[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter working as a civil trial lawyer in Houston for eight years, Sheri Soltes realized the job was too combative for her liking.

Soltes instead sought another line of work that she could put her heart into.

After reading a magazine article on people who help train service dogs, Soltes was inspired to found Service Dogs, Inc. (SDI) in 1988 in Houston.

Director of Training Al Kordowski and service dog Anakin on the Service Dogs, Inc. float at the 2016 Founders Day Parade. (photo ...