Michael Cantu

Michael Cantu and Toli were paired together in May of 2017.  Michael was injured in an unfortunate accident when he landed head first in a foam pit back in August of 2011.  It was two days before the start of sophomore year at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and he quickly learned that his life would never be the same.  From the beginning, Michael has maintained a very positive attitude and has inspired many others.  He graduated with his class in 2014 and is now in his 4^th year at Kent State where he studies Zoology.

Toli joined Michael at Kent State for the first time this semester and he has changed Michael’s life.  In addition to providing Michael with assistance with opening doors and picking up things that fall from Michael’s lap, the biggest difference has been with how other students interact with Michael.  Michael says in the past, many students would look at him and then quickly look away, not knowing what to say or how to interact.  Now, many students are drawn in because of Toli, and Michael has made many more friends this semester.

Toli has become a ‘regular’ on the Kent State main campus and accompanies Michael to his appointments, therapy and everywhere else he goes.  He usually is the source of many smiles and helps to start up conversations.  Although Michael and Toli have only been together for 6 months, they quickly became best friends and Michael can’t imagine life with his sidekick.

Jackie Stanton and Release Dog Naja

Hi, my name is Naja and I came to Northern Ohio by way of Santa Rosa, California then Columbus, Ohio and then the North Central Regional Training Center in Delaware, Ohio. My brother Nilson and I flew in this big thing. I think you humans call it a plane. Wow…scary! Then off to NCR … great smells there and then off to Miss Jackie’s house. Whew. What a whirlwind. 

Miss Jackie and her brother Joe were my puppy raisers. They also had a canine friend Chocolate Swiss. She was a tough dog. I knew not to mess with her, but she was nice to me too. She taught me lots of wonderful things like where the good spots were in the yard to go potty and to not mess with the skunks. Stinky!

I went to school with Miss Jackie. That was fun and I made great friends both human and canine while staying at Miss Jackie’s house. I like all my friends at Happy at Home Pet Sitting and Detroit Dover Animal Hospital. They have good treats there, boy! Miss Jackie and I learned basic doggy commands. Then back to NCR I went for college. I think CCI calls that Professional Training. So, funny story there... 

I kind of have a mind of my own and do not like my nails trimmed. I had great fun at NCR with all my canine friends and then there was Miss Jackie. She came back to pick me up. Wow. I think they now call me a release dog. 

It’s ok though, as I have a very important job to do. Take care of Miss Jackie and all the children in the neighborhood. Boy are they fun. And … spread the good word about CCI. Dogs love humans and we love to work or help, oh yeah and eat … can’t forget that. Humans really need us to remember the important things in life… love, laugh, work, play, eat, rest and of course lots of hugs.

Janie Baum

There are so many reasons I became a puppy raiser I am not sure I can list them all, but first and foremost, the opportunity to possibly help "give the gift of independence" is the one that stands out. Over the years of loving dogs, volunteering with pups and people with different abilities really pushed our family to start raising. Then after a freak accident paralyzed our son's best friend at the age of 16, it became a matter of "Now is the time."  That wonderful young man just graduated in May with his service dog, Toli, and they couldn't be happier!  I am still awed daily at the stories I hear of everyone's experience who receive this life changing gift.  Puppy raising is such a gift to US, and I am so thankful and blessed to be welcomed into this CCI family.  Thank you all for what YOU do, knowing that we are on this journey with Stielau and all of you makes it so much more special!

Vicki Simons

Nike is my 7^th dog I’ve raised for Canine Companions for Independence and my 3^rd dog to graduate. It’s extremely gratifying. The ultimate goal is to see the dog you raised graduate, but there is so much more to the journey.

We welcome these little miracles into our hearts and homes at just 8 weeks old. We train and social them from day one. We go on walks and hikes and vacations together. We train and socialize at lots of fun and unique places. We do presentations and represent at information booths at various events to spread awareness and recruit volunteers. Nike helped me inspire two new puppy raisers who have joined the Canine Companions family, and the Northern Ohio Chapter and I have gained new friendships.

