Bill and Mary Jane McGinnis and Canto II and Neal VI

We have been puppy raisers for Canine Companions since Bruin II came into our life one cold, snowy day in March of 2016. Our 12-year-old pet lab, Maverick, had just passed away quickly from jaw cancer, and our home was just too empty without a dog!

Our daughter, Staicey Scholtz, has raised Canine Companion pups since 2009, so puppy raising was familiar to us.  Bruin needed a puppy raiser, and we needed a puppy, so the rest is HISTORY!

Being retired allows us to have plenty of time to devote to caring for, training and loving these special pups. Neal VI, our 3rd puppy, is 5 months old; our second, Canto II, matriculated to professional training on Nov 9th.  Bruin hit the jackpot of release dogs (reason: alert barking) with a very special Medina family who has certified him as a therapy dog.

Raising a puppy for us has been (and still is) an amazing adventure--from those needle-sharp teeth, “hurry” training, and sweet puppy breath, to the maturity of the 18-month-old ready to leave the “nest” and soar in whatever direction he or she chooses.  In between are the short nights, busy days learning commands, manners and limits, as well as trips to the vet, presentations, play dates, and trips across the country.

Most of all, this journey has kept us busy and given us new friendships and relationships we could have never imagined.  Whether it’s the “blue people” of Northern Ohio Chapter, or volunteers, puppy raisers, or graduates near and far, we feel the connection shared by those who support Canine Companions' mission of providing “exceptional dogs to exceptional people.”  It’s how we can say “goodbye” to a pup and welcome another every year.  Experiencing a graduate’s gratitude makes puppy raising rewarding beyond words: PRICELESS!  We would recommend it to anyone who wants to be part of changing someone’s life.

Vivian Steuterman

I first became aware of Canine Companions for Independence years ago through my neighbors, Mary Jane and Bill McGinnis and their daughter, Staicey Scholtz.  I would care for their puppies when they needed help and make monetary donations.  Little did I know at that time how much I would grow to love the Canine Companions mission, the puppy raisers, and the remarkable dogs they raise.  

A year ago, I decided to get more involved.  I am not currently in a position to raise a puppy, so I was not sure how much I could really help.  I started by making doggy treat bags and helping out once a month at puppy socialization classes.  Since then, I have attended as many of the Northern Ohio Chapter events as I can.  I even tagged along on a training event at the North Central Training Center because I wanted to see the facility and what they do there.  I have learned so much from the incredible puppy raising families and their Canine Companions puppies.  They are some of the friendliest, giving people I have ever met.  They give of themselves every minute of every day to raise these special puppies.  It truly does take a “village” to raise these puppies, and the puppy raisers love and care about the success of every puppy in the chapter.  

My family and I had attended the annual Dog Fest celebration in the past. It has always been a fabulous and fun event.  I offered to help in any way I could with DogFest 2018.  I started to attend the planning meetings, offered to organize a station, and volunteered my family to help, too.  Needless to say, it was a tremendous and successful event.  It was such a rewarding day for us and all of the Northern Ohio Chapter.  We are excited for next year. Hopefully, we can help more with the fund raising.  It is truly inspiring that these highly trained Canine Companions dogs are provided free of charge.  

Now that I have spent time with some of the graduates of this program and their assistance dogs, I really have a much better idea of the whole CCI mission and the difference these dogs make in people’s lives.  They not only provide their recipients with happiness, they also open up a world of opportunities to them.  I attended my first graduation ceremony in November.  

Initially I was not sure how much I could really help without actually raising a puppy.  Now I am so happy I got involved.  I really enjoy volunteering and attending the chapter events. I am very thankful for my new CCI “family” and am proud to be part of such a wonderful organization.

Stacey Schilling and Layton III

In the fall of 2001, I was in a head-on near-fatal car accident. Every year, my body is slowing down. I don’t know what my future holds.

