A Message of Gratitude from Canine Classmates

With heavy hearts, we share that Canine Classmates will be closing its doors and ending its programs at this time.

In 2006, Donna Dishman founded Canine Classmates with a simple but powerful vision: to help children in Comal County through the special connection between children and dogs. What began as a literacy program grew over the years into a life-changing organization serving children and families in our communities in many different ways.

For nearly two decades, countless volunteers, donors, canine buddies, educators, professionals, and community supporters have given their time, resources, and hearts to Canine Classmates. Because of you, children were encouraged to read, supported through difficult experiences, and given the comfort and confidence that only a special canine companion can provide.

As we come to the end of this chapter, we want everyone who has been a part of Canine Classmates to know how deeply grateful we are. Every donation, every volunteer hour, every dog who participated, every child who was helped, and every person who believed in Donna’s vision made a difference.

This decision was not made lightly. It has been an incredibly difficult time for our organization and for everyone who loved Donna and believed in what she created. After much consideration, we feel that closing Canine Classmates is the appropriate decision for the organization at this time.

While Canine Classmates is coming to an end, Donna’s legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. The impact of her vision can be seen in the children, families, schools, and communities who benefited from this organization over the years.

We are especially grateful to Archie Dishman, and we hope that Archie finds peace and comfort knowing how many lives Donna touched and how many people will forever be grateful for the work she began.

To everyone who visited our website, volunteered, donated, supported our programs, opened your doors to us, or simply believed in our mission:

Thank you.

Thank you for helping make Canine Classmates what it became. Thank you for believing that dogs can make a difference in the lives of children. And thank you for being part of Donna’s vision.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Canine Classmates Board of Directors