Duo

Love. Acceptance. Belonging.

These are values we strive to foster every day through the work of our Assistance dogs, Facility dogs, Duo Touch Therapy teams, volunteers, clients, and supporters.

As we celebrate Pride Month, we're proud to stand alongside and support a community that reminds us of the importance of being exactly who you are.

Happy Pride Month from Duo Dogs!

Students at Southview School in the Special School District were treated to a furry sendoff before starting their summer vacation. What a great crew for a summer send-off!

❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷

Last call for trivia tables. Don't miss out on the only trivia night that includes Duo Touch Therapy dogs! https://DuoTrivia26.givesmart.com

For our last Trainer Tuesday feature, we're covering Assistance Dog Trainer Ross Mattox.

Ross enjoys teaching classes to our Volunteer Puppy Raisers who are just starting their journey with a new 8-week-old dog. Although his favorite skill to train is mastered later on in their training, teaching dogs how to close drawers and cabinets. When it comes to dog breeds, Ross says he loves Labs, Goldens, and everything in between, especially mutts!

After realizing that his time volunteering at Duo was really filling his cup, an opportunity to work here presented itself, and it was an easy decision to make. Ross believes in making a difference in the world, one positive interaction at a time. Which comes in handy when he's visiting with his Duo Touch Therapy dog, Smudge. Every positive interaction that Duo facilitates has the potential to cascade into further positive interactions down the road as these dogs go out into the world, and that allows him to make an even bigger difference.

Thank you, Ross, for the positivity, passion, and care you bring to our dogs, clients, and community every day!

What makes a Duo Facility Dog special?

A Facility Dog is much more than a friendly face. These highly trained dogs work alongside professionals in hospitals, schools, counseling centers, rehabilitation programs, and other community settings to support the people they serve.

Successful Facility Dogs are calm, confident, and adaptable. They remain relaxed in busy environments, navigate unfamiliar situations with ease, and stay focused on their handler despite distractions. They have a gentle, patient nature that allows them to interact safely with children, patients, and individuals enduring difficult circumstances.

Most importantly, Facility Dogs help create connections. Whether they're providing comfort in a courtroom during a testimony, encouraging participation in therapy, or simply bringing a smile to someone's face, these remarkable dogs make a difference every day.

Every Duo Facility Dog is carefully selected and extensively trained to become a trusted team member who helps build extraordinary bonds and improve the well-being of the community they serve.