Fall 2010 - Canine Companions for Independence

Southwest Companion
The Southwest Region Newsletter of Canine Companions for Independence
Fall 2010 Issue: Dean and Gerda Koontz, Extraordinary Philanthropists; Life Unleashed in Los Angeles;
Canine Companions Salutes Independence
NAPE American Heroes
Fund Supports the
Wounded Veterans Initiative
C
anine Companions for Independence was honored to
be one of three charities featured by the American
Heroes Fund at the NAPE Expo in Houston, Texas.
The semi-annual NAPE Expo provides a marketplace for the
buying, selling and trading of oil and gas prospects via exhibit
please see American Heroes on page 5
Trixie’s At It Again!
B
estselling author Dean Koontz released a new Trixie
book in September and, once again, he is donating
100% of the author’s proceeds to Canine Companions!
Kids young and old will relate to Trixie & Jinx, a funny story
extolling all the wonderful things about best friends.
It’s great having a best friend to do everything with–but
not so great when they go away. Trixie the golden retriever
longs for her buddy Jinx the dachshund when Jinx goes
on vacation. Lonely Trixie tries to find new friends, but
discovers that spiders have no sense of humor and
mice just can’t appreciate a good tail-chase. No one
can compare to Jinx!
Available at the Southwest Region Gift Shop or
online at cci.org.
Graduate Jason Morgan
accepted a contribution to
Canine Companions from
the NAPE American Heroes
Fund. Congressional
Medal of Honor
winner Donald
“Doc” Ballard
presented the
check.
expressed in Trixie’s pages are the source
that “the [movie makers] so understand
of quotes that always provide the perfect
the Trixie character that I know I have
thought.
entrusted my beloved pooch’s reputation
The classic volumes named and other
to people who will do her proud.” Trixie
Trixie-inspired enterprises including sig-
will be the star of a live action family
nature products for pets and people, and
comedy. Dean doesn’t want to give away
the enchanting picture books for children
too many details as the project is still
(I, Trixie Who is Dog and Trixie & Jinx) have
emerging, but it was disclosed in a recent
been positioned by her human parents,
interview that Trixie will be solving
Dean and Gerda Koontz, to be agents
family issues without her human family
of fundraising for Canine Companions.
recognizing she is the fixer and mender.
oyful living means think of yourself as
Trixie, a retired Canine Companions
Sounds just like Trixie!
movie star. Be proud but not arrogant.
service dog adopted by the philanthropic
Trixie’s signature ear bows are
Be beautiful but not vain. Be strong
hearted Koontzes, has given her heavenly
ready—perfectly coordinated with Oscar’s
but gentle. Be loving, be humble, be as much like
paws-up to all of these projects that
red carpet. Walking that famous walk
a dog as you can—and be happy!”
benefit The Trixie Fund to assist with
toward the spotlight, the long shadow of
extraordinary veterinary costs for dogs
Trixie’s “big little life” will glow warmly
partnered with people with disabilities.
for all the generations of her canine cous-
“J
— Trixie Koontz, Dog
Trixie’s literary trilogy—Life is Good,
Christmas is Good, Bliss to You—is always
within reach. The earmarked pages and
occasional margin notes attest that they
are much loved and often referenced.
The wit, wisdom and humor succinctly
This summer, the show-business
newspaper Variety announced that a
ins that will benefit from her incarnation
as a movie star.
Trixie movie deal was official. Wow! Trixie
has always had star power for us, but
bringing her to the big screen is huge.
Dean was quoted in the article as stating
Thank You, Dean and Gerda Koontz!
B
estselling author Dean Koontz and
his wife, Gerda, have once again
blessed Canine Companions with
an act of extraordinary philanthropy. We
are exceedingly grateful to our Southwest
Region campus benefactors for their recent
gift of $750,000, which brings their total
contributions to Canine Companions to
a towering $7.2 million! Their support
continues to enable children and adults
with disabilities to be paired with canine
partners for practical assistance, emotional
support and unconditional love. Through
The Trixie Fund, Dean and Gerda also
ensure that catastrophic medical expenses
are covered for dogs partnered with people
with disabilities so that human-canine teams
can be together as long as possible.
