Erin Taggart

I began volunteering with Canine Companions for Independence six years ago after a series of events led me to discover the organization. Having worked in pet care for a few years, I decided to attend dog training school where I learned about obedience, puppy, and even service dog training, since that’s always been an interest of mine.

Soon after, I adopted my German Spitz rescue, Queequeg. An energetic little guy, we went to every dog related event around, eventually making our way to Hinckley Ohio, and Canine Companions. I was hooked when I heard a graduate speak about how her life was positively impacted by getting a service dog. I immediately wanted to get involved to help more people get this opportunity.

I found the volunteers to be very warm and welcoming. Most of them are puppy raisers and, while this isn’t something that fits into my life right now, that doesn’t mean I can’t pitch in and help. If I’m running the projector at an event, that frees up those with puppies to get out and mingle. Other times I get to do a little more. A favorite volunteer moment was running the contests at the Dogfest fundraiser. I love the way a contest like ‘best trick’ can showcase the tasks Canine Companions for Independence dogs do for people on a daily basis. On other occasions I’ve gotten to march in parades. Once I had the privilege of walking a Canine Companions puppy so the raiser could photograph the event. I also love that I can take my own dog to some of the events. We both have a blast!

For the past few years I’ve been doing dog walking and training while attending Cleveland State University, graduating last year with my Bachelor of Arts in psychology. I’m excited that Canine Companions has started a PTSD pilot program. Service dogs can do so much to help a person, whether their need is physical or psychological. In the future I plan to continue in the pet care or training fields, maybe even training service dogs someday. For now, I’m happy helping out where I can for such an amazing organization.

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.