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.