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.

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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.