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.