We got to travel to TEAM 2016 and visit the Santa Rosa headquarters together where we met one of Nike’s littermates and lots of puppy raisers, breeder caretakers, graduates, staff and assistance dogs in training. We stayed an extra day with our Chapter friends and went sightseeing in San Francisco.

Nike graduated as a facility dog. He works in a school system with special needs children. He will inspire and motivate them, build confidence, and be a friend. What a beautiful end to a wonderful journey!

Joan Cikra

We are so excited to have Joan Cikra heading up this year’s DogFest Cleveland for the second year in a row. Joan’s passion for Canine Companions for Independence stems from watching the way her daughter Emily’s service dog, Dash, has impacted Emily’s life by enhancing her independence and confidence as a woman with a disability. “In addition to that,” says Joan, “Dash also brings our family joy in knowing that Emily’s needs will be met when we are not there to assist her. A dropped cell phone or an out-of-reach remote is no longer a concern!”

Joan and the rest of the Northern Ohio Chapter are very excited that Medina is hosting this year’s DogFest again on Sunday, September 24th. It promises to be a great dog-friendly, family-oriented event that raises awareness and funds for Canine Companions for Independence! Learn more at cci.org/cleveland.

Lisa Dare

My husband and I are long time dog lovers. There isn’t a dog that passes by that we don’t greet. After a 20 plus year career in sales and traveling the country, it was time for me to pursue a personal passion. Although I am a first-time puppy raiser, I knew that my love for dogs, my nurturing nature and my love for helping people were key ingredients for me to join forces with Canine Companions for Independence. I did a lot of research and instantly fell in love with the mission of Canine Companions. Having the opportunity to meet the great community of puppy raisers within the Northern Ohio Chapter of Canine Companions was the icing on the cake. I was hooked instantly.

My husband and I enjoy every minute with Schumann. He has touched our lives more than we could ever have imagined. The journey has only just begun...

Theresa Marzloff

I learned about Canine Companions for Independence this summer while at the Farmer's Market on Medina's Square. We spoke to the puppy raisers in great length. Vicki Simons is a great recruiter for the organization. We kept in contact via email and I received notice about the Chapter's meeting at Medina Library. I attended January's meeting. It was there I found out that I can help without becoming an actual puppy raiser.

Since then, Donna Adams has taken me on outings to Home Depot and Petco. A few months ago, Christy LeBlanc, who is raising Gates, took my daughter Rebeccca and I bowling with the group. It was very enjoyable! I told her I would help with Gates when I can. We have had the pleasure of having Gates at our home a couple times already. I feel this is a perfect way to learn about puppy raising before we make the commitment to raise a Canine Companions puppy ourselves. We plan on getting involved in other ways, as well, especially DogFest. Everyone we have met so far has been wonderfully warm and welcoming.

Rebecca, Neal, and I live in Medina, and Rebecca is a fifth grader at H.G. Blake Elementary School.

Staicey Scholtz & Feldman

It never gets any better than "Graduation Day.”

Sure, raising a Canine Companions for Independence puppy isn't for the faint of heart. There are sleepless nights, housebreaking, chew-prevention, introduction to manners, socialization, command practice, and more. But as a 7X puppy raiser, it has been worth every last ounce of energy, time, and financial donation because of days like "Graduation Day."

Feldman II is my fourth Canine Companions puppy to graduate....but my first as a skilled companion dog. That means Feldman was matched with a child and their facilitator.  In his case, that's Maddie and Lydia Brown from Indiana. When I first learned of Feldman's placement, I wasn't shocked. After all, he was always the kind of dog who loved children.  Growing up in a preschool classroom, Feldman got his foundation from the help of 36 four-year-olds, two times a week, throughout his time in his puppy raiser home.  As a preschool teacher, fortunate enough to bring my assistance pups in-training into my classroom with me, I am so grateful for the experiences my dogs get with children.  And in this instance, it paid off for Feldman.  He found his forever match with a little five-year old kindergartener, Maddie. 

