FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Hannah Read Newbill
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hannah@tahoebard.com
www.laketahoeshakespeare.com
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Welcomes Liberty Dogs Service Dogs in Training to the Festival
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is proud to welcome representatives from Liberty Dogs™, a Reno-based national organization that trains Service Dogs for U.S. Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to the Festival on July 2 for a non-public dress rehearsal and to the public performance on July 21.
Festival patrons attending performances on these evenings may encounter Service Dogs in Training throughout the venue as part of the dogs’ ongoing public access education. Exposure to real-world environments such as outdoor performances, crowds, and public gathering spaces plays a critical role in preparing these dogs for their future work alongside Veterans.
Liberty Dogs is the vision of Nevada residents Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is funded through the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. The organization is committed to becoming one of the nation’s premier Service Dog training programs for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD, helping provide enhanced emotional and psychological well-being and empowering Veterans to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
“We are honored to partner with Liberty Dogs and support the important work they are doing for Veterans,” said Sara Bruner, LTSF producing artistic director. “The Festival provides a unique public environment that helps these remarkable dogs gain valuable experience while also allowing our audiences to learn more about the impact Service Dogs can have on the lives of Veterans.”
The dogs attending the Festival are currently Service Dogs in Training. Their presence is an essential part of their education, helping them learn to navigate public spaces confidently and successfully.
Festival patrons are asked to help these dogs remain focused on their training by refraining from petting, feeding, or otherwise interacting with them while they are working. Patrons who would like to meet a dog are encouraged to first speak with the handler and ask permission before engaging. Handlers will be available to answer questions about the dogs, the training process, the Liberty Dogs program, and ways to support the organization’s mission.
The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation continues the Duffield family’s commitment to creating and funding transformational services and programs. The foundation focuses on pairing Veterans with PTSD with Service Dogs, expanding access to care for companion animals, and supporting public service organizations with which the founders have personal connections.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival thanks its patrons for their cooperation and support in helping these future Service Dogs gain the experience they need to serve America’s Veterans.
About Liberty Dogs
Liberty Dogs is a Reno-based national organization dedicated to training Service Dogs for U.S. Veterans living with PTSD. The program provides Veteran heroes with the opportunity to lead more independent and fulfilling lives through the enhanced emotional and psychological well-being that research shows Service Dogs provide. Liberty Dogs is the vision of Nevada residents Dave and Cheryl Duffield and is funded through the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
About the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation
The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation continues the Duffield family’s commitment to creating and funding transformational services and programs. The foundation focuses on pairing Veterans with PTSD with Service Dogs, expanding access to care for companion animals, and supporting public service organizations in which the founders have personal connections.
About Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established for the cultural benefit and enjoyment of all residents of and visitors to Lake Tahoe and the region. Drawing more than 33,000 attendees from across the country annually to the specially built Warren Edward Trepp Jr. Stage along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the Festival is committed to producing the finest cultural events in the region. The Festival’s D.G. Menchetti Education Programs empower young minds through free performances of Young Shakespeare productions, and through InterACT, an interactive school-based workshop series for students throughout the region.
