A Visit Rooted in Hope
Joybound recently had the pleasure of welcoming Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, who serves the 10th Congressional District, and his team to our Walnut Creek campus for a meaningful tour and conversation. From the moment they arrived, they were greeted not only by our staff but by the joyful energy that radiates wherever the human-animal bond is nurtured. The visit was filled with thoughtful dialogue, shared purpose, and a strong sense of connection, offering us the opportunity to showcase how Joybound is building a more compassionate community, one person and one pet at a time.
Photos courtesy of the Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier
Love Stories in the Making
Congressman DeSaulnier’s visit began at the heart of our mission — the adoption floor. It was here that we explored the importance of rescue and adoption. Behind every kennel door is a story of resilience, and behind every adoption is the potential to uplift not just an animal, but an entire family. As he met dogs and cats on their journey to finding a loving home, he saw how adoption is more than a service — it is a bridge between hope and healing.
A Fresh Start Through Grooming
The tour continued with a behind-the-scenes look at the Engelstad Grooming Academy, where we discussed how Joybound is creating real-world pathways to employment for individuals facing significant barriers. Far more than a grooming school, the academy serves as a launchpad for personal growth and long-term stability. Many of the students in the program are individuals overcoming barriers to employment or personal challenges — and through hands-on training, support, and the therapeutic presence of animals, they are gaining the skills needed to pursue fulfilling careers in the pet care industry.
Congressman DeSaulnier witnessed how this program embodies a holistic approach to workforce development — one that acknowledges the power of second chances and the role animals can play in personal healing. It was clear that this is more than a career-training program; it is a transformative experience that changes lives, one student — and one dog — at a time.
Meeting People Where They Are
Our Community Solutions initiative sparked rich conversation about access, equity, and the critical importance of keeping people and pets together. Congressman DeSaulnier and his team learned how Joybound not only offers vital services — like pet food assistance, low-cost veterinary care, and free vaccination and microchip clinics — but also takes those services directly into neighborhoods where they are needed most. We shared with the Congressman how Joybound meets people where they are — delivering mobile care, resources, and support to keep pets and families together, especially in underserved communities.
Healing Together
Perhaps one of the most profound moments came during our discussion of Joybound’s Shelter to Service program, which trains rescue dogs to become psychiatric service animals and facility companions for individuals navigating mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. For the Congressman, whose commitment to improving mental health support is well documented, this intersection of rescue, training, and healing deeply resonated.
Synergy in Action
Throughout the tour, Congressman DeSaulnier expressed genuine interest, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged with the Joybound team on a deeply human level. We are grateful not only for his time, but for his willingness to listen, connect, and celebrate the work being done at the intersection of animal wellness, mental health, and community service.
By the end of the visit, what started as an official tour had blossomed into something more personal… a shared vision for what is possible when we support one another, champion the voiceless, and believe in the extraordinary power of love.
With Gratitude
We thank Congressman DeSaulnier and his team for spending time with us and witnessing firsthand how Joybound People & Pets is expanding what it means to serve both people and animals. Together, we are writing a new narrative — one of hope, healing, and the unbreakable bond between us.
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