As if his upbringing didn't set him on the path he works today, Lydia Brown (Maddie's mom) shared with me, at graduation, that her maiden name used to be....wait for it....Feldman.  I know, right? How serendipitous is that! 

As I get ready to embark on another puppy raising journey in a few months with Canine Companions puppy #8, I dream about what the future might hold for my new pup.  Will he make it to "Graduation Day?"  It just doesn't get any better than that....

Susan Costantini

I got involved with Canine Companions for Independence through my mother, Mary Ann. She told me that she was applying for a Hearing Dog through CCI and I wanted to know more about what a service dog was. It took three months of research to find out that being a Puppy Raiser was something I was interested in. I am always looking for a way to help others. That’s been instilled in me since I was a child. After going to Team Training with my mother in Santa Rosa and talking with a few puppy raisers and instructors out there, I placed the application to be a puppy raiser before we came back to Ohio. 

About six months after I graduated with my undergraduate degree, I got a call asking if I wanted to raise my first puppy. I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep. I knew that the work I did with the dog would not only change my life, but also his and whoever he is matched with. When I picked up the little angel, I knew that this was going to be a good thing. It’s been a journey so far. 

I’m currently raising Guru. He’s about 9 months old and soaking up the commands like a sponge. Every day he surprises me with what he knows. When we train, he knows that it is time to get serious. Like all pups, he has his ups and downs, but he overcomes any obstacles in his way. I have no doubts that the next year will go by quick and he will do anything he puts his mind to. 

Bonnie Kramer & Gadget

My name is Bonnie Kramer. I am in a wheelchair, the result of Multiple Sclerosis. I have been in the chair for about twelve years. I will turn 70 in August. I believe I am one of the oldest recipients of a dog from Canine Companions. When I first started using the chair, people would say, “You ought to get a service dog.” To be honest, I didn't even know what a service dog did for someone with mobility issues.

I was volunteering at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum and dealing with the public. I started to become aware of folks coming in with their service dogs. It was then that I began my research and found out about Canine Companions for Independence. I filled out the application and began the process of seeking a service dog.

The journey took a very long four years. It felt like a lifetime. Now I can tell you it was worth every day of the wait. I was paired with Gadget in August of 2014. There has been virtually no downside, just joy and awe at what he has brought to my life.

I drop half of everything I pick up. I use the “get” command the most often. He open and closes door for me. He uses the push plate to open doors for me. And he strengthens my confidence about being out in the world. After two and a half years, I can't imagine my life without him.

Past all the ways he helps with physical chores, he has been the greatest comfort emotionally. I have suffered great personal losses in the time he's been with me. It's impossible to be depressed when he's around. Just caring for his basic needs lifts my spirits.

Sharing my life with Gadget has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I will be grateful to Canine Companions for the rest of my life.

Julie, Jack & Hoshi Soroka

Hoshi has been Jack’s skilled service dog for two years.  We applied for a skilled companion dog with Canine Companions in 2011 when Jack was five.  We got the call in July 2012 that Jack was put on the waiting list! Eighteen months later, we headed to Columbus to begin the awesome ten-day training process.

Hoshi loves working with Jack.  When he drops things on the floor (pencils, toys, cup, etc.), Hoshi picks them up and gives them to him. Hoshi even opens the refrigerator for Jack.  When we’re out, Hoshi presses the handicap buttons on the doors for Jack.  Every time Hoshi does a command, he wags his tail!  He loves working!  

Every night Hoshi jumps into bed with Jack (on command of course) and Jack tells him about his day!

Note: Julie, Jack and Hoshi are a Skilled Companion Team. Canine Companions for Independence trains skilled companion dogs to work with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog, encourages a strong bond between the recipient and the skilled companion dog, and is responsible for the customized training needs of the dog. Canine Companions breeds skilled companion dogs to be calm, reliable and affectionate. The skilled companion dog reduces the recipient’s reliance on other people to complete simple daily tasks.

