Southwest Companion - Canine Companions for Independence

Southwest Companion
The Southwest Region Newsletter of Canine Companions for Independence
Summer 2012 Issue: Texas Barbecues for Canine Companions; Utah Imagines Independence; Southwest Golf is in Full Swing
Special Education Students
Enjoy “T-Time”
F
acility Dog Teal is also known as Doggie, Dog, Super T, Tealy
Bear, Mr. Tiki, T-dog, T-friend and T the Helper. He is partnered
with Melissa, an occupational therapist who works in schools
and a private therapy clinic. Together, they are referred to as Melt.
Their nicknames were given by the special education children they
work with daily, helping them improve their communication, sequencing
and motor skills. “When we started working together, I thought I would have
to teach T to do the Tango in order for him to be an effective treatment modality
with my kids!” Melissa laughs. “Now, I see the slightest change in my kids with
just his presence in the room. T has
truly made me a better therapist.”
Some of the children
Melissa and T work with
have developmental disabilities including autism. “The
low-functioning, non-verbal
kids LOVE taking T for walks!”
Melissa says. “Usually, they are led
around by an adult and many will
run off or just drop to the ground.
please see T-Time on page 7
Kason normally keeps his hands in tight
fists, but he opens his hand in order to feed
Facility Dog Teal treats.
Photo cour tesy of Melissa
them to obedience classes, feed them a nutri-
As part of our visit, the inmates shared
tious diet, provide socialization opportunities
stories about their puppy raising experience.
and give them lots of love. And they do this
We were all overwhelmed with emotion
24/7. No wonder we say, Assistance dogs aren’t
while listening to their comments. Here are
born, they’re raised.
some of their thoughts:
Recently, I visited inmates participating in
“When you walk into prison, you think
our prison puppy raising program at Federal
life doesn’t matter anymore… Until you see
D
Medical Center (FMC) Carswell near Fort
these wonderful dogs. It’s life changing.”
wonderful volunteers. If I have not met
Companions.
by Barbara Barrow
uring my first six months at Canine
Companions for Independence, I’ve
had the privilege of meeting with
our loyal donors, outstanding graduates and
you yet, just give me time! I look forward
to hearing your stories, learning why you
were attracted to Canine Companions and,
most importantly, saying thank you. Canine
Companions needs the support of our entire
family to fulfill our mission. We could not do
it without you!
I have especially appreciated getting
to know so many puppy raisers. What
an incredible resource you are for Canine
Companions! Volunteer puppy raisers provide
these specially-bred puppies a safe home, take
In His Own Words
by Lance Weir
Worth, Texas. Their Canine Companions
“It’s been a long time since someone
puppy raising program began in August
believed and trusted in me, and it’s an amaz-
2009 with six puppies. Today, they are rais-
ing feeling!”
ing their second batch of puppies for Canine
The inmates are chosen to be raisers
“I have made a lot of mistakes in my life
based on good conduct and willingness to
and have been very selfish. This program lets
work well with others on one common goal.
me give back to those I have taken from in
Raisers bring the puppies to visit the hospital’s
the community.”
mental health and hospice patients. They go
“Every day is an opportunity to grow
on weekly outings in the community and
and become a better person. So many lives
periodically, non-incarcerated volunteers also
are touched and improved.”
take the puppies outside of the prison environs
Raise a dog, change a life.
to expose them to things they would not
the socialization of the puppies.) In the evening,
the puppies are crated in the raisers’ cells.
How did you first learn about Canine
life-changing. They have given me respon-
Companions?
sibility, independence and the confidence to
I was at Craig Hospital in Denver in the
go out there and try new things. They’re
recreational therapy department when I saw
just a huge part of my life.
a volunteer puppy raiser with a puppy in
What do you do as a board member?
family told me I should get a service dog.
I never thought much about it until I saw
that volunteer and puppy. I couldn’t help
but notice how professional they looked
and how calm and focused the dog was.
L
ance Weir serves as Vice President of the
Canine Companions Southwest Region
Board. He is also a graduate. Lance was
matched with Service Dog Satine in 2004 and after
she retired, he graduated with Service Dog August
II in 2011. A former Marine Corps Reservist, Lance
is also actively involved with Canine Companions’
Wounded Veterans Initiative. Recently, he shared
what Canine Companions means to him.
