Canine Classmates

08/31/2026

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Howie. Howie and his mom Diane Hull were such a great team in our classroom program and brought so much happiness and love to the children they served.

Please keep Diane in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. 🩵 Howie will be missed.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

Our donors are so important to us. If you have ever donated to our cause, THANK YOU! And for those of you that donated recently in honor of Donna, we appreciate that you see the importance of helping children in our community. That's all Donna ever wanted was to serve and to hope others would serve, too.

08/19/2026

We loooove our volunteers! Our Best Buddies and Canine Companions are what make our classroom program so successful. Weekly, year-round dedication, passion for children and literacy and just all-around good humans (and pups) are what make our volunteers some of the BEST! 📚🐾💛

07/31/2026

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/canine-donations

07/27/2026

Our marquee proudly honors the memory of Donna Dishman, whose compassion and generosity touched countless lives throughout our community.

Donna devoted her life to serving others. Through Canine Classmates, she brought comfort, confidence, and hope to children in local schools and to young victims at the Comal County Courthouse. She also founded PAWS Houston, giving hospital patients the priceless gift of time with their beloved pets. Her work changed lives and leaves behind a legacy that will continue for years to come.

Our community is better because Donna was part of it. We send our love and heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends. ❤️

07/24/2026

It’s taken me a while to write this…

Not because I didn't know what to say, but because I wanted to make sure I honored the incredible woman Donna was. Somehow, every draft felt like it fell short.

Donna had a quiet way of leaving people better than she found them. Whether it was through an encouraging conversation, a hug, a laugh, or simply showing up when someone needed her most, she had a heart that naturally made room for others.

At the Children's Advocacy Center of Comal County, Donna believed wholeheartedly in Champ and the mission he will serve. She understood that sometimes healing begins with a wagging tail, gentle eyes, and the unconditional love only a dog can give.

To Donna, Champ was never "just a dog." He is to be comfort for frightened children, hope for hurting families, and a reminder that even on the hardest days, love ALWAYS has a way of finding us.

Donna's heart for children, her love for her pups, and her unwavering kindness helped shape the future of our CAC family in ways that will be felt for years to come.

We miss her deeply. We always will.

Thank you, Donna, for believing in our mission, for loving our children, for loving our Champ, and for reminding all of us that compassion and service to others are among the greatest gifts we can offer.

Our hearts continue to be with Archie and everyone who loved her. We are forever grateful for the privilege of knowing you, loving you, and calling you part of our CACCC family.

Every time Champ comforts a child, we'll think of you. Your love will continue to walk these halls, one paw print at a time. 🐾💙🐾

07/24/2026

Donna's life touched so many, and the memories said and written about her are proof of her service to the community and individuals. We are missing her so much right now. Thank you mycanyonlake.com for this beautiful article.

Donna Dishman, co-founder of Canine Classmates, died of cancer at her Canyon Lake home July 10 with husband Archie Dishman at her side. The couple’s gentle but specially trained 150-pound Newfoundland dogs have helped thousands of area elementary school students improve their reading skills and ca...