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!