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.
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