Ivy's Fund

Ivy was a golden retriever who worked as a Facility Service Dog at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. Her sister, Rosie, temporarily loaned to the Home to help a 15 year old girl testify in an abuse case, had shown what a difference a Service Dog could make to traumatized children. When 9 year old Ivy, who had already served a disabled veteran for many years, became available, Dale and Lu Picard of East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD) donated Ivy to the Children's Home.

How You Can Help

Ivy’s Fund was established to raise private funds to cover the cost of board and care for the Facility Service Dog program. All the dog’s expenses-- acquisition, boarding, veterinary and equipment-- must be covered through private donations, not government funding. 

Although she was barely 11, Ivy had to retire in early 2013 due to some serious health issues which she had when she came to the Home. She died a few weeks later. However, the good people of ECAD, understanding the tremendous impact of the program on our children, were already training another group of dogs, one of whom was slated to be the Home’s new Facility Service Dog. And thanks to the generosity of the Picards, who normally charge $30,000 for a trained Service Dog, they offered us a two-year old, trained puppy for $8,500! A generous donor contributed the acquisition cost while we waited to see which of the dogs would be the “right” one.

In late June, 2013 we welcomed Ace, grandson of Rosie and nephew of Ivy, as our new Facility Service Dog. In April, 2016 Ace's half-brother Marshall joined our team. Ace and Marshall have wormed their way into the hearts of the children, offering comfort and unconditional, non-judgmental love to everyone. We have seen the amazing difference Ivy, Ace and now Marshall have made for our children and we are hoping to maintain our Facility Service Dog program at the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie. That’s where your donation can help. 

By making a contribution to Ivy’s Fund today, you will be helping us to pay for board, care and continuous training needed for our Facility Service Dog program. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated and will go toward continuing this valuable program to help children deal with their traumas.

About the Children's Home of Poughkeepsie

Established in 1847, the Children's Home provides a range of services and programs giving hope and healing to abused and neglected children in the Hudson River Region.  The Children's Home served 385 children and their family members last year. The Home provides a full range of residential services including campus-based care, community-based group homes and boarding homes, and independent living apartments.

Throughout our 169 year history, the underlying mission of the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie has remained the same:  The Home is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment that improves lives and empowers at-risk children and families in the Hudson Valley and surrounding communities.