March & April 2024 Updates

Some Pupdates for You!

It has been a busy two months for Atlas. We have travelled for conferences, certified several new client/dog teams and trainers, and welcomed new members to our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Keep reading for all the exciting updates, and be sure to read our 2023 Annual Report, we think you’ll be pleased!

Golden Retriever dog sitting on a patterned carpet, looking ahead with a bag of dog treats labeled Karen Pryor in front of it. Its leash is visible on the floor next to it.

Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Teams!

We are thrilled to announce that three new client/dog teams have completed their training and become Atlas Certified Teams in the last two months. A big congratulations to teams: Amy and Cal, Peggy and Jojo, and Indi and Otto, on all their hard work and dedication in training and for passing their Public Access Tests!

A woman with braided hair sits on stairs, smiling while hugging a large chocolate labrador. The dog has its tongue out. Theres a potted plant to the left. The background shows a doorway and part of a house exterior.

“Having Cal as my working partner has enabled me to confidently step out and enjoy life more fully. He alerts me to changing conditions early, giving me time to act before the situation escalates. Training Cal and becoming a team through Atlas was challenging yet so rewarding. I am thankful to be part of the Atlas family of clients as Cal and I continue to improve our partnership!” – Amy 

An elderly woman in sunglasses and a cap kneels on grass beside a large, black poodle wearing a harness. The woman is smiling, wearing a navy outfit and white sneakers, and has her arm around the poodle.

“Dogs have been my life. I have bred, trained and shown dogs since I was 7. I have now reached a point where I need a service dog but also need to train one. I knew what I wanted but not anything about what she should learn. Then I heard about Atlas Assistance Dogs. JoJo and I just passed our PAT. We are so proud of our success. Thank you Atlas and everyone who made this journey such a success.” – Peggy

A young woman with a ponytail sits on wooden steps, smiling. A black and white fluffy dog stands behind her with one paw on her shoulder. She is holding a smartphone in her hands. The background features a building with dark red and white paneling.

“Having Otto in my life has opened up so many opportunities that I never imagined were possible. He opened so many doors that I thought were shut to me and I am so grateful that I have him by my side.  I truly value the sense of community that Atlas has created, and feel so blessed to have finished this milestone in our journey with their support.” -Indi

Meet Our New Atlas Certified Trainers

In the past two months, we have had the honor of seeing two trainers graduate from our Academy and become Atlas Certified Trainers. Both have worked incredibly hard to achieve Atlas Trainer Certification. To find out more about them and their areas of expertise, just click on their names.

Person wearing a beanie and a UCONN hoodie stands outside with two German Shepherds. One dog looks up at the person, while the other sits and looks toward them. Leafless trees and agility equipment are in the background.
Hannah first got involved with dog training as a puppy raiser for Fidelco and Guiding Eyes For The Blind. She currently focuses on service dog training, scent sports, and basic obedience. Now an Atlas Certified Trainer, she is also working on a certification for man trailing, and can help you find the right sport for your dog along with service dog training. She serves eastern and central Connecticut, parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Woman in a blue top and jeans stands on grass, smiling down at a white Labrador sitting beside her. The dog looks up at her. Trees and a sunset are in the background.
Jacqueline discovered the world of service dogs as a puppy raiser. She became an Atlas Team Facilitator last year and did not take long before deciding to become an Atlas Certified Trainer. Specializing in scent detection training (including allergen and diabetes) and hearing alerts, she serves Hartford and Tolland County, Connecticut, as well as virtually throughout U.S.

A big congratulations to Hannah and Jacqueline for helping to expand the pool of qualified and ethical service dog trainers.

Become A Service Dog Trainer

Conferences Atlas Attended

March and April were busy travel months. Atlas presented and exhibited at two conferences that support the disabled and dog training communities. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make many new ones.

In March, we attended Abilities Expo in Los Angeles, CA (pictured on the left-hand column). There, the demand for service dog resources were high. We met so many people who have been curious about service dogs, as well as those who had been trying to obtain one or train their own, but have been running into barriers. We were grateful to be there as a resource and present a possible path to service dog access.

Four women smiling and posing with two service dogs at an exhibition booth. The booth displays banners for Atlas Assistance Dogs and My ID. The women appear happy and are wearing name tags.
People gather at a busy convention booth with various materials on tables. Some are talking, others are writing. Purple and white banners are in the background, with branded displays and diverse individuals interacting.
A group of five people standing and kneeling with three dogs at a conference or event. They are in front of a booth with the Atlas Assistance Dogs banner. The setting includes various booths and a patterned carpet.
People gather at a booth displaying information about service dogs, featuring a large poster of a golden retriever wearing a harness. A person engages in conversation with a representative at the table. Other booths and people are visible in the background.
Just two short weeks after Abilities Expo, we were off to Clicker Expo in Portland, OR (pictured on the right hand column). At Clicker Expo, animal training enthusiasts and professionals get to unite, explore the latest techniques in training, enhance their skills, and gain insights from the world’s top positive reinforcement trainers and teachers. We not only met many new wonderful trainers, but were so excited to connect with quite a few of our Atlas Certified Trainers and Team Facilitators in person for the very first time.

Our 2023 Annual Report

Please take a moment to read our 2023 Annual Report, where you can see the impact that YOU have made a supporter of Atlas. We are so grateful for our incredible community. We could not do what we do without you.

                           Read Atlas’ 2023 Annual Report

A chocolate Labrador wearing a teal harness with a patch that reads Atlas In Training sits on lush green grass. In the background is a house, garden, and trees under a clear sky. The dog looks calm and attentive.

Welcome To The Board, Sasha!

Please meet the latest addition to our Board of Directors, Sasha S. Philip. Sasha first came to Atlas in 2022, when she enrolled in the Client Certification Program. She then went on to become an Atlas Team Facilitator to be able to help other Atlas Clients. Sasha’s personal experiences have led her to recognize the enormous need for service dog training support and the invaluable service Atlas provides to owner-trainers.

A person kneels on a rug, smiling, with two curly-haired dogs wearing service vests sitting on either side. The background features a brick wall and a wooden panel. The person wears a black and white checkered jacket.
Sasha is currently a dispute resolution professional in private practice, and owns her own business. Sasha looks forward to lending her leadership and outreach skills to the Atlas Board. Welcome, Sasha!

Meet Our New Advisory Board Member, August!

We are excited to welcome August Stockwell, PhD to our Advisory Board. August is is a neurodiversity educator and consultant with a passion for disability justice and accessible mental health supports. They were the Founder of Upswing Advocates, an LGBTQ2IA and neurodiversity focused nonprofit organization, and have 15 years of experience educating professionals (including animal trainers) on a variety of topics related to culturally-sensitive practices. 

A person wearing glasses and a red shirt smiles at the camera, leaning close to a grey cat resting on a cat tree. The background shows a newspaper article and a radiator.

We are very grateful to have August join Atlas’ Advisory Board and look forward to all the knowledge they will bring. Welcome, August!

Our work is powered by the generosity of our community. Your support helps disabled people thrive with a service dog at their side.
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