After the accident, I got on the computer and started searching for service dog options. I found Canine Companions for Independence in Delaware Ohio. My sister happens to live in Delaware, Ohio, so I gave her a call. She said one of her neighbors had a Canine Companions service dog. My sister looked up Canine Companions and researched for me.

In 2015, I applied, not knowing what it all meant for me and my family. The application consisted of paperwork and interviews. I liked how they were genuinely concerned about all of my needs.

This year, on my birthday, February 4th, we drove to Delaware to stay with my sister for the two weeks of team training. On the third day of class, I met Layton. I felt an immediate connection to this dog and our wonderful journey started. Layton can read my mind and body language. He can feel my emotions through the leash.

Because of my injury, I am not allowed to bend over. Due to a titanium plate in my neck, I cannot look down at my feet or turn my head all the way from side to side. But Layton does so much for me!

When we are out shopping or just out, he will sometimes bump my leg with his nose to get my attention. That bump refocuses me. Then I concentrate on what is happening. I may be tired, fatigued, or overwhelmed by people etc. Layton lets me know when it’s time to get out and go home. I say, “Layton, let’s go home.” Then I focus on what to do to get out of my stressful situation. While shopping, Layton will do an up command to give the cashier my money. Then Layton gives me back the change. He will take the article that I bought from cashier and carry it to the car for me.

When grocery shopping, Layton will get items from the bottom shelf at the store and carry the groceries out to the car and into the house.

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While out walking one day, Layton nosed me three times in a row. Then he pushed harder. His movements slowed me way down. All of a sudden, I had a bad pain in my leg. If it were not for him, I would have fallen—and I’m not supposed to fall.

Layton pulls the laundry basket through the house, picks up clothes, puts them in the basket, and picks up other items I drop all day. He opens and closes doors, drawers, pulls open the door on the refrigerator and freezer, and even opens the trash can.

I have nerve damage in my hands and arms. Layton will retrieve my shoes, tug off my socks, coat, gloves, and pants for me. He jumps up and pushes the handicap door button and elevator button, too. And if I am in need of a family member, I say, “Layton, go get Don” or Corie etc., and he does.

 
I would not trade my Canine Companions for Independence experience for anything. During team training, all the trainers and staff knew exactly what I needed and encouraged me through it all. Everyone was there to help. They encouraged us all the time saying, “Everyone will succeed!”

Canine Companions integrity is tops in every department. All the trainers know what they’re doing. They get recertified all the time and are always looking for ways to improve. Besides the trainers, there are a lot of volunteers that work behind the scenes. No other group compares to this new family of mine. They are the only organization that I know of that gives their dogs to their recipients. They never ask for a penny from you to have a dog!

I would recommend Canine Companions for Independence to anyone who asks. Everyone needs hope, love, and encouragement! Thank you to all the puppy raisers and a very very special thank you to Mr. & Mrs. John Belcik who raised Layton III, my hero.

Jordan Oberholtzer

People always say to me, “I don’t know how your mom does it. I could never part with a dog after a year and a half.”  Before my mom started volunteering with Canine Companions as a puppy raiser, I too, would have been one of those people. But after watching and being a part of the process, I can’t imagine not doing it.

Since joining the Northern Ohio Chapter of Canine Companions for Independence, my mom has raised three beautiful and talented female puppies- Chai, Haven, and Mazie.  It has been a joy to watch each girl grow into her personality, as well as exceed in training during the short amount of time they were with our family.

For the past five years, I have lived in Chicago. During that time, my mom’s second dog, Haven, was matched with a lovely recipient named Janie.  Just seeing the two of them together reinforced to me Canine Companion’s mission.  Never have I met a more perfect team. Not only do they work well together, but they also share a truly unconditional loving bond.  It is amazing what Haven has been able to do for Janie and it’s even more amazing to see how they have grown together. I am so grateful to be able to witness it.

