Joybound Expands Shelter to Service Foster Program, Adds Vocational Dog Training
Jeff Thomas and Maddie at Walnut Creek’s 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony representing Joybound’s Shelter to Service Program.
Retired Air Force Sergeant Jeff Thomas walked on stage from behind the curtain at the Lesher Center for the Arts with his psychiatric service dog, Maddie, and approached the podium at Walnut Creek’s 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony, flanked by presenters on his right and left, and the full Walnut Creek Concert Band behind him. He paused to compose himself and allow time for Maddie to adjust to the lights and crowd, Maddie and Jeff have been together since 2019, having bonded through Joybound People & Pets’ Shelter to Service program, an innovative dog training pathway that transforms shelter dogs into psychiatric service animals for youth and adults living with mental health challenges.
Jeff looked out into the audience of fellow Veterans and community members. He said it was hard to talk about “what all went on” regarding his service experience, and brightened when he focused on Maddie. “Before her, I spent time locked away in my house. Lights off. Windows closed. My wife told me, ‘When I wake up, I don’t know which Jeff I’m going to get on a particular day.’ Since I’ve had Maddie, that’s changed. Life’s been so much better. Maddie’s been a life-saver. If I didn’t have her, I’m not sure where I would be at this point. I certainly wouldn’t be here talking to you on the stage. You can see I’m out of the house. She goes everywhere with me.” All the while, Maddie sat supportively by Jeff’s side. “She’s just my hero.”
Jeff and Maddie are two lives given second chances, with thanks to Joybound’s Shelter to Service program and fosters.
Jeff is now a vocal advocate for the Shelter to Service program as a participant and volunteer. He and Maddie are examples of two lives given second chances through the love, effort, and commitment of service dog fosters.
Psychiatric service dogs are more than just pets; they’re trained professionals capable of assisting people living with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. While any animal can provide much-needed companionship, these dogs offer a lifeline to people with mental health conditions, drastically enhancing their independence and sociability. Joybound’s Shelter to Service program was featured in the October 2024 issue of The Shadelands Scene.
2023-2024 graduates of Joybound’s Shelter to Service program.
“We are keenly focused on helping more rescues and more people experience better lives together,” said Amanda Fassio Conlon, director of Joybound’s Shelter to Service program, who noted that service dog fosters are vital to the success of the program. “The need is great and that’s why we expanded our program — our solutions are win-win for people and shelter dogs.”
Shelter to Service candidates spend 15 weeks with their foster families, following a daily training regimen guided by Joybound’s professional trainers and attending training sessions twice per week at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters. Travel stipends are now provided. And, Joybound is now accepting foster volunteers as young as 16, for students who love dogs and who are looking for community service hours.
Joybound’s Shelter to Service foster program includes on-campus dog training where dogs learn foundational skills, including basic manners around other dogs.
Additionally, as a part of the expansion of the Shelter to Service foster training program, Joybound has established a free vocational dog training program that sets fosters on paths to good paying and highly rewarding careers in animal care and animal wellness.
During the hands-on Shelter to Service fostering experience, Joybound provides education and educational materials to fosters who want to become certified dog trainers, free of charge. Joybound prepares fosters to take the certified professional dog training test, and once they pass the test, reimburses the costs associated with training and testing.
Francisco and Jet found each other through Joybound’s Shelter to Service program.
“There is great joy in service dog fostering,” said Amanda, a professional dog trainer, herself. “Seeing the animal transform with love and time and attention into the sweetest, most nurturing animal is amazing. And then to know, that by fostering this beautiful creature, you have saved this animal’s life, which then provides psychiatric help, companionship, and unconditional love to a person in need. Fosters are saving two lives, at both ends of the leash.”
Ruth met Lucy through Joybound’s Shelter to Service program and went home with her the first day they met.
Amanda’s message is the same as Jeff’s. “If you love dogs, and you want to make a profound difference in the life of someone in need, service dog fostering might be for you.”
Joybound is offering a number of ways to learn more about the program and meet the Shelter to Service team, including two onsite events and one webinar.
Register for one of two on-campus events, Fostering Hope: Join Joybound’s Compassionate Mission, Wednesday, December 11, 1-2pm, or Saturday, December 14, 11am-noon.
Register for Joybound’s webinar, An Inside Look at Joybound’s Shelter to Service Program, Thursday, December 12, 1-2pm.
Additionally, check out Joybound’s Shelter to Service video. Visit the website for more information and to submit a foster trainer application.