2
Warmest regards,
otherwise experience. (This is important for
program. Previously, therapists, friends and
Lance and Service Dog Auggie graduated last year.
“This allows me to give freedom to someone else while I am unable to be free myself.”
It hit home how different a service dog is
from a pet.
What has been your most memorable
Canine Companions moment?
The first day of my first Team Training,
when I watched the trainers walk in and
realized that this is for real!
What does having a Canine Companions
assistance dog mean to you?
Both of my service dogs have been
I help raise awareness of Canine Companions and I try to be the best ambassador
possible.
Why is supporting the Wounded Veterans
Initiative so important to you?
Because I get to help fellow Marines and
members of other branches of the US
Armed Forces gain back some independence and responsibility after being injured.
What do you want people to know about
Canine Companions?
Canine Companions truly changes lives.
I’m the perfect example. Satine enabled me
to move out of my family home and live
independently.
Canine Companions for Independence
Team Training Yearbook
February 2012 Graduates
Anyssa
Debb
Desirée
Jay
Matthew
Robert
with Facilitators
Service Dog Larry V Service Dog Rima II Service Dog Goliath with Facilitator Teresa
Service Dog
Isela & Lorenzo
Brigham City, UT
San Marcos, CA
Burbank, CA
Coppell, TX
Nimbus II
Skilled Companion
Kit Carson
Sondra Thiederman Nancy Dickson
Skilled Companion Desert Hot Springs,
Dog Cocoa
Correctional Center
& Tom Sandler
Costa Mesa, CA
Dog Lulu V
CA
Santee, CA
Burlington, CO
San Diego, CA
Kit Carson
Heidi & Sven
Carole & Foster
Correctional Center
Chrisman
Edwards
Burlington, CO
San Diego, CA
Corpus Christi, TX
NAPE Expo Features President
Bush and Canine Companions
Maj. David Rozelle (US Army) and Service
Dog Domi helped represent Canine
Companions at the North American
Petroleum Expo (NAPE), which featured
former President George W. Bush as the
keynote speaker. The NAPE Charities Fund
presented a generous donation of $113,000
to Canine Companions at the event. The
funds will support the Wounded Veterans
Initiative.
3
Siobhan
with Facilitators
Linda & Joseph
Successor Skilled
Companion Dog
Harriet III
John & Mary
Lichlyter
Colorado Springs,
CO
Steve
Service Dog Gottlieb
Arlington, TX
Aimee & Kimi
Yokota
Fountain Valley, CA
Service Members Meet Service Dog
Southwest Region Training Manager Todd Young attended a Disabled
Sports Eastern Sierra Wounded Warriors Program at Mammoth
Mountain. The event allows veterans and active-duty military with
disabilities to try adaptive skiing and snowboarding. They also had the
opportunity to meet Professional Training Dog Gottlieb and learn about
the Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative. Soon after the trip,
Gottlieb graduated with a veteran of the US Army.
Canine Companions for Independence
Red Earth Champions
by Dawn Ramsey
A
fter a short hiatus, the Red Earth
Champions are back in the groove.
We are geared up for the rest of the
year with dates set for all of our events. So
far, we participated in the General Federation
of Women’s Clubs regional conference, the
Eastern Star national conference in Oklahoma City, the Mabee Gerr Museum’s ART
TREK and the local Lions Club meeting. The
Tails and Trails Roll of Thunder motorcycle ride
was a howling success with $1400 raised!
Our next fundraisers include the Brickyard
400 NASCAR race in Indianapolis, the Dog
Swim, Canines and Cowboys Gala, Bark in the Park
Facility Team Mary Aynn and Garden and puppy
raiser Amy and Vienna V gave a presentation to
the General Federation of Women’s Clubs New
Mexico.
were warmly received by the General
Federation of Women’s Clubs, who graciously invited them to share the Canine
Companions message at their 100th State
Convention in April. The foursome will
also join other Canine Companions supporters for a June fundraiser hosted by the
locally-owned boutique, Runway Apparel.