Although I do not have a Canine Companions puppy yet, I still enjoy volunteering and attending chapter events.  One of the first training events I went to after moving home from Chicago was at the Strongsville Fire Station. The fire fighters have been so kind to let us train there for the past 4 years.  While at the station, I was blown away on how calm and focused each dog was in the midst of alarms ringing, smoke filling up a room, and chain saws roaring.  It was a testament to how hard the puppy raisers like my mom work to make sure these dogs can face anything that comes at them.

Yolanda Gonzales and Zane

Hi, My name is Yolanda Gonzales and I am raising my 11^th puppy. His name is Zane. Zane is currently 17 months. 

This is my story -

Back in 1993, while I lived in Indianapolis, someone brought a puppy into the place I worked. My coworkers rushed back to where I was working and told me all about it – I asked them to get a phone number from them so I could learn more about the program. 

From the time I was a teenage, I had a desire to work with dogs, I didn't know it was possible until I learn about Canine Companions for Independence. For me, it was a dream come true.

I got my first puppy within six months. His name was Irvine. It was love at first sight. I called him Vinnie because I had a difficult time calling him Irvine. Vinnie was released from the program, so I adopted him. He was the one in a million dog for me. After he was released, I trained him for Search and Rescue, he loved his work. Plus, he continued supporting Canine Companions for Independence by helping me raise more puppies.

Each puppy I have raised has taught me so much. My second was Osburn. He graduated and I am still in touch with his recipient to this day. 

Then came Kaz. Kaz was my most professional dog. Even a quirk he developed while I was raising him became a blessing to his recipient. His recipient also keeps in touch with me--so much so that I learned that his current successor dog was raised by Mandy Mueller. 

My fourth puppy was a surprise. He came to me at 8 months of age. On the day I turned Kaz in for professional training, I was told that Gonzales was returned. I was asked if I would like to raise him. The name is not an accident. He was named after me. The previous puppy raiser called him Gonzo.I called him that, too. He also graduated.

Then came Beta. She was released for temperament and my sister-in-law adopted her. Beta's turn in was two weeks after my first child, Naomi, was born. My friend, Marti Vanada, turned Beta in for me.

It was at that time that I took a 7-year break. I waited patiently until my second child, Nina, started kindergarten.

Since then my daughter's have been involved with Canine Companions. We raised Tomo, Rowan, Kelso, Wanda, Fiama, and now Zane. My children have been raising puppies more than half their lives. 

Zane has been such a joy to raise. Being a puppy-raiser for over 24 years become so much a part of my life and I cannot imagine not raising another puppy. When the time comes to turn in Zane, my heart starts to beat a little faster because that is when the real magic starts. I will hold my breath until I get to hand over the leash to someone who will get to experience the magic, too. 

About 3 or 4 years ago, I ran into a dear friend after 17 years apart. She was turning in her first puppy. She was there for me when I turned in Vinnie, and promised me she would keep an eye on him. Well, I got to return the favor. She was having a most difficult time turning in her puppy, then I said – look at all these puppy raisers who are doing it for the 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th time. Why do they do it knowing it will be difficult? Well, she did return her puppy for professional training and now she is getting ready to turn in her 3^rd dog. She gets it now. 

How do you explain the magic that happens to someone who has never done it?

Bob Keleman and SD Lakota

My story can be quite complicated. The shortened version started with a back injury in high school. I broke my tail bone playing football. I worked as a landscaper and an excavator most of my life. It can be a dangerous job. I had a mechanical failure in a truck I was driving and hit an overpass on the highway. 

During my surgery, they found numerous crushed vertebrae. I now have titanium plates, rods and screws holding that together. It also resulted in nerve damage from my lower back all the way down both legs. So in 2008, my doctor told me I would never again be able to do what I loved and was put on disability. She was the one who suggested I look into Canine Companions for Independence. 

