phoenix Fire department

Albertsons award The FSDS recently received the grand prize award of $25,000 in the Albertson's Community Partners Challenge. Our sincere thanks to Albertson's Food Store and also to the staff and students at Arizona State University, as well as all of our supporters who voted for our program.

On hand to receive the award from the FSDS were Board President Kathe Neyer, Director of Training Andrea Patten, Program Spokesperson Det. Bill Weigt and his service dog "Zeus", FSDS student trainer Winston Carter and his SDIT "Zoey". They are joined by Albertson's 51st Ave. and Cactus store manager Josh Millan and staff.

Youth Programming- the FSDS service dog training program began on the campus of a local high school as part of a commitment on the part of the FSDS to provide quality youth programming. We are currently planning to expand our program to afford opportunities to more youths. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

If you encounter one of our teams in public, please remember the following rules of service dog etiquette:

Always approach a team from the front

Always respect the working space of a team

Always remember that working dogs are not pets and should not be petted or otherwise distracted when working

Click here to donate. Your support is appreciated.

Meet our teams!

marley sally Student trainer Sally Cebulski and SDIT "Marley".

Sally and Marley were the first team to be matched. Sally served as

a volunteer with our previous training class, and has returned as our

senior student to raise a dog with our current class. Marley is a pure

yellow lab and was donated to the program by his previous owner, who

was moving and unable to take Marley with him. This team has progressed to advanced skill training and is right on track to graduate early 2012. Sally and Marley are in need of a sponsor.

Student trainer Heather Chase and SDIT "Noah".

Heather is an exceptional teen who attends a local junior college.

Noah is a golden retriever / shepherd mix who was rescued by the

FSDS from a local shelter. Heather and Noah graduated from a local community college and are now attending ASU together. They are both a part of teh newly formed Campus K9 Club. Heather and

Noah are in need of a sponsor.

Student trainer Becky Brooks and SDIT "Bailey" (photo pending)

Bailey is a yellow lab who was rescued by the FSDS from a local shelter. Becky is a returning trainer with the FSDS and under her watchful eye Bailey is doing very well. They are expected to graduate and Bailey will be ready to take on his new recipient early 2012. Becky and Bailey still need a sponsor.

Student trainer Allison Cannon and SDIT "Nala".

Nala is a mixed breed who was rescued by the FSDS from a

local shelter. Allison is a student at ASU and an officer of the ASU Campus K9 Club, and is doing an outstanding job with Nala. Allison maintains our blog and has consistently gone above and beyond, making her a valuable asset to the FSDS. Allison and Nala are looking for a sponsor.

Student trainer Jim Cottrell and SDIT "Jett".

Jim Cottrell is a retired police officer, and was recently matched

with Jett, a pure German shepherd who was rescued by the FSDS

from a local shelter. Jim and Jett have settled in to their public life together and Jett recently took his first airplane ride and was a star passenger. Jim and Jett are still in need of a sponsor.

Student trainer Herta Weber and SDIT "Boris" .

Herta is a military veteran and is matched with Boris, a black lab mix

who was rescued by the FSDS from a local shelter. Boris is bright

and energetic, but is no match for Herta, a determined and dedicated

student who is doing a GREAT job. Herta and Boris are honored as the September Team of the Month for their excellent progress. Herta and Boris are in need of a sponsor.

Winston Zoey

Student trainer Winston Carter and SDIT "Zoey" have been

together since November 2010. Zoey is a lab mix with a gentle

temperament who is eager to learn. Winston is a research engineer at

ASU and has made a commitment to serve his community while

setting a strong positive role model for this students. They are doing well in class and in public and are expected to graduate with flying colors early 2012. Winston and Zoey are in need of a sponsor.

Jeannie Molly Student Trainer Jeannie Gambill and SDIT "Molly" pause

from their training for a photo. Jeannie consistently goes above and beyond, volunteering not only as a student trainer, but in tax preparation and other administrative tasks with the FSDS. They are doing a super job in mastering public access and advanced service dog skills and are expected to graduate early 2012. You can sponsor this team by clicking on the link below.

Sponsor a Pup

If you would like to learn more about our program, or inquire about becoming a sponsor for one of our dogs, please contact us. The FSDS can arrange for events and opportunities for sponsors to meet their dog.