THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND INC

Programs

1. Service dog training and placement: service dog training and placement: thirty-six dogs participated in program with 5 dogs being part of breeding program. Thirteen puppies were housed and received basic obedience training/socialized by community fosters with the support of our staff. An average of 14 adult dogs were in advanced training at federal correction institute, morgantown throughout the year. At any one time 10-15 inmates and 2 correctional officers were involved in the program which served to both train dogs and provide educational rehabilitation for inmates. We continued to offer online (2 per year) and in person (6 per year) service dog training classes in collaboration with west virginia university (wvu) with approximately 150 students participating throughout the year. Two of our breeding dogs whelped this year with 12 of their puppies entering the program. Student workers and volunteers raised the pups in 2 volunteers homes for 8-10 weeks until placement with community fosters. Over 50 veterans participated in the service dog program this year with 50 submitting eligibility surveys, 10 applications for dogs were received and 7 went through online classes and in…

   $75,952 spent
   69% of program spending

2. Rehabilitation and special education (disability awareness): we continued to conduct disability awareness outreach both on campus and in the local community throughout 2024. Therapy dogs and service dogs in training accompanied staff to schools, veterans facilities, legislative and other community events to educate the public on the roles and value of assistance dogs in mobility and mental health rehabilitation and wellness. Therapy dogs continue to provide ongoing support to faculty, students, patients at wvu hospitals and staff. One dog works in the wvu childrens hospital, one in the school of public health and 7 others in other colleges and departments throughout the university. Dogs interact daily on campus providing stress reduction among students and faculty/staff. Contact hours exceed 9,000 hours.

   $11,354 spent
   10% of program spending

3. Ridgeway farm: the human animal bond continued to manage the cheat lake farmers market, where it supported 8-10 local farmers and served as a valuable source of locally grown produce for over 200 community members throughout the spring, summer and fall months. We continued to offer community garden plots with seven groups participating. Most grew for their families but one focused on growing and selling heritage seeds and another sold at the farmers market expanding our reach. We collaborated with the obesity medicine program at wvu hospitals by hosting a weekly healthy eating program over the summer where, as part of their clinical program, alongside physicians and nutritionist, patients learned to prepare healthy meals using locally grown vegetables and had dinners together at the farmhouse. An arts at ridgeway farm festival was hosted in the fall where 30 local artists displayed and sold their work throughout the property. The event was organized by 30 volunteers from the community and wvu and drew over 250 visitors. We have further opened the property to the community by hosting birthday and holiday parties, encouraging families to enjoy nature and the outdoor spaces. We…

   $11,353 spent
   10% of program spending

4. The jasmine project at quarry run: we continued with property improvement projects at the quarry run property focusing mainly on landscaping this year.

   $11,353 spent
   10% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $110,012.