I denied needing the assistance for a long time, but I eventually did apply. I believe that was over 3 years ago. Since then, I’ve had numerous surgeries, including two total knee replacements--one of which was an accident made by a resident resulting in a second surgery two days later. And then 6 weeks ago, another surgery by a different hospital system to fix an additional issue with that same knee. Needless to say, bending and kneeling are not activities that I excel at. My biggest issue is mobility. I am ambulatory, but occasionally fall from the nerve damage and atrophy. 

In February 2016, my wife divorced me, leaving me homeless. I have no family and no children. When I got the call from Canine Companions about a possible assistance dog, I was really torn. I  wasn’t sure I had the resources to care for a dog and definitely didn’t have the money to stay in a hotel for two weeks plus food and gas during our training period. I actually told my instructor no. I can’t afford to do it. 

I mentioned the opportunity to get a Canine Companions assistance dog to a friend on Facebook, and that was the beginning of the miracle. This young lady refused to let me give up. She and two other woman insisted on paying for my hotel for my entire stay in Delaware, Ohio, and sent me gas cards and food cards. I called the instructor at Canine Companions back and told her I would be there. 

So, on February 4th, I met the amazing staff of Canine Companions for Independence at the North Central Regional Training Center in Delaware, Ohio. Then I met Lakota.

Lakota means "friend". Exactly what I needed. We spent two weeks during team training working together. I knew Lakota was the one. I was also blessed to have met other potential graduates. Everyone was so kind and friendly. When I was told that I now have a surrogate family, I didn’t really believe that would be the case. But I was wrong. 

When I told Eric, Canine Companions' Graduate Program Manager, of my upcoming surgery, and that I didn’t have anyone to care for Lakota, he assured me that Canine Companions would make accommodations to have someone help with Lakota's needs. An incredible young lady, Emily Cikra volunteered to watch Lakota during my hospital stay. There were also two of my classmates that came and visited me for two separate weekends. Amazing kind loving families. I really enjoyed the company and Lakota loved seeing his old buddies, one of which was his brother Layton. I’ve also received numerous cards and care packages. 

Canine Companions for Independence is an incredible group of people that have welcomed me with open arms. I’m not used to that, but the timing couldn’t have been better. Lakota’s help after the surgery was and is priceless. He also motivates me to keep healing, physically and spiritually. I need to walk him, but I also need his kisses. I never imagined at 48 years old that my life would change so much and so fast. But then I remember the saying “ If you want to hear God laugh, tell him 'your' plans”. 

Lakota is my life and the “little man” I was never able to have. He’s my everything. A perfect pure little soul. And I don’t think dog backwards is God. I know that’s a little silly. But I think God uses dogs to watch over us. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention the amazing puppy raiser family that took care of Lakota for the first year and a half of his life: Chris and Harold McHenry and their two beautiful daughters Grace and Lauren. They are lovely people. We keep in touch and I hope to see them soon.

Amanda Winquist

Volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence is an opportunity that I would recommend to others.  I've always enjoyed working with animals, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact that these dogs have on people.

Volunteering with Canine Companions gives me the opportunity to help a dog learn. Once graduated and matched with their new person, the dog not only assists a person, but they become part of the person’s life—their new best friend. Together, they form a bond that can never be broken.

My school requires service hours for all students. Working with Canine Companions for Independence was a perfect way to combine my love for dogs with my desire to give back to society. Seeing the dogs progress is quite rewarding, especially when their journey culminates in graduation. 

My experience has been amazing. I hope that I can continue to be a part of CCI.

Don and Laura Stull and Mitzi V

Hi! We are Don and Laura Stull. We currently have Mitzi, a female lab/golden mix. We have been training dogs our entire adult life. We started with our first Newfoundland, Pepper, some 40 years ago competing and acquiring a CD. After learning about training, we then began training for Therapy work (Certified Therapy Dog with TDI) with our Newfs. After years of visiting nursing homes and libraries for kids to read to the dog, Don is now known around town ‘as the guy with the dog.’