Dean and Gerda Koontz and their release dog, Anna, joined Southwest Region Executive Director
Linda Valliant for a photo at a National Board Meeting of Canine Companions last year.
Canine Companions for Independence
Team Training Yearbook
May Graduates
Kate Andersen
Facility Dog Gamay III
Draper, UT
Mary Lee Bensman
Buena Vista, CO
Kristi Elliott
Successor Service Dog Benisa
Irvine, CA
Linda McMahan
Shawnee, OK
Wesley
Ricky Bytel
With Facilitator Randy
Skilled Companion Dog Dobson
Garland, TX
Marilyn & Brittany Fullen
San Diego, CA
Devan Le Blanc
Service Dog Berken II
Redondo Beach, CA
Karen & Stan Reaves
Lake Forest, CA
Marylin DeCain
Service Dog Najee
Montebello, CA
Aimee & Kimiko Yokota
Fountain Valley, CA
Service Dog Schumann
Chandler, AZ
JoAnn Niebur
Aspen, CO
Molly
Brendan Regan
With Facilitator Emily
Skilled Companion Dog Sarah III
Aiea, HI
Marilyn Cohen & Chris Malburg
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Service Dog Grady V
Woodruff, WI
Doreen Mayo
Huntington Beach, CA
Sydney
Regina Dunn
With Facilitator Teresa
Skilled Companion Dog Cleo V
Bellflower, CA
Dianne & Emmalee Petty
Flagler, CO
Service Dog Devane
Mesa, AZ
Mitzi & Klifton Kime
Golden, CO
Riley
Not only did Canine
Companions turn 35 this
year, but in November we
are expected to place our
3,500th assistance dog!
With Facilitator Joe
Skilled Companion Dog Malibu II
Abilene, TX
Linda & Shana Dreyfuss
San Diego, CA
In Her Own Words
by Pegge Wilson
I
was an occupational therapist and
no reservations because I feel a total commit-
35 years ago, a young girl with high
ment to Canine Companions’ mission.
level quadriplegia came to see me for
As an occupational therapist working
therapy accompanied by her service dog,
with people with physical disabilities, my
Moose. It turns out that Moose was one of
two major goals were to enable my patients
the first assistance dogs to graduate from
to achieve their maximum level of inde-
Canine Companions for Independence. It
pendence in their daily activities, and, in
was not long before I realized that Canine
addition, to provide psychological support
Companions' mission and mine were a
in adapting to an altered lifestyle. Canine
perfect fit.
Companions’ assistance dogs have the same
I became a Board Member in 2006. I
feel that my biggest responsibility as a Board
Member is to be as actively involved in all
aspects of Canine Companions as possible.
goals. These highly trained dogs help with
Pegge Wilson begins her term as
President of the Southwest Region
Board on November 12, 2010.
This includes fundraising, increasing the
physical tasks that increase independence,
as well as provide invaluable emotional
support. I see their role as a continuance
of mine, but perhaps more important. They
organization’s visibility, educating the public and supporting
get to be “occupational therapists” and a best supportive
the incredible work of the staff, volunteers and contributors.
friend on a daily basis. After a lifetime of therapy work, I
Board members each have a significant role in helping to
can’t think of anything that could provide a more positive,
facilitate the needs and ideas of the organization. When I was
life-changing experience than having the constant compan-
asked to assume the position as Board President I did so with
ionship of a Canine Companions assistance dog.
The Companion Fall 2010
Southern California
Champions
by Kim Jaurena
T
he SoCal Champions have been
busy with parades and meetings.
We participated in the Coronado
Independence Day Parade in July and the La
Habra Corn Parade hosted by the La Habra
Lions on August 7. At our July meeting,
Dr. Justin Altman, DVM, answered questions on canine health. At our September
meeting, Jackie Butler taught us about
Canine Learning Theory.
Longtime Canine Companions Contract Trainer Mike Fowler retired. Mike
has guided countless puppy raisers and
puppies in program for the past 12 years.
On September 20, a group of more than 50
volunteers gathered to thank Mike for his
wisdom and good humor over the years.
