Spring 2015 - Canine Companions for Independence
Transcription
Spring 2015 - Canine Companions for Independence
The Companion Spring 2015, issue twenty Northwest Region “Having a dog by my side makes me feel I can do anything.” Read Bari’s story PAGE 4 Corey Hudson’s Farewell PAGE 3 Regional News PAGES 7–10 How Assistance Dogs Think PAGE 6 Anne Gittinger’s Service At the end of 2014, Canine Companions National Board Chair Anne Gittinger passed the baton to John Miller. We thank Anne for her dedication as board chair for the past seven years. “Thanks to Anne’s leadership, I’m able to step in at a time when our organization is in the best shape it’s ever been and is poised for growth,” shares John. Anne and her late husband Wayne’s generosity of time and funds built Gittinger Hall and Gittinger Park at the Northwest Training Center, underwrote several Canine Companions galas year after year, and provided leadership on the national board since 1994. Her leadership will continue as a member of the board of directors and her goal for the future of Canine Companions CEO Insights This year marks our 40th anniversary and as we look back at all we have accomplished, it’s clear we have much to be thankful for. I am pleased to say that we’ve exceeded both our fundraising and is simple and clear: “To increase our ability to breed, train and provide dogs for those in need.” We thank Anne for her dedication to the mission of providing highly trained assistance dogs for people with disabilities. We couldn’t reach our goals without you! assistance dog placement goals in 2014. Learn more about our accomplishments in National Board Chair John Miller’s new column, Chairman’s Address, on page five. We also experienced major leadership changes last year with the retirement of long-time CEO Corey Hudson and a change in board leadership as Anne Gittinger stepped down as board chair. Thankfully, Anne remains an active and involved member of our national board. It is not possible to list all we owe to Corey and Anne for their guidance and leadership, but it’s clear that many of our accomplishments would not have happened without them. 2015 has begun with many exciting initiatives already in motion. Construction of the new South Central Training Center in Irving, Left: Anne Gittinger Below: Dedication of Gittinger dog park Bottom: Gittinger Hall at the Northwest campus. Texas is expected to be completed this summer, we’re expanding our breeding program with a new facility adjacent to the Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa, California, and we continue to make strides in canine research. See page six for details on our newest study focused on better understanding the canine brain and why the brain of an assistance dog is so special. The list of successes at Canine Companions is long and is the direct result of the hard work and generosity of the entire Canine Companions community. I’m excited to be a part of Canine Companions long-term growth in my new role as chief executive officer. I look forward to continuing to build our programs and services for people with disabilities. Thank you! Paul Mundell Chief Executive Officer 2 CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® Farewell to Corey Hudson The end of 2014 ushered in many changes for Canine Companions, to the founding of the Wounded Veterans Initiative (cci.org/veterans) including Corey Hudson’s retirement as chief executive officer and a research project with the Department of Veterans Affairs to (CEO)—a position he held for the past 24 years. We extend our heart- begin placing dogs with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder felt gratitude to Corey for all he has done to make Canine Companions (PTSD). “Corey taught us all the importance of fighting for the rights the leader in the assistance dog industry. of those we serve and did so in a respectful and caring manner,” Since taking the helm as CEO in 1992, Corey transformed Canine Companions from a $1 million organization to a robust $22 million in revenue. The exponential growth of the organization during Corey’s says John. “We can’t thank Corey enough for his service and commitment to people with disabilities,” says Paul Mundell, CEO. tenure allowed Canine Companions to triple the annual number of exceptional dogs placed with people with disabilities, surpassing the 4,600th dog placed as we enter our 40th year. “During his almost 25 years of leadership, Canine Companions has grown to be the gold standard in the service dog industry and has helped to redefine the industry both through Canine Companions and Assistance Dogs International,” says National Board Chair John Miller. Corey served with a passion for improving the lives and rights of people with disabilities and assistance dog handlers. As a veteran himself, he had a special interest in helping injured veterans, which led THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 3 Falling in