We came to CCI after approximately 10 years training service dogs for another agency in N/W Ohio. Our experience with CCI has been WONDERFUL!. CCI has everything laid out in order, explained very well and if there are questions, the folks at the facility in Delaware are great providing an answer. Not to mention the other puppy raisers we have met. Everyone has been friendly, accommodating and well informed.

It has been a privilege to work with the dogs over the years and see the joy, independence and changes in a person’s life that the dogs can bring once they are partnered with a person in need.

Dwayne Owens & SD Kinsman

Kinsman, my service dog, is awesome!

I use a wheelchair. My daughter’s friend has a diabetic alert service dog and suggested that I look into getting a service dog for myself. She searched online and found Canine Companions for Independence. I filled out the online application. Two years after, I drove to Delaware, Ohio, for an initial interview. It was so worth it. There are other service dog organizations that have you pay up to $60,000 for a service dog and training. Canine Companions does it all for free because of the donors that support them.

Team Training was awesome, but not easy. There was testing every day. But the trainers were always there to answer questions. I worked with three other dogs besides Kinsman. I didn’t get to pick my dog. The trainers chose the dog that they thought would best suit me. They made the perfect match!

Kinsman makes life easier. When I drop things that I can’t reach from my wheelchair, Kinsman picks them up for me. I use a manual wheelchair, so my hands are busy wheeling me to where I need to be. If I’m at a store, I can’t wheel myself around and carry things. That’s where Kinsman comes in. I tell the check-out clerks not to overload my grocery bags because they need to be light enough for Kinsman to carry.

Right now, I’m working with Kinsman on increasing his stamina. He can pull my wheelchair and is now learning to pull it uphill. I praise him when he does well. It’s important to let him know he did it right.

I have two children—13 and 10 years old. They hate it that I don’t let them give Kinsman treats. He only eats his dog food. But one day, Kinsman got ahold of a sour gummy worm that the kids dropped on the floor by accident. He got the worst stomach ache and then diarrhea. But even with that, he never had an accident indoors. He woke me up asking to go outside to relieve himself.

He’s so well-behaved in public. I take him everywhere, even to church. I was in the doctor’s office and a woman said, “Your dog looks so sad.” I said to her, “Ma’am, do you look happy when you go to work? No one looks happy when they’re working. Because they’re working. They look serious.”

Kinsman doesn’t lick, kiss, groom himself, or shake in public, which is good because boy does he shed. He sheds once a year—and it’s all year. So, I appreciate that he controls himself and doesn’t shake in pubic. The lint roller, Furminator, and slicker brush helps with the hair. I brush him outside and the grass looks like its growing hair. The birds use it for their nest!

When I put his food down, Kinsman won’t move until I give him a command. But his favorite command is heel. He does it so well. He gets super close to my wheelchair. He lays right against the wheels, so I know right where he’s at and I know that he is out of the way.

Kinsman lets me trim his nails, and he loves to get his teeth brushed. He’s very quiet. I’ve only heard him bark twice!

Kinsman has an awesome veterinarian. This is her first service dog patient and she treats Kinsman with respect, like he’s on the job. She even gives us a discount for her services.

I’m hoping to get back to work this year, so I’m looking into pet insurance. He’s had ear infections and stomach issues and I’ve had to take him to the vet. Then there’s flea and tick medicine to buy. Kinsman is my responsibility. I take care of him. Pet insurance could help with that.

Kinsman is worth every penny. My life is better because of Kinsman. I’m a single dad, so Kinsman makes such a difference. But Kinsman plays, too. When he’s in release mode and you stop petting him, he won’t let you. He wants more and more. And he loves to play with his toys.

I’m completely happy that I applied to Canine Companions and received Kinsman. And I’m proud of his name and the story behind it. There are a lot of dogs in the program with names and a number after it. But Kinsman is named after a woman that Staicey, Kinsman’s puppy raiser, met. The story is wonderful and important to me. I’m proud that he’s named after a donor.

Kinsman also means “blood relation.” It couldn’t be more true, because Kinsman is part of the family.

