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.