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.