Linda Yingling & SC Tina

From the time that I was in the third grade, my dream was to become a Registered Nurse. I did all the right things to make my dream come true. I began volunteering as a Candy Striper at age thirteen and continued doing so through high school. During my senior year of high school, I was accepted into nursing school and my parents promised me to send me. When the time approached to prepare for that new and exciting adventure, my parents pulled the plug, saying that they didn’t have the money. I was devastated.

After much prayer, I enlisted in the United States Navy. I became a Navy Corps Wave. My Naval experience included working in a Navy Hospital at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago, Illinois. My responsibilities were caring for active duty servicemen who were wounded during the Vietnam War. After I completed my duty, I was sent to Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I was assigned to work in the hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit, and occasionally, the Naval Prison.

After being honorably discharged, I returned to my hometown and entered nursing school to receive a diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse. My schooling was paid for with the G.I. Bill.

It would be sixteen years later when I was accepted into the Registered Nursing program at Lorain County Community College, graduating in the Spring of 1986. I retired from the Nursing profession in 1994 because of my deteriorating physical health. (At 23 years of age, I had been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an incurable, debilitating, deforming, yet treatable chronic disease. Throughout my journey, I’ve had fifteen joint replacements to attempt to relieve pain and allow me to function.)

I have faced tremendous adversities, but they haven’t slowed me down. I recently graduated with a Doctoral degree in Ministry at age sixty-eight. While completing my education, I lost most of my eyesight.

In retrospect, my years in the Navy were the most challenging and beautiful years of my life. The training that I received was far beyond what I expected, and certainly prepared me for future educational opportunities. I also realized that when other women were wearing love beads, I wore dog tags, proudly and with honor.

My husband Gary is also a Veteran. He served from 1968-1972 at Taegu Air Force Base in South Korea and Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our son, Brent, served in the U.S. Air Force from 1988-1992. He was stationed in Iceland for one year. Then he served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

After waiting for two years, in February, I graduated and received Tina, a skilled companion service dog from Canine Companions for Independence. Tina and I have a fabulous working relationship. Tina has changed my life in countless ways, most assuredly, she had given me independence. At graduation, my husband and I received special medals under the Veterans Initiative.

The staff at Canine Companions are highly trained professionals who dedicate their lives to helping people like me. I can’t thank them enough.

Jim Warner and Maurice II

My name is Jim Warner. I was paired with Maurice II in November 2017. Currently, I serve as a middle school youth minister and do some computer technician work on the side.

I have been disabled since birth and confined to a wheelchair. Growing up, I didn’t realize that a service dog would be so much help until I received my first dog from another organization. That’s when I started to see the benefit of having a service dog. That dog later passed away from leukemia, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted another dog. So, a few years went by and I decided that it was time once again for another dog.

I began searching the website of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), and through them found Canine Companions. I loved the fact that they were starting a military initiative for our veterans seeing my brother serves in the U.S. Navy. I loved the feeling of the overall program that CCI had to offer, so I started the application process. I was excited when I was accepted onto the waiting list.

After two years of waiting, I got the call to attend team training. That was probably one of the most exciting, long, and emotionally draining two weeks of my life, but the rewards of being matched with Maurice has outweighed anything else. The training staff, puppy raisers, and volunteers were just exceptionally wonderful, and are great at the work they are doing. During those two weeks, I made new friends, or better yet, family. Not only has the companionship been wonderful, but the assistance that Maurice provides by picking up items, opening doors, and now helping me with undressing, has been awesome. 

Maurice has quickly become the class mascot with my middle school students. They enjoy seeing him each time that we meet. He tags along on our field trips, as well.

I feel Maurice has been a big motivation for me. I know that I have a responsibility to care for Maurice. It has encouraged me to be active and out moving around, because not only does it give Maurice exercise, but me as well. The biggest difference between my first dog and Maurice is that I wasn’t driving yet, and now I am driving. It gives me and my family peace knowing that I have Maurice with me when I am out by myself and I need help.

