The 2025 Assistance Dogs of the West (ADW) graduation in Santa Fe will honor service dogs and the people they support, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, courtroom staff, and first responders.
The annual event is set for Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Lensic Performing Arts Center and coincides with ADW’s 30th anniversary year.
Hosted by Lensic Executive Director Joel Aalberts and longtime ADW supporter Ali MacGraw, the evening will spotlight the trained dogs and their new partners.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and free for children under 12. Consider donating, if you can’t make the event but still want to support the cause.
About Assistance Dogs of the West
Founded in 1995 by Jill Felice, Assistance Dogs of the West is a Santa Fe-based nonprofit that trains service dogs for people with disabilities, veterans living with PTSD, and courthouse and crisis response programs.
The organization also runs student training programs and offers opportunities for volunteers to be part of the process. Its mission is to strengthen the human–canine bond while expanding opportunities for independence, healing, and justice.
Graduation Details
- Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Time: 6 p.m.
- Location: Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe
- Tickets: $20 (children under 12 free)
- Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
For those unable to attend, ADW invites community members to honor the graduates through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and partnerships.
This Year’s Graduates
Graduates from across the country are returning to celebrate their achievements and join us in commemorating this special milestone year.
Why Service Dogs Matter
ADW-trained dogs play a vital role in daily life:
- Disability assistance: helping with mobility, retrieving items, and providing safety and independence.
- Veteran support: assisting with PTSD symptoms, emotional stability, and everyday routines.
- Courthouse and crisis response: offering comfort and focus in courtrooms, schools, and during community emergencies.
In 2024, ADW received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, a national recognition of its impact on individuals and communities.
Supporting ADW’s Mission
The graduation is both a celebration and a reminder of the community’s role in sustaining these programs. Ways to support include:
- Donate to ADW or join the Lifetime Partners Society.
- Volunteer for training or events.
- Sponsor a service dog in training.
- Learn more about Veteran Connections and Courthouse Dogs.
FAQs
What is a service dog?
A service dog is a specially trained animal that assists people with disabilities or specific needs, providing independence and safety.
Who can attend the graduation?
The public is welcome. Tickets are $20 for adults; children under 12 attend free.
How does ADW support veterans?
Dogs are trained to assist with PTSD management, emotional support, and daily tasks.
Has ADW received national recognition?
Yes. In 2025, ADW received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award.
See the Impact: Attend the 2025 Graduation
For three decades, Assistance Dogs of the West has paired trained service dogs with people who need them most. The 2025 graduation ceremony at the Lensic will showcase that work one graduate, one handler, one family at a time.
Contact:
Telephone: 505-986-9748
Email: [email protected]
This article was posted by Jess