Love All Over Again “I’ve dropped my purse before and most of the time people are honest and caring and happy to help. But what happens if one time the person isn’t honest?” asked Bari. It was 1988 and Bari was getting used to college life when she received her first service dog, Carol, from Canine Companions for Independence. Carol helped Bari meet fellow students, pick up dropped pens and get the button for the elevator door. But most of all, Carol helped open Bari up to all of the possibilities of a more independent life. “Having a dog by my side made me feel like I really could do anything,” says Bari. “Having Carol took away limitations I had placed on myself in my mind. I started to think about where my life could take me, now that I had a service dog.” Bari has Still’s disease, which is a severe form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She can’t reach far in front of her or even touch the top of her head. “Counters might as well be a mile high,” explains Bari. “And if I dropped something and no one was around to get it for me, it just stayed on the floor.” “Having a dog by my side makes me feel like I really can do anything.” — Bari with Axel Before her Canine Companions assistance dogs, Bari was dependent on a caregiver or family member to help her. the worry out of life,” says Bari. “So I made “I thought I’d never love another dog like the decision to apply for my fourth Canine I loved Wickford, my third service dog. But Companions service dog and received Axel. as Wickford got older and his energy slowed And I fell in love all over again.” down, I realized I couldn’t live without a dog. “Axel is 9 years old now and he still loves How could I be alone all day?” reflected Bari. to work. He thinks it is the coolest thing in “What if I dropped the remote to the lights? the world to have this job,” says Bari. I’d have to sleep all night with the lights on, For 40 years, Canine Companions has because I wouldn’t be able to pick up the been providing assistance dogs free of remote or reach the light switch.” charge. Thanks to all of the donors and vol- With a Canine Companions assistance dog by her side, Bari doesn’t have to be Bari with Service Dog Wickford, 1992 unteers who have made it possible for people like Bari to live more independent lives! concerned about things like that. “They take 4 CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® Want Anna’s Pawtograph? Dean & Anna Koontz Book Signing for Ask Anna Novelist Dean Koontz made a rare, special appearance at Canine Companions Southwest Training Center to sign his new book, Ask Anna: Advice for the Furry and Forlorn. Anna follows in Trixie Koontz’s paw prints with her first book. Dean and Trixie wrote books together, and Dean has published a beautiful memoir of Trixie called A Big Little Life. Both Koontz dogs are Canine Companions dogs; Trixie was a retired service dog and Anna is a released dog. 100% of what the author receives from the sale of Ask Anna will be donated to Canine Companions. As Anna says, “I want to give back to my community–which I feel obliged to do especially because of all the park grass I’ve ruined with little brown spots.” Chairman’s Address As I take the seat as the National Board Chair, I thank our previous chair, Anne Gittinger, for her leadership in growing Canine Companions. I am excited to report on the many achievements of Hundreds attended the book signing, which featured remarks by the author, opportunities to meet Dean’s wife Gerda, custom autographs and photo opportunities with the whole Koontz family. A couple of weeks later, Canine Companions accepted a check from the Koontz family for $750,000! Their donations now total more than $9.8 million, which has resulted in an improved quality of life for thousands of people with disabilities. the long range strategic plan that our board approved in 2013. The plan has ambitious goals to strengthen our financial and programmatic foundation for future growth. In 2014, we placed 289 new teams nationwide and provided 970 in-person follow up visits with current teams—an achievement we didn’t expect to reach until 2018. Thanks to our generous donors, we raised over $22 million in 2014, 18% over our budgeted goal. We’ve also seen growth for DogFest Walk ‘n Roll. This volunteer-driven, national event has raised over $1.25 million since its inception in 2013 and continues to grow with 30 events in 2015. Last year we were chosen to participate in a study being conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs to place dogs with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We can all be proud that Canine Companions was chosen based on our reputation for quality and success. We look forward to updating you as the study, which has already commenced, continues We know that these successes and more are the result of your commitment to Canine Companions and our mission. Thank you for your support. John Miller National