Molly Sommer

I first became involved with Canine Companions for Independence about 6 or 7 years ago when my neighbor, Staicey Scholtz, decided to become a volunteer puppy raiser. I had never heard of Canine Companions, but I knew if Staicey was going to be involved with this organization—and for her to raise a yellow puppy and turn it back in at 18 months—that it had to be a "Rock Star" organization! I thought for sure that she would NOT be able to give up this adorable puppy who, after 18 months, had left numerous paw prints on her heart. Staicey, being the determined woman that she is, turned in her first dog, Elroy, at 18 months. And the BEST part was that 6 months later, he was placed with a match! Wow........... Little Elroy, who had captured our hearts graduated, giving a disabled individual a wonderful chance for an independent life!

Staicey has remained deeply committed to this outstanding organization and is on her 7th puppy. I must admit that as her neighbor, I did not fully understand the true meaning of being a puppy raiser until I went to the graduation of the fourth dog she raised, Ben. I had been to turn-ins before, but when I saw Staicey personally hand over the leash to Ben's match, the tears just streamed down my face! They were tears of joy that this young man, who was now Ben's new owner, was given a chance to go to college with Ben at his side! If this is NOT "paying it forward," then I do not know what is!

When I truly saw the love, joy, and bond that these dogs have with their new owner, and the work that they do to give a person with a disability a new chance at life, it was the most heart-warming experience I have ever witnessed. I have had heart-warming experiences as a parent, but this was completely different.

Often, the local puppy raisers train the puppies as a group. During a recent outing, the group was shorthanded. Staicey asked me to handle her puppy named Kinsman. We were showcasing commands and it was time for the “Up” command. I said “Up” and Kinsman obeyed! The look of joy on the person’s face was unforgettable. Then I thought, “My voice gave Kinsman a command and he did it!” I must admit, I felt very proud!

Our group then went on to train at South Park Mall, and again Kinsmen did all of the commands I asked him to do! I received “A” on my substitute Puppy Handler Report Card!!!! People came up and asked about Canine Companions and I did NOT hesitate to tell them all about it. Most of all, I cheered them on to be a Puppy Raiser, too!

I went home that day really, really thinking about being a puppy raiser for Canine Companions. It is such an honor to be connected to this WONDERFUL organization! So, as my story comes to a close, you might see me in the Spring of 2017 being a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions! As one of the graduates said, "My dog has a magic trick...he makes my wheelchair disappear!" How can you say no to that?

John and Rae Lynn Phillips and Filbert

John and I met Vicki Simons while running a 5K in our home town. She had Nike with her.  She talked about being a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence.  After a couple days, we kept talking about it and decided to fill out an application and see what happened.  While on vacation, we got the call that we could pick up our puppy on August 5th.  We were so excited to meet the little guy!  From that day on, we have enjoyed every aspect of being a puppy raiser.  Every day, is a new adventure and we've enjoyed meeting everyone who's involved.  We both think filling out that application is one of the best decisions we could've made.

Mary Ann Costantini and Young IV

Mary Ann Costantini (deaf USMC Veteran and Teacher in Steubenville, OH), and Young IV (a Spirited Golden/Lab cross) were matched in September 2015 in Santa Rosa, CA during Hearing Team Training. A little over a year later, 3-year old Young enjoys his daily routine working, and having fun, with his “team-mate”.

Mary Ann finds that Young is helping much more than she ever dreamed possible. Daily sounds including family voices and students became a major issue. She began withdrawing because of her hearing decline. She learned that at some “future point”, she would be completely deaf. With a background in teaching special education, she was aware of assistance dogs, but hesitated, thinking that those special workers would be more help to another who had greater needs. Finally, with more frequent encouragement from her family, she contacted CCI and applied for a hearing dog. Her experiences during the 2015 CCI Hearing Dog Team Training changed her life. Little did she know at the time, that 2-year old Young IV would become her team-mate, companion, and constant friend.

The team works together and, according to Mary Ann, is still “a work in progress” since there is always something new to learn from, and about, each other. “Becoming a true team requires a little effort from both of us.” Young alerts Mary Ann to various home sounds such as the microwave, door, alarm clock, laundry machines, family members, and any other sound she would normally be unable to hear. Young also goes to work where he alerts her to her students, co-workers, and other environmental sounds. When Young is “off duty”, they enjoy playing and relaxing together.

Andrea and Addie Wisniewski and Hattie

Addie is 16 years old and was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bones. She's had 27 surgeries and over 120 broken bones in her short life. Although she is in terrible pain each day, Addie always has a smile on her face. She just finished her sophomore year of high school with a 3.9 GPA, Peer Leader, member of the National Honor Society and performed in 5 musicals this year. Addie is also involved in 4H and dances with the School of Dancing Wheels in Cleveland.

Several years ago, Addie approached us about a service dog. Since she uses a power wheelchair all the time and does not walk, she wanted to become more independent. We were lucky enough to find Canine Companions for Independence in Delaware OH. After an extensive process, we were approved for a service dog for Addie.