Heather Hill

I moved to Ohio from New Mexico in 2013, where I volunteered for a local assistance dog training program. After we decided to make the move to Vermilion, my Mother-in-law could not stop talking about how I needed to meet Staicey. “Staicey raises assistance dogs, I KNOW you’ll be interested in the organization…You are going to love Staicey and her dogs.”  This was my first introduction to a cause even I was unaware of how involved I’d become. I knew I wanted to be a puppy raiser, but I didn’t know I was going to gain a whole network of, for lack of a better term, CCI family.

Bringing a puppy into your life, knowing it’s temporary, is a strange balancing act. I began telling myself, I won’t fall in love. Then after about 8 seconds, I’m in love. (Both times.) It’s a journey from potty training and no sleep, to sheer amazement at how these dogs affect my life for the better. Knowing that the way they will affect their forever home will be intensely different from how they change mine. It’s a balancing act of taking all I can for 18 months, so I can give it all away when it’s time.

Currently I am raising Maurice, he is just 6 months old and already is gaining confidence and self-control that are hallmarks of a successful service dogs. He makes us laugh, and he makes us wonder why we want another puppy, but mostly he just makes us happy as he works through his journey to become whatever he chooses to become!

Donna Adams

Our story begins in 2009 when my husband passed away after a long battle with leukemia. During that time friends, family and strangers rallied around me and my 2 children giving tremendous love and support. Overwhelmed with all the kindness and generosity, we didn’t know how we could possibly pay them all back so we decided to pay it forward in the best way we knew how.

I have worked with dogs for most of my life so I felt something down that path was where we could make a difference. Discovering Canine Companions for Independence was so exciting and I saw it as the perfect fit. With encouragement from Staicey Scholtz, a dedicated member of the CCI family, we got on the waiting list to become puppy raisers right away.

In October 2009, we welcomed Baila, a sweet little 8 week old black bundle of fur. This little Golden Lab cross came into our world and changed it forever. As she was our first CCI pup, we learned together and every moment was a great experience. Turning her in to CCI for advanced training was heartbreaking (I sat in a corner of the kennel, held her and cried) but knowing we had done our very best in her puppy training we let her go with optimistic hearts. She was placed with her forever friend 6 months later and handing over her leash to him at graduation was a great joy knowing that she was on to bigger and better things.  Our second pup, Marla, came to us in June 2012. She is now a COC dog and is living back home here with us where she keeps us full of yellow fur and love.

Being a part of the CCI community offers my family and me so many rewarding moments. Every outing provides the opportunity for education to children, shoppers, diners, business owners and employees. As we talk about how the pups can assist those with disabilities and open the minds of business owners to the ADA, they come to understand the need and their hearts open up to those less fortunate. I feel that as puppy raisers we have the responsibility to work hard with our pups so that they always leave a good impression.  We want to be viewed as both a positive and normal part of the environment when we walk through the door.

Even though we have taken a break from puppy raising the past couple of years, there have been many ways to stay involved with CCI. Our fantastic members of the Northern Ohio Volunteer Group are so dedicated and so welcoming that it is easy to want to stay involved. Our training outings are always so fun and valuable. It takes a village, as they say, and puppy raising is certainly one of those experiences where having close by support and encouragement is important. I’ve had the chance to help with our fundraisers, our educational events, and parades as well as the fun of being a stand-in handler for a pup during one of the outings.

But, as much fun as all that is, I still feel the call to raise another pup. So…in just a couple of weeks, we will welcome another furry face with that irresistible puppy breath and belly into our world.

