Diamonds in the Ruff of Virginia, Inc.

DITR's mission is to bring dogs in need together with the people that need them most - matching shelter dogs with people impacted by disability. We believe that the human-animal bond supports health and wellness on both sides of the human-animal equation resulting in benefits for the dogs and people alike. In order to accomplish our mission we carefully screen dogs in shelters with the goal of selecting dogs that appear to be a good fit for our applicants based on each applicant's lifestyle, and their particular wants and needs as they relate to an "ideal dog". Dogs are then fostered by a DITR associate for up to 30 days for further evaluation, socialization ,and basic training including crate training, house training, manners, and basic commands. The program was developed by and is overseen by professionals in the field of service dog training, animal behavior, veterinary medicine, and professionals from well established organizations that work with individuals impacted by disability. The goal of our careful screening, evaluation, and training and matching process is to ensure that dogs and individuals are well matched and to prepare dogs and their new families for a smooth transition - reducing barriers to adoption for individuals that struggle with the daily challenges of disability. Once dogs complete the in-home evaluation and training the dog's foster will complete an in-home orientation at the adoptive families home in order to demonstrate commands and review daily routines with the dog's new family.

Diamonds in the Ruff (DITR) collaborates with animal control agencies, shelters, and rescue groups to match dogs in their custody with ideal individuals and families. We foster dogs from these agencies and perform in-home visits prior to approving applicants to ensure that they are able to provide a safe and healthy home for a dog. Applicants complete each agencies' adoption paperwork as well as our in-depth application to help us learn more about their wants and needs in terms of am "ideal dog". Applicants pay customary adoption fees directly to the dog's shelter or rescue organization. There is no charge for our service.