Operation Kindness Humane Society has partnered with Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) since 2023 to create the From Shelter to Service Dogs program. This unique initiative gives shelter pups a second chance in life by becoming service dogs.
From Shelter to Service Dog Program
During the program, DBL staff identify shelter dogs with the right temperament and skills to become service dogs. Each dog is placed into foster homes where they receive specialized training and dedicated care. There are three roles that dogs in the program can train for:
- Autism assistance: In this role, dogs are trained to enhance the safety and well-being of children and families living with Autism. They do this by performing at least three tasks that help keep children grounded and focused throughout their daily routines.
- Hearing assistance: This role trains dogs to alert to specific household sounds by making physical contact with their handler and leading them to the sound. Professional trainers commonly teach dogs to recognize sounds like smoke alarms, oven timers, a baby’s cry, a knock at the door, phones, alarm clocks and being called by name.
- Facility: These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks and placed with working professionals, where they can be a valuable addition to work with people with disabilities or vulnerable populations
Dogs who don’t graduate from the program are adopted out in the community, benefiting from the additional skills they learned in the program.
Rue’s Journey from Shelter to Service Dog
Bella Rue came to our shelter on January 30, 2026, from Glen Rose Animal Control. Right away, our team noticed how sweet, gentle and friendly her demeanor was. Working alongside Dogs for Better Lives staff, they identified Bella Rue as a potential candidate to become a facility dog through the program.
After being placed in a foster home, her family and DBL staff worked diligently to train Bella Rue as a service dog to support and comfort children in schools. After six months of professional training, she left Texas to start a new adventure in Oregon. Today, Bella Rue now goes by Rue and is enjoying her new role working alongside a school counselor.
She has visited multiple school districts in Oregon and, thanks to her calm and gentle presence, Rue has brought comfort to hundreds of children.
Rue received a special calling in life despite originally ending up in a municipal shelter. Second chances for pets like her are made possible by our partnership with Dogs for Better Lives and through your support.