Board Chair THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 5 Above and right: Canine Companions trainer, Erin Rich, with one of the Canine Companions dogs participating in the fMRI study. The pink wrap around the dog's head helps hold ear plugs in place during the MRI. Understanding How Assistance Dogs Think Science at Canine Companions for Independence The science and innovation to better understand assistance dogs continues to progress at Canine Companions. We are currently working with a consortium of canine research centers from Emory University; Georgia Tech; the University of California, Berkeley and Dog Star Technologies for a state of the art study focused on the reward center of the canine brain. This study builds on previous research conducted by Gregory Berns of Emory University, which included four released Canine Companions dogs. In that study, a fascinating pattern began to emerge. Canine Companions dogs stood apart from the other dogs in one interesting measurement—the functional MRI (fMRI) determined that the reward center of the brain acted differently when our dogs were rewarded by their familiar handler rather than by a stranger. The other pet dogs in the study didn’t have the same biomarker changes. Dogs participating in this study are scanned in two scenarios, hand signals for treat and no-treat by their handler or trainer; and hand signals for treat and no-treat from a stranger. The research team aims to study these neural biomarkers to determine if success in different fields of assistance dog work can be visualized through fMRI before professional training. Over the course of two years, 50 Canine Companions dogs in professional training at the Northwest Training Center will be trained using positive reinforcement to lie still in a special dog-friendly fMRI machine. Training will begin with an MRI simulator, complete with the bangs and clangs of an MRI machine played on speakers. After successfully learning to lie still for the MRI, each dog will be taken once to UC Berkeley to have the real fMRI done. The dogs participating in the study will wear earplugs, are unsedated, and are unrestrained for the short duration in the MRI. This study is being funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and we hope it will provide greater insight into canine cognition and, specifically, the unique behavior of our assistance dogs. 6 CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® 100 Matches In 2014, the Schulz Campus graduated a record 100 teams! Thanks to the tremendous efforts • 14 facility dogs of volunteers, donors and staff, we had students on campus 11 months of the year. These • 27 hearing dogs photos of some of our amazing graduates represent the scope of Canine Companions’ mission. • 28 service dogs Congratulations to all! • 31 skilled companions THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 NORTHWEST REGION 7 Gold Rush Chapter It Takes a Village Ask any puppy raiser or breeder caretaker and they’ll say, “It takes a outlet for our family. Everyone accepts Jeffrey for who he is and all village to raise a puppy.” For many of these volunteers, that village is of the activities the chapter participates in are accessible.” Other their local volunteer chapter. Canine Companions volunteer chapters graduates who participate in their local chapter know that there is consist of groups of enthusiastic puppy raisers, graduates, breeder always someone around to help trim their dog’s nails, give them a ride, caretakers and other supporters who gather for fun social activities, or call for a doggy play date. Bonnie says, “Our chapter helps us with act as ambassadors, fundraise together and offer support to one our dogs, but also with each other. I’ve met some of my best friends another. through our chapter and we all look out for each other.” In the Northwest Region, we are lucky enough to have seven Any puppy raiser knows it takes a lot of time, patience and love volunteer chapters supporting our mission! Chapter members are an to turn a little eight-week-old fluff ball into a highly trained assistance extension of Canine Companions and an integral part of spreading dog. Having a support system is invaluable to many raisers. Linda Hren our mission. Chapter members are also the first to know of any says, “Getting involved with our chapter makes my experience more organizational news and happenings at the training center. complete; the whole package is offered in making my puppy raising People who graduate from Canine Companions with a new richer and my memories deeper.” assistance dog expect to find increased independence. What they To learn more about the volunteer chapter in your area please may not expect is the opportunity to join a community of people visit cci.org/northwest or contact Erin Barnett, Northwest volunteer who share similar interests and life experiences. Bonnie, whose son coordinator at [email protected]. has received two skilled companions, says, “The chapter is a social 8 NORTHWEST REGION CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® DogFest Walk ‘n Roll: A Tail-Waggin’ Success in the Northwest Region! Thank you to each sponsor, donor, volunteer and participant who helped to make DogFest an incredible success in the Northwest Region. 