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.

.
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.