October 29 is the date for the Canine
Companions Invitational Golf Classic in Dana
Point at the Monarch Beach Golf Links.
The Golf Tournament Committee has
worked diligently to ensure a successful
event this year. For more information go
to www.ccigolf.org.
Puppy raisers represented Canine Companions
at the 2010 La Habra Corn Parade in August.
Photo by Bonnie Mueller
Las Vegas Chapter
by Kerry Pettit
O
ur local volunteers, puppy raisers
and graduates have been enjoying
the camaraderie and excitement
of having a Las Vegas Chapter of Canine
Companions for Independence. The
chapter has held monthly meetings to
promote Canine Companions, socialize and plan upcoming events. Puppy
The Las Vegas Chapter puppy raisers met on the
Las Vegas Strip for an official group photo. From
left to right, Kerry and Jim Pettit with Nikolai,
Amy Ragnone with Wynonna, Christine Venable
and Mary Grace Clements with Yasmeen, Kelly
Haugh with Sully V, and Mackenzie and Marni
Nogues with Charlene. Photo by Kelly Haugh
raiser Christine Venable with puppy
in program Yasmeen and Apprentice
Instructor Katie Kniest with Professional Training Dog Misty VI represented
Canine Companions at the Sephora store
managers National Meeting at the Red
Rock Resort and Casino. At the meeting,
Leslie Blodgett, CEO of Bare Escentuals
cosmetics, announced the new line of
eye shadows with colors that are named
after dogs. These hot, new shadows will
be sold exclusively at Sephora and Bare
Escentuals will donate a portion of the
proceeds to Canine Companions!
October will be a busy month for
chapter volunteers who will represent
Canine Companions at two separate
events: the 19th Annual Disability Awareness
Day at Lorenzi Park and a community
Halloween Parade and Party at Deer Springs
Town Center. Visit our chapter website
www.ccilasvegas.com for more information about our upcoming events and
meetings.
Arizona Valley of the Sun
Chapter
Graduate teams met for photo
shoots to promote the event, worked
as volunteers on event day, and were
a great presence at the luncheon. Initial
results indicate a contribution of over
$54,000 to Canine Companions from the
tournament, thanks to our many chapter
members’ involvement.
Our puppy program was in high
gear this summer. Along with the tears
of turning in three puppies in August,
there was cause for celebration. One of
our chapter-raised puppies graduated
in August, and five new puppies came
to their raisers this summer. More new
additions are coming soon!
Canine Companions assistance dogs and
puppies in program enhance the landscape
at the Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic in
Scottsdale. Photo by Pat Lawson
Wasatch Champions
by Amy Kernan
T
he Wasatch Champions have
been busy! We now have 22 active
puppy raisers and we recently
added a new graduate team. The turnout
at a Salt Lake Bees baseball game proved
our growing numbers. Approximately
40 volunteers and graduates with their
dogs stood atop the dugout for the 7th
inning stretch!
Service Team Kelly Bussio and
Tadaki were featured on the local news
this summer. The story featured Tadaki
By Cheryl Goode
T
his year’s Dog Days of Summer Golf
Classic was the best ever! From the
initial registration and purchase of
golfer game packs, on-course contest and
sales holes to the fabulous silent auction,
records were broken in almost every
category. The Golf Committee began
meetings in March and worked very
hard for seven months, collecting silent
auction items, acquiring sponsors, assembling a super volunteer force and creating
a meaningful luncheon program.
Utah Facility Dog Gamay III helped a child get
through a difficult visit to the dentist.
Photo by Kate Andersen
Canine Companions for Independence
pulling Kelly in her wheelchair, helping
with a transaction and retrieving an item
from the refrigerator. A month earlier,
a story was broadcast on Facility Team
Kate Andersen and Gamay III, which
highlighted the team’s work with autistic
children. Both stories generated more
local interest.
The Wasatch Champions gathered
to celebrate Canine Companions’ 35th
Birthday at a potluck event, which
featured great food and fun games. Our
first cookbook will be printed soon and
available for holiday purchase.
New Mexico puppy raisers and puppies in
program gather for one last picture with Jamie III
and Norma II before matriculation in August.