 And so the journey continues…

Nancy Olds, Vicki Simons & Pepsi

PEPSI’S PUPPY RAISING JOURNEY

On March 3, 2014, Nancy and I picked up, Pepsi, a cute little 9 pound black fluffy puppy. What a fun day! Tamara and Foster and Otto came along. Pepsi’s sister Pepper and Pepper's puppy raiser were there, too. We did a photo shoot with a 12 pack of Pepsi and Dr. Pepper! 

Nancy had raised 7 dogs for CCI and preferred the black labs and/or golden retrievers. Pepsi is 82% golden and black--a black golden, lol! Needless to say, Pepsi was special and Nancy adored him. 

As a seasoned puppy raiser, Nancy started right in on Pepsi's early socialization and puppy training. Three months into their puppy raising journey, Nancy suffered a stroke. Pepsi needed to be a part of her recovery so we became co-raisers. Pepsi visited her often at the nursing facility. Nancy lit up when Pepsi was there and he was very intuitive to her condition. The residents and staff loved when we came. I finished raising Otto and started raising Nike while co-raising Pepsi and I would bring them as well. In addition to being therapy for all, it was great training and socialization for the puppies in the program (PIP’s).

It has been a long road to recovery. Nancy was able to come home in October of 2014, but fell and ended up back in the hospital and the nursing facility as she recuperated. Finally in June of 2015, she was able to come back home with 24/7 home health care. Today, she is pretty much self-sufficient. Her pet dogs are back with her and she will soon begin therapy to hone her driving skills.

In the meantime, Pepsi matriculated to advanced training. We looked forward to Pepsi's monthly reports. We were so excited when we got the call that he would be rotating through team training. When he made a match as a successor skilled companion dog, we were ecstatic! We could not wait to hand over the leash and present him to his partner. 

It just so happens that a skilled companion graduates with 2 leads. I was so proud and thankful, not only that Pepsi graduated, but that Nancy was there by my side to hand over one of the leads! As Nancy stated, “Couldn’t have made a better match if I’d done it myself!” How profound.

Throughout Pepsi’s puppy raising journey, my husband Craig and many puppy raisers contributed to his success by caring for him, socializing him and handling him at training sessions and different awareness events. It takes a village to raise an assistance dog and it’s so very rewarding.

Tamara Detillo

Vicki Simon, a fellow puppy raiser, introduced me to Canine Companions for Independence.  I met Cher, her change of career dog (Cher was released from the CCI program and Vicki adopted her) when my dog, Denali, and I took a class. When Vicki realized I was interested in raising a puppy, she guided me through the application process.  In February of 2014, Vicki and I drove to the North Central Regional Training Center in Delaware, Ohio and brought home my first pup, Foster III. We are now raising our second pup, Ms. Bordeaux III.

Raising these sweet pups and sending them off to do great things for people has been an awesome experience.  I am part of a great support system in the Northern Ohio Volunteer Group.  My family also has been wonderful. They have helped raise these intelligent dogs, too.  We all wanted to give back. What a great way to be able to help people.

Wherever we go with our pups in training, we always put a smile on someone’s face.

Note: Tamara told me that she is the picture-taker and therefore has no pictures of herself. In the photo above, Tamara chose to highlight her current puppy in training, Bordeaux. 

Patty Via

I am forever thankful to my good friend and fellow puppy raiser Staicey Scholtz, for introducing me to Canine Companions for Independence. In 2009, Staicey raised her first CCI pup, Elroy II. I had the pleasure of watching him grow into an incredible dog.

I never thought I could raise a puppy for 18 months and then give it back until I attended Elroy’s 2011 CCI graduation. Elroy ll made a perfect match and I’ll never forget the joy on the recipient’s face when Staicey handed over the leash!

And so my journey began with CCI.

In 2012 I received my first CCI pup Chai. She was a joy to raise and did well through the entire training process until her third semester in advance training.  It was then that Chai decided being a service dog wasn’t for her. Instead, Chai decided to change careers and became a pet to a wonderful family.

Then in February, 2014, along came Haven IV who we affectionately nicked named Miss B – short for misbehaving.  Haven, a lab/golden cross (80% Labrador and 20% golden) stole my heart from the minute I picked her up!

