August, a sweet and bouncy Black Labrador, joined our team at the Women’s Center in October 2025 to bring comfort, motivation, and happy social interaction to the UVA community. She works with staff member Margaret Edwards, and adores her role meeting people and eliciting emotional wellbeing. August is especially gifted at meaningful eye contact, relaxation skills, and weighted blanket imitation!

August comes to the Women’s Center from Service Dogs of Virginia, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs to assist people with disabilities and facility dogs for therapeutic settings.

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Allergic or uncomfortable around dogs? Don't worry! If August is working in the center when you are there, Margaret and our front office staff members are always happy to assist with keeping August occupied elsewhere in the center during your stay.