New Mexico Champions
by Amy Steider and Mary Aynn Shoemate
T
he puppies are coming—and
coming—and coming! For the first
time ever, six of the seven puppies
being raised in New Mexico are under
six months of age. Play dates are wild
and wonderful! Congratulations to new
puppy raisers, Joanie McSweeney and
Linda Solyntjes, who recently welcomed
Genise and Oreily II into their homes
and hearts. Welcome all!
Canine Companions puppies in
program Heart, Narha, and Norma II,
along with Facility Dog Jibar, participated
in a summer program that promotes
animal care and safety to elementary
and middle school students. Each puppy
demonstrated age-appropriate commands
they had learned, and Jibar completed
the picture by demonstrating advanced
commands learned in Professional Training. State and city program sponsors are
excited to have the puppies return next
summer so the young people can note
their progress.
Thanks to everyone who worked
so hard to make the third annual New
Mexico Enchanted Canines Golf Classic such
a success. Hard work + great people +
cute puppies = $23,758.08 for Canine
Companions!
Red Earth Champions of
Oklahoma
by Dawn Ramsey
T
he Celebrity Waiter Gala was a smashing success this year and we can't
wait for 2011 so we can do it all
again! The Red Earth Champions joined
forces with two other organizations in our
community, which has been very helpful
for all involved. We would like to thank
The Animal Rescue Center and Saving Pets
at Risk for all their assistance. We look
forward to working together again in the
future.
Other events have kept us busy, as well.
Puppy raiser Linda McMahan and Graduate Dawn Ramsey were proud to attend
Canine Companions Salutes Independence in
Austin, Texas in September. Linda, Dawn
and puppy raiser Doug Serre also attended
the Parkview Elementary School Book Fair which
had a heroes theme. In October, we staffed
an information booth at a veterinary conference in Stillwater. On October 23, we will
be at BARK in the PARK, which is part of
the largest fall festival east of Oklahoma
City. The event includes games, contests, a
parade, flyball, disc dogs and more.
Colorado Satellite Office
by Kelly Gorman
D
uring the busy summer months,
the Colorado Satellite Office held
several successful fundraising
events. They included the 13th Annual Glen
and Lynn Ann Balenseifen Golf Tournament,
which raised over $30,000; the annual
Journey to Independence event in Vail Valley, which raised over $100,000; and the
19th Annual Good Times Car Show, which
raised $5,000, bringing the cumulative
donation total from the car show to over
$50,000!
Graduate Matthew Keil explained how Service
Dog Gus III makes him more self-reliant at the
Journey to Independence event in Colorado.
Colorado volunteers continue to play
an integral part supporting Canine Companions, spending countless hours helping
with presentations and events educating
others about assistance dogs in general
and the Canine Companions program.
Canine Companions has over 100 dedicated
volunteers including puppy raisers who
are selflessly committed to helping raise
about 60 puppies in program in the state
of Colorado. Each of these volunteers helps
make Canine Companions successful!
The Colorado Satellite Office will be
wrapping up the active 2010 year with
an October workshop for graduates from
several states in the Southwest Region;
many fun events, including Cru Vin Dogs
wine tastings; activities during October
to recognize Disability Awareness Month;
and the Holiday Gift wrap, just to name
a few.
American Heroes
continued from page 1
booths. At the 2010 Summer NAPE, Air Force Veteran and Canine Companions
Graduate Jason Morgan and Service Dog Napal II gratefully accepted a $50,000 donation from the NAPE American Heroes Fund. The fund benefits severely wounded
American veterans and the contribution to Canine Companions will be applied to
our Wounded Veterans Initiative. The Wounded Veterans Initiative was established
to increase placements of assistance dogs with disabled veterans of current conflicts.
NAPE draws thousands of people, and we are privileged to have this wonderful
showcase for Canine Companions.
The Companion Fall 2010
Thank You for Helping to Make
Canine Companions Salutes Independence a Success!
Allen Bergeron,
Veteran Consultant
for the City of
Austin, surprised
everyone with
a Proclamation
from Austin Mayor
Lee Leffingwell
declaring
September 4,
2010 as Canine
Companions Day in
the City of Austin!