We socialized Haven right off the bat and held a public puppy raising awareness event at our local library. We introduced Haven to the town as Vermilion’s newest service dog in training.  We held the event on a cold winter’s day, yet we had a great turnout. People came to hear about Canine Companions’ newest puppy in training, Haven, and were curious what puppy raisers do to prepare a pup for a career as a service dog. They also couldn’t resist snuggling with an adorable puppy.

With the help of our amazing Northern Ohio Volunteer Group of puppy raisers, and our family’s obedient pet lab, Sophie, Haven easily learned the commands she needed to know. But time passed too quickly for us.

In May of 2015, Haven was off to advance training or what puppy raisers refer to as college.

Six months later, in November of 2015, Haven graduated, finding her perfect match with Janie Mejias.  They bonded instantly. 

It was a true honor to raise Haven, and I am so proud of the tasks she performs for Janie.

Kevin, Megan & Melba Haring

Melba has been Megan's skilled companion dog for almost two years now. Megan applied for a skilled companion dog through Canine Companions for Independence when she turned 5, and we waited anxiously for 2 years. The training process was amazing, although tough, and Canine Companions has continued to provide support as needed.

Melba loves working with Megan! In the morning she retrieves Megan's clothing and other supplies she needs in a basket. She accompanies Megan to her therapy and most doctor visits, providing significant emotional support, as some of these visits are not fun. Melba is able to open the door for Megan when in public and carry items. For trick-or-treat this year, Melba carried Megan's treat basket the entire time!

Last summer Megan had a major surgery. She was hospitalized for over a week. Melba was able to stay with Megan in her hospital room, helping tremendously with Megan's recovery.

# # #

Note: Kevin, Megan and Melba are a Skilled Companion Team. Canine Companions for Independence trains skilled companion dogs to work with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog, encourages a strong bond between the recipient and the skilled companion dog, and is responsible for the customized training needs of the dog. Canine Companions breeds skilled companion dogs to be calm, reliable and affectionate. The skilled companion dog reduces the recipient’s reliance on other people to complete simple daily tasks.

Bill and Mary Jane McGinnis

We were introduced to Canine Companions for Independence when our daughter, Staicey Scholtz, became a first-time Puppy Raiser in 2009.  That summer, a sweet, tiny, eight-week old ball of yellow fur, named Elroy, scampered into our lives.  Eighteen months later, we watched with sad hearts as Staicey closed the kennel gate behind him at Turn-In Advanced Training; then watched again with pride as she handed Elroy’s leash to a forever match at Graduation….and we were hooked!

Since then, we have helped Staicey on a frequent basis to housebreak, feed, walk, train and vacation-sit all of her six CCI puppies.  As “Co-Raisers”, we even took Johnson, Pup #5, on a plane trip to Las Vegas to visit our daughter and our grandchildren just before his Matriculation.   We are fortunate to be able to share the uniqueness of each pup on its service dog journey. We also lend a helping hand at community events, presentations, and public outings. 

Being a CCI volunteer is a very rewarding experience.  Seeing a pup who arrives into your life knowing NOTHING about commands, rules or boundaries transform into a mature dog ready to be of service is an amazing process.  Getting to know so many dedicated, kind, caring CCI friends is truly heartwarming and inspiring.  Staying in contact with Graduates and seeing first-hand their gratitude for such highly trained service dogs, makes all puppy raising efforts PRICELESS!

‘RAISE A PUPPY-CHANGE A LIFE”!

Who knows?  Perhaps we will raise our own CCI puppy some day?

Krystal Culler

I had the privilege to become involved with CCI back in 2009 when I accompanied my dear friend Jesse to receive his skilled companion dog, Waylon. During the intense team training and becoming a facilitator for Jesse & Waylon, I witnessed firsthand how much a service dog could enhance the life of someone with a disability. I also observed the hard work and high performance standards required of our graduate teams. (It is so much work!)