Valley of the Sun Champions
by Michaele Connors
S
A participant in the Tails and Trails Roll of
Thunder motorcycle ride fundraiser enjoyed
meeting a puppy in program and assistance dog.
Photo cour tesy of Linda
and the fall Crooked Horn Thunder Ride. We
welcome any Canine Companions family
members visiting our area to contact us and
participate in these great events.
New Mexico Champions
by Mary Aynn Shoemate and Amy Steider
pring has brought new puppies and
new volunteer puppy raisers to the
Valley of the Sun Chapter. It was also
a great opportunity to speak to hundreds
of people at the Disability Empowerment
Center’s Health and Wellness Fair in April.
Thirteen volunteers worked the twoday event, fielding questions on Canine
Companions and how assistance dogs
integrate into people’s daily lives. We had
the pleasure of being invited to speak on
service animals in an hour-long breakout
session. Attendees were treated to comprehensive information on what a service
animal is, etiquette, public access and what
to look for in a service animal organization. There were lots of good questions,
which affirmed that we were in the right
place at the right time to represent Canine
Companions.
S
pring is in the air in New Mexico
as we prepare for the 5th Annual
Enchanted Canines Golf Classic. Canine
Companions supporters are working hard
in anticipation of another successful golf
event on July 27. Visit www.ccigolf.org
for more information on the event and
to register.
Puppy raisers and puppies in program took time from the busy preparations
to help puppy raiser Joanie welcome her
second puppy to Albuquerque. Odyssey II
has checked out puppy classes, play dates
and golf meetings and decided Albuquerque is a pretty cool place to grow up!
Congratulations to proud puppy raisers
Karen and Mike, who attended the May
graduation of a puppy they raised, Successor Service Dog NARHA.
Amy and puppy in program Vienna V
and Facility Team Mary Aynn and Garden
4
Contract Trainer Rhonda and Graduate Lisa
and her daughter Sara represented Canine
Companions at the Disability Empowerment
Center’s Health and Wellness Fair, along
with assistance dogs Dory and Hilly.
Puppy raiser Pat and puppy in
program Sarafina and Hearing Team
Gregg and Hilly spent time with a local
church youth group to introduce them
to Canine Companions. The group was
very interactive and walked away with
a fuller understanding of assistance dogs.
Volunteers Sharon and Brenda visited with
the city of Surprise’s Disability Advisory
Commission. They explained how Canine
Companions serves people with disabilities so the Commission can refer potential
applicants. Thanks to all of the Valley of
the Sun volunteers who represent Canine
Companions in the community!
Southern California
Champions
by Jane Drover
T
he Southern California Champions
held its first meeting of 2012 on April
21 in Irvine. There were over 40
volunteers in attendance and the energy of
the group was high. We were honored to
have a very special family as guests. The
family includes both a graduate team and
a volunteer puppy raiser. They helped us
understand Team Training from a participant’s perspective and they shared what a
difference Skilled Companion Dog Kiki III
has made in their lives.
Our very talented drill team performed in the Swallow’s Day Parade in San
Juan Capistrano on March 24. The drill
team continues to impress and delight
crowds of all ages. The SoCal Champions
also provided refreshments for the May
Southwest Region graduation. Thanks to
all who helped!
We are currently recruiting volunteers
to help with our dog wash fundraisers. We
have a dog wash scheduled in Oceanside
in August and another in Orange County
in September. If you want to be a part of
these fun activities, please let us know.
Coming soon will be the SoCal
Champions newsletter and blog. If you
would like to be included on our electronic mailing list please send an email
with your name and email address to:
[email protected].
Skilled Companion Team Ali, Adam and Kiki III
gave a special presentation to the Southern
California Champions. Adam’s father, Rob, also
shared his adventures as a volunteer puppy
raiser. Photo cour tesy of Vicki
Canine Companions for Independence
Colorado Satellite Office
Imagine Independence
I
by Linda Weiskopf
by Paul O’Brien
t was a busy spring for Canine Companions in Colorado. In March, Pizzeria
Rustica in Old Colorado City hosted a
dinner that paired specially prepared food
with Italian wines to benefit Canine Companions. On April 17, 160 people attended
a Canine Companions breakfast fundraiser
in Denver. We are very grateful to the 22
table hosts that invited people with little
knowledge of Canine Companions to the
event to introduce them to our program.