2014 Northwest Region 2015 Northwest Region DogFest numbers DogFest events • 6 events For dates and additional • Over $290,000 raised information, please visit • Over 800 participants cci.org/dogfest. Of the $290,000 raised • Over $35,000 raised by graduates • Over $30,000 raised by staff • Over $185,000 raised by puppy raisers, breeder caretakers and other • Wine Country, CA • East Bay, CA • Silicon Valley, CA • Greater Sacramento, CA • Reno, NV • Seattle, WA • Portland, OR • Boise, ID volunteers THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 NORTHWEST REGION 9 Sit. Stay. ™ We’re bringing an evening gala event back to Sonoma County! Sit Stay Sparkle is an evening of live and silent auctions, graduate speakers, puppies and food and wine pairings crafted by wine country restaurants and wineries. We are excited to announce that this year we are honoring Gary Heck of Korbel Champagne Cellars at the event. Mr. Heck has been a generous supporter for many years and the Heck Foundation has awarded thousands of dollars to Canine Companions. Korbel also donates generously to many Canine Companions events. We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of Mr. Heck. On Saturday, June 13, Canine Companions invites you to Sit. Stay. Sparkle. A sparkling evening to benefit and celebrate Canine Companions’ 40 year history of enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by providing them highly-trained assistance dogs completely free of charge. For more Gary Heck with Canine Companions puppy Midas. information, visit cci.org/sitstaysparkle. Good Deed Dogs Gives Back Mattress Discounters Good Deed Dogs is a non-profit program dedicated to raising funds for the training and ongoing support of highly skilled assistance dogs. It was a phenomenal success in its inaugural year, raising $80,000 for Canine Companions. Money was raised through extensive television, online and in-store advertising at more than 80 Mattress Discounters locations. We are extremely grateful to have Mattress Discounters’ continued support. 10 NORTHWEST REGION CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® Veterinary Clinics: Get Involved Canine Companions has a great need at our six training centers for a wide range of specialty veterinary services. Additionally, veterinarians across the country are needed to support our volunteer puppy raisers and active or retired assistance dogs. Visit cci.org/veterinarians to contact us and learn about ways to get involved. “The health of a working dog is critical. For a person with a disability, Canine Companions assistance dogs can make the difference between leaving the house and having a career, or being stuck at home dependent on family or caretakers. It’s important to help keep our teams safely working as long as possible by collaborating with a network of veterinarians.” Canine Companions Welcomes New Veterinarian — Dr. Ruth Daniels, Canine Companions National Breeding Veterinarian Dr. Brenda Kennedy first developed her love of animals while growing up in a Michigan farming community. Before becoming a veterinarian, Dr. Kennedy pursued a career as a research scientist, earning her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Northwestern University, followed by a master’s degree in biology from MIT. She continued her interest in research by working at a biotechnology company, but was then drawn back to working with animals. Dr. Kennedy decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian and graduated from Tufts University in 1998. Prior to joining the team at Canine Companions’ national veterinary clinic, Dr. Kennedy volunteered providing free dentistry services. “I was attracted to partnering with Canine Companions because they train dogs to assist such a wide variety of disabilities. From children, adults and veterans with physical or cognitive disabilities to facility dogs assisting in hospitals, courthouses and schools. There is such a wide spectrum of people they serve,” explains Dr. Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy was also intrigued by Canine Companions because of Dr. Daniels, Canine Companions National Breeding Veterinarian, examines an 8-week-old puppy. She joined Canine Companions in 1982. research collaborations with top organizations, like the Buck Institute, Duke University, Georgia Tech and more. “Canine Companions is at the forefront of exploring new possibilities for working dogs and studying how to advance the skills of assistance dogs,” says Dr. Kennedy. Dr. Brenda Kennedy began working at Canine Companions in December 2014. THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 11 Celebrating Dogfest Walk ‘n Roll Success! Photos by Rock 2014 was a fabulous year for DogFest participation: • 21 events • 502 teams • 8,500 donors • nearly $900,000 raised Congratulations to everyone involved with DogFest in 2014! Together, we raised enough to fund the placement of and support for 19 The Journey to Extraordinary In September 2012, Canine Companions for Independence introduced the E Litter to the world as they started their journey with the hopes of becoming life-changing assis- teams! DogFest San Diego raised the most money–over $118,000–enough to fund two teams. Thank you to all the volunteers, fundraisers and participants who were instrumental in the success across the country. Want to get involved? Start a team, donate or volunteer in one of 30 DogFest Walk ‘n Roll events in 2015 by visiting cci.org/DogFest. tance dogs. Emma, Everett, Ella, Elmo, Euka, Emily, Ethan and Eliza were a daily highlight as more than 250,000 people watched them on the Eukanuba puppy cam, over five million minutes of puppy viewing time! Everyone wondered which of these pups would make it to Team Training and be matched with the person they would serve. Visit our blog, Help is a FourLegged Word,™ to find out who the E Litter dogs have been matched with at blog.cci.org. Or flip to our Team Training yearbook on pages 14 and 15. 12 CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® Receive this special Heritage Society member pin as our thank you for signing up. New Pin for Heritage Society Members Is Canine Companions in your estate plans? Canine Companions Heritage Society honors those who have chosen to include our mission in their estate plans through bequests or other planned gifts. Contact [email protected] or 707-577-1789 to sign up or to explore the planned giving options that would work best for you and your family. 12 Gifts in 12 Months to Change Lives Celebrate our 40th anniversary with us and become a Monthly Miracle PetSmart is offering a special Yellow Rib- Maker today. You’ll make it possible bon Stencil in Grooming Salons across the to train our exceptional assistance country. With each purchase of the Yellow dogs to help people with disabilities Ribbon Stencil, PetSmart will donate $1 to enhance their independence. AND, Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Ini- for a limited time, join with a monthly tiative. This is made possible by PetSmart for gift of $25 or more to get our 40th Patriots, a joint endeavor between PetSmart anniversary commemorative thank and Canine Companions to help partner you gift with our compliments. Sign assistance dogs with the military veterans up today! cci.org/givenow who need them. Visit your local PetSmart store to learn more. Tune in: Barkfest on Nat Geo Wild Join the fun during Nat Geo Wild’s Barkfest Save the Date for TEAM 2015 Weekend to learn more about the minds of Third Annual TEAM Volunteer dogs—the results might surprise you. Leadership Conference July 31 to Tune in May 15 through 17 on Nat Geo Wild for “Is Your Dog a Genius?”(10 pm August 1 in Orlando, Florida. Check cci.org on May 15 for details! ET/PT). This dog-packed, three-part series features Canine Companions puppies and graduates alongside Canine Companions partner, Dr. Brian Hare of Dognition. Canine Companions graduate Wallis with Service Dog Caspin and acclaimed physicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson during a break at a Nat Geo Wild event. THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 2015 13 2015 Team Training Yearbook Northwest Region ➊ October Jim with Doreen III; Ann with Ruthann; Mark with Roper; Karen with Farley VI; Susan with Herbert; Forest with Oasis III ➋ November David with Chantilly; Ken with Francisco II; Linda with Galice; Robert with Pablo VI; Sara with Demilo; Denise with Licorice; Alice with Raina IV ➊ ➋ ➌ November Mona & Cynthia with Risha II; Beverly, Bonnie & Stanley with Merv; Christy & Gillian with Forester II; Leandra, Bella, Salvatore & Nicholas with Scotlyn; Tom, Agata & Krystyna with Ontario; Anand, Janani & Kanakavalli with Hallie VI; Kim with Fate; Kiera & Martin with Shasta IV; Rosemary & Bryan with Darva II ➍ December Buddy with Asher; Karri with Jillianne ➎ January Michael with Winston ➌ ➍ V; Glenn with Shiann; Sue with Willa VI; Stephen with Luna V; Aida with Wisdom IV; Judy with Laila ➏ February Susan & Denise with Pizazz; Traci with Ruffles; Karen with Lark IV; Curtis with Yvonne IV; Carol with Waltz II; Alejandro with Helen VIII; Kenneth with Mayer; Danene with Wakari; Melanie with Reggae II ➐ February Zachary & Nina with Dove II; Debbie & Halle with Jase; Jamie & Katie with Natomas II; Claire & Steve with Daris; Richard & Marta with Wookie; Trisha & Aiden with Monitor II; Hunter & Lara with Orion V; Camilla & Elizabeth with Kavi; Lisa, David & Rob with Harbaugh ➎ ➏ ➐ ➑ ➒ ➓ Southwest Region ➑ September Bree with Omeeka II; Kimi with Filo