July Newsletter, 2026

From whelper-helper to puppy raiser: Meet service-dog-in training Bennett and Julie

Julie Nowakowski began volunteering with CHAMP in November 2024 after reading a newspaper article about Rosie, the St. Charles County courthouse dog. She started as a whelper helper for York’s litter and puppy sitting older CHAMP dogs, convinced she would never become a puppy raiser.

Then came the parks litter and everything changed.



When two donated puppies needed homes, Bennett joined Julie’s family. Now 9 months old and 61 pounds, Bennett has grown from an energetic 14-week-old pup into a smart, eager learner. After six weeks with CHAMP’s resident prison trainers, Julie was amazed by his progress and enjoys continuing his training while introducing him to new environments and experiences.

“People are often surprised by how young Bennett is because of how well he behaves,” Julie says. “I’m proud knowing his success reflects the dedication and teamwork behind CHAMP’s program.”

Julie credits her husband, Ed, and son, Cole, for helping with Bennett’s care and training. While puppy raising can be challenging, she says the rewards far outweigh the hard work.

“For anyone considering puppy raising, puppy sitting is a great way to learn what’s involved,” she says. “It may be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do—but it’s also one of the most rewarding.”

To learn about becoming a puppy raiser, click here.

Keeping cool the Bennett way—one hose attack at a time

Yoga with CHAMP therapy dogs

Uplevel your downward-facing dog alongside four-legged friends. CHAMP has partnered with Joy of Yoga for a donation-based event to benefit CHAMP. Several CHAMP therapy dogs will join the yoga class to add a playful, calming vibe to gentle movement.

This event welcomes yogis of all skill levels, especially beginners. It’s sure to be the perfect blend of relaxation and a great cause.

Date

Saturday, August 22

Time

2:00-3:30 pm

Yoga: 2 to 3pm

Visit with dogs: 3 to 3:30pm

Where

Joy of Yoga

8918 Manchester Road

St. Louis, 63144

Save the date—CHAMP 2026 Gala

The magic between a CHAMP dog and their human starts with you. Yours is the friendship that makes all others possible. Join us for an evening featuring silent and live auctions, a seated dinner, and an opportunity to see how many lives we can change, together.

Saturday, September 19

Cocktail reception - 6:00pm

Dinner & program - 7:00pm

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa, St. Charles

1 Ameristar Blvd.

St. Charles, 63301

Contact Robin Wood at robin.wood@champdogs.org or (314) 485-1264, ext. 302 for more information.

CHAMP selected as charity award recipient by Ladue News

CHAMP has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Ladue News Charity Awards.

This recognition celebrates the incredible work of local nonprofit organizations and the positive impact they make throughout our community. We are grateful to Ladue News for highlighting the organizations working to create meaningful change and are proud to be recognized alongside so many inspiring nonprofits.

Thank you to our volunteers, supporters, donors and community partners who make CHAMP’s mission possible every day. This honor belongs to all of you.

Read the story here.

Comfort on four paws: Q & A with therapy dog team

Diane Bettis & Rip and Lexi

How long have you been a CHAMP volunteer?

I’m one of the co-founders of CHAMP, since its inception in 1998. 

What is your dog's name, age, breed?

Lexi (11) and Rip (5), both Australian Shepherds. 

Is this your first therapy dog (TD), or have you had others?

I’ve been doing TD work since 1992. Lexi and Rip are my 6th and 7th therapy dogs.

Where do you do visits with your TD?

For almost 20 years, I visited Cardinal Glennon‘s pediatric rehab unit, doing animal assisted therapy with traumatic brain injury patients. I currently go weekly to BJC Children’s Hospital, biweekly to Mercy Hospital-Washington, quarterly visits to BJC outpatient facility in Sunset Hills and some special events. 

Is there a particular experience that is memorable—humorous, touching, emotional?

I’ve been graced with playing a big part in many children's recoveries these past 34 years. Nothing feels more rewarding than being able to use my dogs’ competition skills to participate at a deeper level of their PT/OT sessions and watch happy tears flow from parents, patients and even therapists, when the kids do or say something for the first time after major surgeries or recovering from severe injuries.  

What advice do you have for someone new to volunteering with their dog?

My advice is always the same. Make your visits about quality, not quantity. Embrace the work that you signed up for and listen to your dog. They have a lot to teach you. 

Join our next therapy dog class — spots still available

Consider training your pup to become a therapy dog. A therapy dog is your own dog, specially trained and certified to provide comfort, connection and encouragement. Therapy dog teams visit hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, adult day programs, libraries, schools, colleges, first responders and more. 

Therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes—there’s no single “best” breed. What matters most is a calm, friendly, and reliable temperament, along with a handler who’s eager to share the joy their dog brings.

Dogs must pass a skills and temperament evaluation to be admitted to the class.

Upcoming therapy dog class

Dates: Thursdays, September 3 - November 19

Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Evaluation dates: Tuesday, August 11 & Tuesday, August 18

For more information, contact Martha Pollard, director of the CHAMP Therapy Dog Program, at martha.pollard@champdogs.org or (314) 485-1264, ext. 305.

$60,000 in foundation support advances CHAMP's work  

CHAMP is grateful to receive two recent grants totaling $60,000 from the Dana Brown Charitable Trust and the Wayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation at YouthBridge Community Foundation.

CHAMP also received a $30,000 unrestricted grant from the Wayne C. Kaufmann Charitable Foundation through YouthBridge Community Foundation. Flexible funding allows CHAMP to direct resources where they are needed most, helping sustain and strengthen programs that serve children and families throughout the community.

We are deeply grateful to both foundations for their generosity and commitment to CHAMP’s mission and to improving the lives of children and families across the St. Louis community.

Staff spotlight of the month: Robin Wood

Meet Robin Wood. Robin Wood joined CHAMP in February 2017 after first becoming involved as a volunteer on the planning committee for CHAMP’s signature “Hooray for Howl-E-Woof” gala in 2015. After seeing the incredible work of CHAMP’s volunteers and staff, Robin was excited for the opportunity to become part of the team.

One of Robin’s most memorable CHAMP moments was the 2020 gala. When the pandemic forced CHAMP to cancel the in-person event, Robin helped the team reimagine the fundraiser as a virtual experience, including CHAMP’s first online auction and a video presentation she edited. The event was a success and helped raise important funds to support CHAMP’s mission.

Robin holds a degree in political science from Washington University and a master’s degree in media communications from Webster University. Her background in nonprofit events, accounting, and television prepared her for her role as CHAMP’s director of finance and special events.



If you have ever worked with Robin, you may have noticed that she is a bit of a night owl. It would not be surprising to see an email appear in your inbox from her that was sent during the wee hours of the morning on any given day of the week.

Thank you Robin for all you do to support the mission of CHAMP and all its volunteers!

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Phone: (314) 485-1264