Since my dear friend was kind enough to share his service dog journey with me, I told him that one day I was going to try to raise a puppy for CCI on behalf of him. During the summer of 2011, I embarked on my first puppy raising experience. 

I was shocked that someone trusted me enough with a puppy worth thousands of dollars, but I embraced the challenge with my boyfriend Jacob. I turned in my first CCI pup (Lady the lovely Labrador) weeks before my wedding and found myself filling out another puppy application during one of my sleepless nights. CCI released Lady from the program right after our wedding and I did not think much about the application I submitted. About 5 months later I received a call from CCI looking for a placement for a puppy. I was SO excited and long story short, we picked up miss Patience. 

I knew within a week that she was a unique puppy and that I was going to make the best of all my time with her as I anticipated it was going to be limited. We had high hopes for her from the start… she was a charismatic, independent, fearless, and spunky. She touched the lives of so many people during our community demos, public outings, and being my college teaching assistant. Until her final placement, Patience always kept us guessing. She went into heat and missed her matriculation ceremony. She stayed an extra semester at “college” but she was the adorable precious face of CCI as NCR’s demo dog. (I know I am bias but she is gorgeous!) 

Finally, in May she found her forever match! They are perfect for one another and we are blessed to be able to follow their journey on social media and occasional visits. Patience is a saint and now she is a Maryville Saint at college with her forever match. CCI always says, “Raise a puppy; change a life.” This statement does not capture the essence of how my life has been changed by being a “mom” and “puppy sitter” to my four-legged heroes. CCI will always hold a special place in my heart along with all the dogs and people that I have met through my volunteer opportunities. I have the “puppy itch” again and look forward to being a puppy raiser in the near future.

Lauren Lawson

I first heard about Canine Companions for Independence through my dad, Jeff Lawson.  As a daddy's girl and a puppy lover, I immediately became involved in the group.  At first, I would drive down to Columbus with my dad to help stuff treat bags for humans and their pups who were graduating. Then, I attended my first graduation.  As someone who rarely cries, I thought it would be easy to get through the graduation.  My thoughts were, "I didn't raise the dog, so I won't get emotional."  Boy, was I wrong.  The graduation had me in tears.  From puppy raisers handing off their dogs, to graduates speaking about how the dogs will change their lives, I lost it.  I decided at that point that this organization was going to be very important to me.  I became very involved with the Northern Ohio Volunteer Group.  Now, I focus a lot of my volunteer efforts on making people aware of the group and the fact that the service dogs are provided free of charge to the recipients.  I also help plan the Northern Ohio Volunteer Group DogFest.  It is a great experience with a great group of people (and my dad!).

Briley is my Change of Career dog from Canine Companions for Independence.  Although she may not be doing what she was raised to do, she has completely changed my life for the better.  I have been dealing with anxiety for a lot of my life, especially when I would be home alone.  It has only gotten worse as I have gotten older.  Due to some excellent calming techniques, I was able to help ease my anxiety, but it has never been enough to be alone at night.  Briley has helped me stay calm and not worry as much when I am alone.  Instead, she keeps me smiling and laughing because of her goofy personality.  She is such a gift, and I feel like I owe so much to Canine Companions for Independence. The Northern Ohio Volunteer group is such a positive, supportive group of people who believe in the mission of Canine Companions for Independence.

Lisa Marn

Tahiti (the Sweetie) is Lisa Marn’s second service dog from Canine Companions for Independence. Lisa is eternally thankful to Canine Companions for Independence for the awesome work they did in training and matching her two service dogs. Tahiti enhances Lisa’s independence at home, in the community, and at work.

Lisa was recently engaged to Eric. Tahiti enables Lisa and Eric to have quality, alone time by reducing the need for human assistance. Tahiti helps Lisa around the house by picking up what is dropped and retrieving items. At work, Tahiti opens doors, carries items, and brings joy to co-workers and consumers.