II; Matthew with Fable IV ➒ November Ashley & Blaze with Otter III; Ben & Jennifer with Okra; Jamie & Braydon with Eliza III; Wendy & Brianna with Emily IV; Diana, Lauren & Michael with Felicia III; Ellie, Nicky & Vince with Auggie ➓ February Darin with Pilar IV; John with Yan; Rick with Pirate II; Carolyn with Brisbane; Kit, Leah, Avery with Florian; Mary with Britt III; Serena & Caleb with Yvette IV; Armine, Hagup & Daron with Lionel III; Jann, Shawn & Conner with Charlie V; John with Paris IV; Mark with Flyte; Justin with Gnome 14 CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE® ➊ February Tommy with Pearl V North Central Region ➋ October Sara with Darling ➌ November Jacqueline with Fabian V; Chad with Pryde II; Bob with Dudley II; Natalie & Jennifer with Neria III; Brooke with Freddie; Michael & Dey with Madge II; Madilyn & Franklin with Cash II; Adam with Chica II; Andrew with Jarrett ➊ ➋ ➍ ➎ ➌ ➍ December Linda with Odle ➎ February Mary with Argo; Danielle with Rock II; Pearl with Scarlett II; Sarah with Aiden III; Roy with Sport; Hunter with Rafferty; Jennifer with Ella V; Allison with Seal ➏ February Don & Crystal with Euka II; Felipe, Debbie & Merle with Marshall III; Addie & Andrea with Hattie V; Caleb & Angie with Sparky VI; Jacob & Greg with Kanue; Michael & David with Emma VI; Chet (not pictured) & Dayten with Jingle IIl Southeast Region ➐ November Josh with Mason VI; Nick, Rita & Joe with Cassidy IV; Auralie “Babe” & Seena with Widget III; Hannah & Kellie with London III; Bree, Delaney & Brady with Olton; Ryan with Ethan IV; Robert “RT” with Ferguson; Christine with Luis ➑ February Jon with Nantuckett; ➏ Rhonda with Leroy IV; Marianne with Rocklin; Carol with Peyton III; Austin & Christie with Jaycee II; Wendy with Timmerman; George & Janet with Doug IV; Emma, Todd & Traci with Oday II; Tiffany & Lyn with Newport II; Paul with Rebel III; Frank & Wynn with Odom; Suzi & Cindy with Jeff IV; Nieves & Elena with Dell III Northeast Region ➒ November Kyle with Trucker; ➐ Join us for an upcoming graduation ceremony. Ceremonies are free and open to the public. ➑ Or join us online live! Get details at cci.org/graduations. Dawn with Kern; Matt with Jason V; Sandra, Kevin & Jazmin with Ohio II; Michelle, Carl & Justin with Holiday IV; Amanda & Kara with Mega; Colleen, Janet & Maeve with Rocco III; Bruce & Linda with Logan IV; Laura with Hal IV; Jenny, Ray & Austin with Knapp II (Not pictured: Ray with Kenwood III) ➓ February Anya & Ava with Othello IV; Jennifer with Soul; Cynthia & Giovanna with Harry V; Nancie with Robert VII; Molly with Dasher II; Terry with Kesar; Javier with Delbert; Bradley & Donna with Yacht; Kelly-Jo with Hingst; Caitlin with Frita; Bill, Louise & Brian with Ozzie III ➒ ➓ THE COMPANION SPRING 2015 15 Board Members Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage OFFICERS John Miller Bob Street CHAIR TREASURER Garden City, NY Colorado Springs, CO John McKinney Pauline Parry, PhD VICE CHAIR SECRETARY Healdsburg, CA San Mateo, CA MEMBERS Joann Elliott Naperville, IL Judge Ed Kinkeade Irving, TX John Elliott Naperville, IL Jill Leverton, MD Napa, CA Anne Gittinger Jim Purton, EX-OFFICIO Fredericksburg, VA BOARD CHAIR EMERITUS Seattle, WA Mel Gottlieb Double Bay, Australia PAI D By Canine Companions for Independence PO Box 446 Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446 Address Service Requested If you receive duplicate issues, please contact us and pass extras along to friends. Juergen Rottler Zimmern, Germany Nancy Sawhney Sacramento, CA Barrie Graham Novato, CA Jean Schulz Russ Gurevitch, DVM Penngrove, CA Santa Rosa, CA Leslie Hennessy, PhD Colorado Springs, CO Dennis Sproule Fullerton, CA John Hopen Sebastopol, CA William White Winter Park, FL Carolyn Hrach Mars, PA Emily Williams Santa Rosa, CA BOARD CHAIR EMERITUS Chris Kittredge Santa Rosa, CA Paul Mundell, CEO , Santa Rosa, CA Honorary & Associate Board Members Judy Allen Santa Rosa, CA Madeleine Paulson Rancho Santa Fe, CA Jack Hanna Powell, OH Jon Provost Santa Rosa, CA Dean & Gerda Koontz Newport Beach, CA Jason Taylor Eukanuba Terry Levin San Francisco, CA Bruce Thorn PetSmart Ted Rogahn, BOARD PRESIDENT EMERITUS , Lakewood, CA Offices National Headquarters & Northwest Region Training Center SANTA ROSA, CA Field Director OAKLAND, CA Southwest Region Training Center OCEANSIDE, CA Office COLORADO SPRINGS, CO Field Director DENVER, CO Southeast Region Training Center ORLANDO, FL Northeast Region Training Center MEDFORD, NY Field Director LONG ISLAND CITY, NY North Central Region Training Center DELAWARE, OH Field Director CHICAGO, IL South Central Region Training Center IRVING, TX Email: [email protected] Web Site: cci.org Phone: 1-800-572-BARK (2275) Credits ©2015 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. We’re Celebrating! Find out why in our long range strategic plan update from new Board Chair John Miller on page five. National Strategic Partners #11647