Meet The Heroes
Behind the Breakthroughs
Every Raising Hope Dog is carefully selected and trained to work alongside clinicians and families to help children overcome developmental challenges. Through patience, calm presence, and unconditional support, these incredible dogs help children find confidence, courage, and connection.
Sailor
Trained by Raising Hope Dogs as both a service and therapy dog, Sailor has a calm, gentle nature that makes him wonderful with children. Since joining the Buckeye Elementary School District team in January 2025, he has been bringing comfort, confidence, and joy to students and staff wherever he goes.
At WestPark Elementary, Sailor supports students in the S.O.A.R. Program, helping children practice self-regulation, follow routines, and feel safe when they need reassurance. Whether he’s listening to a story, balancing a treat on his nose, dancing for a laugh, or simply offering a quiet nuzzle, Sailor reminds everyone around him that kindness doesn’t always need words.
Dandy
Yovani (not pictured above), a bright six-year-old being raised by his grandparents here in the Valley, began working with his therapist and Raising Hope Dogs graduate Dandy to help overcome developmental challenges.
Together, they’ve made incredible progress. Yovani has begun talking and is now willing to try different food textures — milestones that once felt out of reach.
His progress was so remarkable that Raising Hope Dogs placed one of our 2024 canine graduates with Yovani and his family. Today, they continue their journey together, living out our motto every day:
Try Hard. Be Brave.
Newman
For Charlie, Newman is much more than a companion — he’s part of Charlie’s daily routine and growing independence.
Newman helps Charlie start his day by getting up and ready for school. Charlie feeds Newman twice a day, which helps strengthen his fine motor skills and build responsibility.
Each morning Newman walks with Charlie to the school bus stop and greets him again when he returns home. When they run errands with Charlie’s aide, Newman often sparks conversations with people curious about him — giving Charlie opportunities to interact with others and help teach the public about individuals with special needs.
Charlie’s family travels often, and Newman handles airport security and busy terminals like a pro, helping Charlie stay calm through what can otherwise be overwhelming environments.
And honestly… we could all use a Newman in our lives.