In February 2015, Addie was paired with a yellow lab named Hattie. It was love at first site. Hattie is perfect for our busy family. In the morning, when Addie is trying to get ready for school or for the day, Hattie is right there helping to pick up dropped items on the bathroom floor. After school at home, Hattie helps Addie open doors, pick up dropped items, tug her book bag and assist with carrying small items. At night, after a long day, Hattie is there to snuggle and be a source of comfort to Addie.  

Since Addie and Hattie became a team, Addie has had to take very little narcotic pain medication at the end of a long day. Hattie is so comforting to Addie, that just lying in bed and petting her makes Addie feel so much better. That's the biggest measurable difference we have seen in these last few months. In addition, the companionship and friendship the two have developed is remarkable. Hattie anticipates Addie’s wants and needs. Addie loves her so much. Addie life is so much richer since Hattie arrived. We look forward to many more years of companionship for both of them.

Christy and Haley LeBlanc and Samford

What does one do when they have a love for puppies, are ready to head off to college and are looking for something to occupy their time? Puppy raise of course. Our Canine Companions for Independence story started two years ago when my daughter Haley and I took our pet dogs to Ledge Pool in Hinckley, Ohio. There we met Staicey Scholtz and Johnson IV, manning the Canine Companions booth. The following week Staicey sat with us in a local coffee shop to share her story and love of the organization with us. At that point, we decided being a puppy raiser would be something Haley and I could do together before she headed off to college. Little did we know the impact Canine Companions for Independence would have on our lives.

That summer Haley went on a few training outings with the Northern Ohio Chapter and was totally hooked from the beginning. The day of DogFest last year should have been a difficult day for her as her boyfriend and closest friends were all moving into their college dorms and she was facing an entire school year without these lifelong friends. However, she spent the day surrounded by adorable dogs and fantastic humans. They all helped her direct her focus on volunteering rather than waiting by her phone. As Haley’s friends adapted to college life she was making changes as well, getting ready for our first puppy, a Lab Golden cross named Samford. In September, our lives changed as we picked up Samford from our regional center in Delaware, Ohio. This tiny dog laying at her feet on the drive home was about to play a huge role in her life.

After going through the first few weeks of school without much to do outside of school and homework, she began to feel the distance that hadn’t sunk in on DogFest day. Starting from that day with a new puppy in the house, she didn’t have time to think about her friends living many miles away. Instead Samford kept her busy. They spent hours together, learning a routine, teaching Sam commands and testing Haley’s patience. Finally, the golden age of five months came around and we were confident that Sam could handle outings. This created an entirely new Canine Companions experience for us. Suddenly we found ourselves surrounded by other puppy raisers who couldn’t wait to help us and have fun along the way.

Haley has always been introverted and didn’t care much for conversations with strangers. She quickly had to adapt to this lifestyle of being in the spotlight wherever you go with the dog and now loves answering questions and sharing the mission of Canine Companions. Haley became an ambassador for Canine Companions. She’s more confident with Samford sitting next to her, sharing his story. Months of outings have opened her eyes to struggles that she would not have known about without this experience along with listening to the many fantastic graduates in our area and stories told in TEAM Volunteer Leadership Conference. Her goal is to speak to and educate as many people as possible with Sam by her side so that those with disabilities and trained service dogs do not have to. As her mother, I can’t be more proud. She is a distinguished young woman who can speak eloquently about issues and her opinions. As she heads off to OSU, it’s up to me to finish this mission. Samford and I will be spending the next six months together. I will be calling her and asking her for advice. Thank you Canine Companions for Independence for providing such wonderful dogs for those in need and for giving Haley and I an opportunity to be a part of raising one of your puppies. We cannot say enough about how amazing this experience and group of people is, and look forward to seeing where he will be placed and raising others. She and I will be forever grateful.

Diana, Ryan and Zander Helfrich and Daniel III

Zander Helfrich (8) was matched up with CCI skilled companion, Daniel III in Dublin, Oh at the February 2016 training class. Daniel has changed our lives in so many ways. Zander lives in Medina, Oh, and has Spinal Muscular Atrophy. He has trouble with picking up dropped items, carrying items while walking, and he tires very quickly because of weak muscles.

Daniel has quickly settled into his new job as Zander's companion and best friend. They are inseparable, and constantly playing together. Zander says that he got Daniel because "he is crazy like me!" Daniel goes everywhere with our family, and behaves like a perfect gentleman. Zander joined a power soccer league this year (through Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio) and Daniel attends all practices and tournaments. He loves to meet other CCI dogs at soccer games.

We were so fortunate that Daniel's puppy raiser, Donna DeVier traveled all the way from Missouri to our CCI graduation to present us with this wonderful boy. It was one of the most rewarding and emotional things we have ever gone through as a family. We keep in close contact with her through Facebook, so she gets frequent updates on Zander and Daniel's latest adventures. Now we have a whole new extended family through CCI. It has been an amazing experience.

Zander also has a little sister (Lexie, 6) who also has SMA and absolutely adores Daniel. He is very sweet to her and provides her with frequent cuddles, "laps", and "visits". We cannot imagine our family without him, he is our big, furry superhero!