Michael Cantu

Michael Cantu and Toli were paired together in May of 2017.  Michael was injured in an unfortunate accident when he landed head first in a foam pit back in August of 2011.  It was two days before the start of sophomore year at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School and he quickly learned that his life would never be the same.  From the beginning, Michael has maintained a very positive attitude and has inspired many others.  He graduated with his class in 2014 and is now in his 4^th year at Kent State where he studies Zoology.

Toli joined Michael at Kent State for the first time this semester and he has changed Michael’s life.  In addition to providing Michael with assistance with opening doors and picking up things that fall from Michael’s lap, the biggest difference has been with how other students interact with Michael.  Michael says in the past, many students would look at him and then quickly look away, not knowing what to say or how to interact.  Now, many students are drawn in because of Toli, and Michael has made many more friends this semester.

Toli has become a ‘regular’ on the Kent State main campus and accompanies Michael to his appointments, therapy and everywhere else he goes.  He usually is the source of many smiles and helps to start up conversations.  Although Michael and Toli have only been together for 6 months, they quickly became best friends and Michael can’t imagine life with his sidekick.

Jackie Stanton and Release Dog Naja

Hi, my name is Naja and I came to Northern Ohio by way of Santa Rosa, California then Columbus, Ohio and then the North Central Regional Training Center in Delaware, Ohio. My brother Nilson and I flew in this big thing. I think you humans call it a plane. Wow…scary! Then off to NCR … great smells there and then off to Miss Jackie’s house. Whew. What a whirlwind. 

Miss Jackie and her brother Joe were my puppy raisers. They also had a canine friend Chocolate Swiss. She was a tough dog. I knew not to mess with her, but she was nice to me too. She taught me lots of wonderful things like where the good spots were in the yard to go potty and to not mess with the skunks. Stinky!

I went to school with Miss Jackie. That was fun and I made great friends both human and canine while staying at Miss Jackie’s house. I like all my friends at Happy at Home Pet Sitting and Detroit Dover Animal Hospital. They have good treats there, boy! Miss Jackie and I learned basic doggy commands. Then back to NCR I went for college. I think CCI calls that Professional Training. So, funny story there... 

I kind of have a mind of my own and do not like my nails trimmed. I had great fun at NCR with all my canine friends and then there was Miss Jackie. She came back to pick me up. Wow. I think they now call me a release dog. 

It’s ok though, as I have a very important job to do. Take care of Miss Jackie and all the children in the neighborhood. Boy are they fun. And … spread the good word about CCI. Dogs love humans and we love to work or help, oh yeah and eat … can’t forget that. Humans really need us to remember the important things in life… love, laugh, work, play, eat, rest and of course lots of hugs.

Janie Baum

There are so many reasons I became a puppy raiser I am not sure I can list them all, but first and foremost, the opportunity to possibly help "give the gift of independence" is the one that stands out. Over the years of loving dogs, volunteering with pups and people with different abilities really pushed our family to start raising. Then after a freak accident paralyzed our son's best friend at the age of 16, it became a matter of "Now is the time."  That wonderful young man just graduated in May with his service dog, Toli, and they couldn't be happier!  I am still awed daily at the stories I hear of everyone's experience who receive this life changing gift.  Puppy raising is such a gift to US, and I am so thankful and blessed to be welcomed into this CCI family.  Thank you all for what YOU do, knowing that we are on this journey with Stielau and all of you makes it so much more special!

Vicki Simons

Nike is my 7^th dog I’ve raised for Canine Companions for Independence and my 3^rd dog to graduate. It’s extremely gratifying. The ultimate goal is to see the dog you raised graduate, but there is so much more to the journey.

We welcome these little miracles into our hearts and homes at just 8 weeks old. We train and social them from day one. We go on walks and hikes and vacations together. We train and socialize at lots of fun and unique places. We do presentations and represent at information booths at various events to spread awareness and recruit volunteers. Nike helped me inspire two new puppy raisers who have joined the Canine Companions family, and the Northern Ohio Chapter and I have gained new friendships.

We got to travel to TEAM 2016 and visit the Santa Rosa headquarters together where we met one of Nike’s littermates and lots of puppy raisers, breeder caretakers, graduates, staff and assistance dogs in training. We stayed an extra day with our Chapter friends and went sightseeing in San Francisco.

Nike graduated as a facility dog. He works in a school system with special needs children. He will inspire and motivate them, build confidence, and be a friend. What a beautiful end to a wonderful journey!

Joan Cikra

We are so excited to have Joan Cikra heading up this year’s DogFest Cleveland for the second year in a row. Joan’s passion for Canine Companions for Independence stems from watching the way her daughter Emily’s service dog, Dash, has impacted Emily’s life by enhancing her independence and confidence as a woman with a disability. “In addition to that,” says Joan, “Dash also brings our family joy in knowing that Emily’s needs will be met when we are not there to assist her. A dropped cell phone or an out-of-reach remote is no longer a concern!”

Joan and the rest of the Northern Ohio Chapter are very excited that Medina is hosting this year’s DogFest again on Sunday, September 24th. It promises to be a great dog-friendly, family-oriented event that raises awareness and funds for Canine Companions for Independence! Learn more at cci.org/cleveland.

Lisa Dare

My husband and I are long time dog lovers. There isn’t a dog that passes by that we don’t greet. After a 20 plus year career in sales and traveling the country, it was time for me to pursue a personal passion. Although I am a first-time puppy raiser, I knew that my love for dogs, my nurturing nature and my love for helping people were key ingredients for me to join forces with Canine Companions for Independence. I did a lot of research and instantly fell in love with the mission of Canine Companions. Having the opportunity to meet the great community of puppy raisers within the Northern Ohio Chapter of Canine Companions was the icing on the cake. I was hooked instantly.

My husband and I enjoy every minute with Schumann. He has touched our lives more than we could ever have imagined. The journey has only just begun...

Theresa Marzloff

I learned about Canine Companions for Independence this summer while at the Farmer's Market on Medina's Square. We spoke to the puppy raisers in great length. Vicki Simons is a great recruiter for the organization. We kept in contact via email and I received notice about the Chapter's meeting at Medina Library. I attended January's meeting. It was there I found out that I can help without becoming an actual puppy raiser.

Since then, Donna Adams has taken me on outings to Home Depot and Petco. A few months ago, Christy LeBlanc, who is raising Gates, took my daughter Rebeccca and I bowling with the group. It was very enjoyable! I told her I would help with Gates when I can. We have had the pleasure of having Gates at our home a couple times already. I feel this is a perfect way to learn about puppy raising before we make the commitment to raise a Canine Companions puppy ourselves. We plan on getting involved in other ways, as well, especially DogFest. Everyone we have met so far has been wonderfully warm and welcoming.

Rebecca, Neal, and I live in Medina, and Rebecca is a fifth grader at H.G. Blake Elementary School.