Tahiti has been a source of unconditional love and acceptance for Lisa.  In September 2017, Tahiti will be Lisa’s Dog of Honor in her wedding. They are another exceptional match!

Kathy Corrigan-Cardelle & Bailey

If you want to know the answer to that musical question “who let the dogs out,” the answer is: Kathy did!

I had a blast at Team Training---well except for feeling incredibly clumsy when I voiced the wrong command, and 68 legs LEAPED in unison and surged forward in one big dog-wave of flying fur! Thank goodness for our Canine Companions Team Instructors. With two words, they got all 17 dogs to freeze and be under control again inside of 60 seconds!

How does that happen? Fantastic Puppy Raisers, and AMAZING Teachers who work tirelessly to socialize and train exceptional, focused Labs and Golden Retriever/Lab pups.

At first, class was like “speed-dating.” We each worked with one dog for 1-2 exercises, and then we would switch dogs until everyone had the right fit. I think they should call it “speed-dogging.”

Since Bailey picked me, we have a routine. Bailey knows when I am getting ready to go to work, and she lifts her head and thumps her tail. She knows when I say “Dress” that it is time to put on her vest and be ready to help. And wow, help she does! I never realized just how many things I drop in a day, or how much easier my life is when I can ask Bailey to hold a thing for me while I get adjusted in my chair. And Bailey does it all with an eager, happy face and a wagging tail! She loves to work. It feels great to know that I can get things accomplished without needing to ask a person nearby to stop what they are doing and get something for me. Bailey has gifted me with an added bonus: she is a people magnet! Instead of passing me without a word, people can’t help but stop, smile, and ask questions. Like magic, my chair and my disability disappear, and folks are meeting both of us. I knew Bailey was accepted at my jobsite when 4 different colleagues in a row said, “HI BAILEY!” and then remembered to add a hello for me afterwards. Bailey makes me happy and proud. She adds ease to my work-day, and funny antics to my evening rest. After an 8-hour shift, there is no better couch-potato than a sweet dog with soft ears and a cold, wet nose that “shoves” my hand waiting for another pet on her fur. 

Richard Sesso

On April 1, 2012, I got a spinal cord injury.  I asked about getting a service dog and the VA suggested Canine Companions for Independence.  I met with a group of Doctors who helped me get in contact with the Canine Companions.  After one year, Canine Companions called me to come visit their facility in Delaware, Ohio.  It was so exciting to actually see how the dogs do commands that would help me become more independent. 

The staff worked hard and matched me with Juju.  Juju has helped me in so many ways.  He picks up things constantly, helps with simple duties like opening doors, and he gives me so much love.  I feel so lucky to have him in my life.

Emily Lezon

Hi, my name is Emily Lezon. I want to speak about my experience with Canine Companions.

One day in 2014, I was invited to an event at Ritter Public Library. I went to the event. Needless to say, I have always been very afraid of dogs. I saw all of the neat things service dogs can do and knew they could help me. A few months later my mom signed me up to try to receive a service dog in Columbus.  We started working with our local Canine Companions puppy raisers (Stacey and Patty) to get over my fear of dogs. In October of last year, I got a letter stating that I was on the waiting list. I was so excited. We then waited for months until we got the call to come to Columbus at the end of October of 2016 for a two-week training.

 
Training was hard and long, but it was fun with the nice people I met. After working with about eight dogs, I was matched with David. He was the biggest dog in the class.

We have been really busy since we graduated on November 4th. As I am an intern at the YMCA and am concentrating on all that I have to learn this year, David does not go with me yet. David has worked the door with me at basketball games, goes to cheerleading practice, attended three cheerleading competitions, accompanied me on my at birthday trip, experienced holidays with both sides of our family, and we just got home from a two-week trip to Florida. David is a wonderful traveler and made my trip even better. He rode beside me all of the way to Florida. We are continuing to work on all of our commands and David is really good at picking up all of the things that I drop. I love my life with David.