Luke Hubert and Service Dog Samford

Luke was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This is a progressive muscle disease that takes away the ability to walk typically by the age of 12. We became aware of Canine Companions for Independence dogs and their gift when Luke was 3 years old while attending a Muscular Dystrophy Association parent support group. We knew then this was our newly realized dream for our son. We hoped that someday he, too, may have the same opportunities that so many had been given with the gift of independence through a Canine Companions dog.

We started the application process when we felt Luke was old enough to handle an assistance dog. Currently, Luke is 13 years old, and after graduating on November 3^rd, he now has a new companion in Samford. He and Samford go to the movies, read, and play videos games together. Samford goes to physical therapy each week with Luke, and gives Luke comfort during hospital and doctor visits. He also gives Luke confidence and a feeling of control in his life. Samford has been able to help Luke with daily activities. Luke also loves seeing Samford and our other dog, Bentley, play together. Samford was an immediate part of the family in every way.

We are so blessed and happy to be part of the Canine Companions family, and very grateful for the many new friends we made through our training experience. We thank all who have been a part of this process. This includes the donors, breeders, puppy raisers, instructors, and the complete CCI team. Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. Thank you being a part of making our dream for our son a reality. Thank you for your compassion, dedication, and generosity. Thank you for giving Luke a new best friend in Samford.

The Hubert Family

Kerry and Jim Pettit

Jim and I started puppy raising for CCI in July, 2006. At the time, we lived in Henderson, Nevada, and we were part of Canine Companions for Independence’s Southwest Region. Since then, we moved to Ohio and are now part of the North Central Region. It’s been 11 ½ years, and we are now raising puppy #9, a yellow male lab/golden cross named Zephyr V. 

We have been fortunate to have watched 4 of our puppies graduate, 2 as Skilled Companion placements and 2 as Service Dog placements. The graduates of our pups have become part of our family, and we have been blessed to have been able to continue to see our pups, receive updates and pictures with each one. Seeing how these amazing dogs positively impact the lives of their recipients is what inspires us to continue to puppy raise. Knowing that in some small way we were a part of someone else’s miracle is so rewarding. 

Another benefit of puppy raising is the constant companionship of a puppy by your side. Having a puppy in training with us at work, out running errands, or at community events is an honor and a privilege. 

We are halfway through our journey with Zephyr. Each puppy has his/her own personality, challenges, and rewards. Zephyr’s story is still in the making. He will matriculate in August, and potentially graduate in February of 2019. Hopefully, puppy #10 will arrive in the fall.

Volunteering for CCI has become a lifetime commitment for us. We hope to raise at least 26 puppies—the alphabet.  We are on our way.

Carolyn Odom

I first got involved with Canine Companions for Independence in 2014. I've worked with adaptive sport programs since 2004, and had the pleasure of meeting multiple people with service dogs. CCI stood out from the pack (pun intended) as having the highest standards with their dogs. I went to my first graduation at Southwest Region to learn more about puppy raising with the mindset of "How could people do this??" and left a few hours later with a fistful of tissues, saying "How could I NOT do this??"

I got my first dog Toluca in January 2015 - I was working as the Director of Programs at the Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego, and this was the perfect environment. We had a CCI facility graduate in our office three days a week and my puppy was constantly exposed to a wide variety of people with disabilities. Unfortunately, she decided that working life was not for her and was released from Advanced Training. I was already training puppy number two (Khaleesi) at that point, and Toluca came back home to be her big sister!

I relocated to Cleveland for work in late 2017 after Khaleesi turned in. My current position isn't as flexible with puppy raising as my previous ones, so I'm easing them into it with puppy sitting while I get settled... moving from San Diego to NE Ohio in winter is a definite shock to the system! I've received a warm welcome from the North Central CCI family, and while I won't be puppy raising in the near future, I'm excited to continue puppy sitting and to get involved with DogFest and other local fundraisers.