This child was
one of many
who enjoyed
meeting
Canine
Companions
puppies in
program.
US Army
Veteran and
Graduate
Bill Callahan
introduced
Service Dog
Taylor VI to
attendees.
US Army Veteran and Graduate
Kirk Black demonstrated the “Pull” US Air Force Veteran and Graduate
command with Service Dog Sergi. Jason Morgan explained how Service
Dog Napal II enhances his life to
media covering the event.
Special guests included John Spahr,
State Senior Vice Commander,
Department of Texas VFW and Bill
Bennett, VFW Post 8787.
Canine Companions Salutes Independence drew
a crowd of 300 on a beautiful day in Austin.
Event photos were generously provided by Matt
McCain. Visit mattmccainphotography.com to
check out more of the photographer's work.
C
Patrick O’Connor and Tex
of the City of Austin PDK9
were special guests.
Event guests created care
packages for troops overseas
through AdoptaPlatoon.
anine Companions Salutes Independence, held in Austin,
Glass, Dr. Robert James, Carol Polasky and Roger Soape—grateful
Texas in September, was a significant step in our
thanks to each of you. The event committee was composed of Bar-
efforts to inform disabled veterans that Canine
bara Buchanan, Maeve Cooney, Julie Farr, Jackie Jelen, Beth Jerner,
Companions assistance dogs are making life easier for
many of their comrades with physical disabilities.
Canine Companions’ professionally trained
dogs are available to qualifying veterans in
Robin Kinsel, Stacy Napoles, Barbara Naylor, Ellen Read,
Karen Salazar and Virginia DeVillenueve—ladies, you
were unstoppable and most appreciated.
Canine Companions for Independence
the “Lone Star State” at no cost to them,
reached out to over 110 military and veteran-
and these remarkably gifted dogs come
serving organizations to organize the event and
with a lifetime of support services from
introduced the Wounded Veterans Initiative
the Canine Companions organization.
to thousands of Texans. We received prime
Canine Companions Salutes Independence
benefitted from the combined hard work
and dedication of so many. We are grateful to
the Pacific Life Foundation for providing critical
funding to support veterans outreach in Texas. The
time coverage on four news broadcasts and
were featured in two newspaper stories. State
Senator Wendy Davis hosted us at the Veterans
Affairs and Military Installations Committee. All of
these important pieces will translate to better service
Texas Advisory Committee was a source of wise counsel
for disabled veterans in Texas who can benefit from the faithful
throughout the planning process; the members include Nancy
service and loving companionship of a Canine Companions
Bush, Perry Cockerell, Dr. William Cunningham, Kathrine
assistance dog. Thank you for your support and stay tuned!
Canine Companions for Independence
Life Unleashed in Los Angeles
by Linda Valliant
D
ecades from now, when great
Angeles County Canine Companions
historians are poised to write the
territory and her foundation, The Shirley
chronicles of Canine Companions
McKernan Courage Foundation, agreed to
for Independence, the year 2010 will stand
pay all expenses for a Los Angeles Office
out for many reasons. They will note that
for a two-year period.
2010 was the 35th Birthday for the renowned
Challenge on! And what a wonderful
assistance dog organization and our 3,500th
feeling knowing that this is a challenge where
dog placement was accomplished. They will
all sides win. Canine Companions’ existing
applaud the fact that Canine Companions’
constituents—graduates, applicants, puppy
breakthrough work with veterans took them
raisers, volunteers and supporters—will find
to Texas for the first-ever Canine Companions
support easier to obtain right around the
Salutes Independence event held off-campus.
corner from home. Additionally, the outreach
Readers of this future non-fiction volume
activities undertaken from the Los Angeles
will also focus on the stellar importance
Office will introduce Canine Companions to
of the opening in May 2010 of the Los
a broad new audience and grow all of our
Angeles Office for Canine Companions for
constituencies by leaps and bounds.
Independence.
Only five months into the Los Angeles
Apprentice Instructor Katie Kniest visits the Los
Angeles Office.
