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!