Los Angeles is the most populous met-
strategic plan, we have made enormous
ropolitan region in the ten-state area served
inroads in reaching out, making new
by Canine Companions’ Southwest Region.
friends and serving people with disabilities
teer Wednesdays, and conduct puppy raiser
From the Oceanside campus, approximately
who can benefit from the physical tasks and
and applicant interviews as well as graduate
100 miles or two hours distant from the
loving companionship of an assistance dog.
follow up appointments. The full range of
heart of Los Angeles County, we had
Here are some of the activities that have
Los Angeles activities will be highlighted at
longed to be able to have more presence in
transpired and the momentum continues to
an open house on Sunday, December 12, from
the “City of the Angels” and surrounding
build. If you are an Angeleno who has been
1PM to 3PM at the office—2312 Westwood
county. An action driven philanthropist
waiting to see what would be happening
Boulevard. Save the date!
stepped in to challenge us to make Los
in Los Angeles, your wait is over. There is
something for everyone
News from Staff
and, with your involvement, Los Angeles will
be bona-fide Canine
Companions territory
sooner than later!
In the community,
we have been busy with
outreach to potential
puppy raisers and applicants at local events. We
are also fulfilling a steady
calendar of presentations
Katie Kniest advanced from
Apprentice Instructor II to Apprentice
Instructor III. Katie has been a great
asset to the Southwest Region’s
Program Department.
The Companion Fall 2010
Tim Larson recently joined
the Southwest Region
as Caretaker. Tim is very
conservation-minded, and his
ideas are already making the
Southwest Campus a more
environmentally-friendly facility.
for rehabilitation professionals, disability affinity
groups, school and service
clubs. At the office, we
continue to host volun-
Wish List
• Gift cards for volunteer
recognition—movie theaters,
restaurants, etc.
• Sound machines
• Electric heating pad
• Dog crates—XLG (500), M (300),
S (200)
• Flash drives
• Proloquo2go application for iPod
Touch
• iMainGo speaker for iPod Touch
• Two Wii remotes
• Two large grill covers (to fit
Strada IV model with side burners)
Please call (760) 901-4300 for more
information.
Thank you to Christina Amoroso, Kim
Cunningham, Gail Jenkins, Judy Lubben,
Hank Mahan, Shannon Morgan, Richard
and Wanda Patterson and Lisa Swanson
for granting wishes from our last newsletter.
Nonprofit Organization
Regional Board
Tim Gackstetter, President
John Brunton
Robert Cartin, DVM
Louise Copeland
Dale Feine
Jack Feller
Leslie Hennessy
Michael E. Hennessy
Tom Hollenstein
Ron Ignelzi
Diane Killeen
Cynthia Miley
George “Jeep” Rice
Bob Street
Lance Weir
Margaret “Pegge” Wilson
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #455
Post Office Box 4568, Oceanside, CA 92052
San Diego, CA
(760) 901-4300
www.cci.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Regional Staff
Katie Malatino, Editor
Precision Assembly, Distribution
KominDesign.com, Layout
The Companion is published
three times a year for distribution
to CCI supporters, volunteers
and Graduates. ©2010 Canine
Companions for Independence,
Inc. All rights reserved. Printed
in USA. Canine Companions
for Independence,® its logo, and
Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional
People® are trademarks of Canine
Companions for Independence, Inc.
Mission statement: Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of
people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
Upcoming Events
October 29
Canine Companions Invitational
Dana Point, CA
November 13
Canine Companions Graduation
Mission San Luis Rey
Oceanside, CA
December 4
Volunteer Holiday Party
Dean, Gerda & Trixie Koontz Campus
Oceanside, CA
December 4-5
AKC/Eukanuba National
Championships
Long Beach, CA
December 12
Open House
Los Angeles Office
Los Angeles, CA
For more information about these events,
please call (760) 901-4300.
Tim, Jason and Nancy Gackstetter with Skilled Companion
Dog Marisa represented Canine Companions at the
Coronado Art Walk in San Diego in September. The crowd
of over 6,000 people enjoyed some puppy love in between
exhibits, which was happily provided by puppy in program
Orchid and Canine Companions Ambassador Elaina. The
Gackstetters’ release dog, Liza, also mingled with attendees.