Major David Rozelle (US Army), who is
paired with Service Dog Domi, spoke
about the profound impact that Canine
Companions assistance dogs have on
people with disabilities. He emphasized
the need for more assistance dogs to be
placed with veterans and he pointed out
that Canine Companions is the best, most
respected assistance dog organization. A
special thanks to Don Orberdorf, event
chairperson, who was instrumental to its
success!
On June 11, the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association
(CWPMA) hosted the 15th Annual Glen and
Lynn Ann Balenseifen Memorial Golf Tournament. This annual event was played at
Rolling Hills Golf Club in Golden. The
tournament is always fun and Canine
Companions is thankful for the support
of the CWPMA members.
On Monday, August 20, the annual
Journey to Independence will take place in the
Vail Valley. This year’s event will feature
exciting live and silent auctions, as well as
a wonderful dinner.
For more information on these events,
please contact the Canine Companions
Colorado Office at (719) 260-6151.
I
Graduation Volunteers
Needed!
O
n April 26, the Wasatch Champions
held their first-ever Imagine Independence fundraiser in Ogden, Utah. The
venue was the historic Union Station near the
spot where the transcontinental railroad was
completed in 1869. The event featured a dinner, silent auction and remarks by Dr. Frank
McMillan from Best Friends Animal Society. Dr.
McMillan is the author of Unlocking the Animal
Mind, and he spoke about factors to consider
in training and caring for pets. Over 250 guests
enjoyed appetizers donated from three Ogdenarea restaurants while mingling with Canine
Companions graduates and volunteer puppy Recent graduate Debb with Service
raisers. Following the silent auction and buffet Dog Larry enjoyed the inaugural
dinner was the crowd-favorite Dessert Dash, in Imagine Independence event in Utah.
Photo cour tesy of Torrey Gleave and Brendon Code.
which guests bid on their favorite of over 35
desserts donated from local restaurants.
The goals for this event were to introduce Canine Companions to the Ogdenarea community and to raise
funds. Two local newspapers
featured graduate teams in a
multi-page article, spurring
interest in Canine Companions and its mission. The
fundraiser was a huge success
(especially considering it was
a first-time event) with over
$40,000 raised after expenses!
The community and local
volunteers gave generously of
their time and services to crePuppy raiser Linda Weiskopf worked tirelessly organizing
ate a beautiful and enjoyable
the first-ever Imagine Independence event. Canine
Companions greatly appreciates her efforts and those of
evening for guests.
all who supported the event.
Photo cour tesy of Torrey Gleave and Brendon Code.
f you’re attending graduation and have
time before and/or after the event to
volunteer, we need
your help! Volunteer
opportunities include
retail sales, parking attendants, greeters,
audio/visual assistance and decorations.
Help the Southwest Region make our
graduations even better! Contact Abby
Dils at (760) 901-4308 or [email protected] if
you are interested.
Sofia and Skilled Companion Dog Gyla took a
moment to relax.
Photo cour tesy of Torrey Gleave and Brendon Code.
David and puppy in program Code greeted
guests.
Photo cour tesy of Torrey Gleave and Brendon Code.
5
Canine Companions for Independence
Saluting Texas Veterans
July 21
Open House
Canine Companions Los Angeles Office
Los Angeles, CA
M
ore than 100 guests gathered at the ranch of Drs.
William and Isabella Cun-
July 27
5th Annual Enchanted Canines Golf
Classic
Twin Warriors Golf Club
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
ningham to celebrate the 2012 Saluting
Independence campaign to raise funds
for the Wounded Veterans Initiative in
Texas. Guests enjoyed meeting Canine
August 17
Canine Companions Graduation
QLN Conference Center – Exhibit Hall
Oceanside, CA
Companions assistance dogs and puppies in program at the May barbecue.
In total, the campaign raised $80,000!
Our thanks to the Cunninghams for
hosting another great event and ambitious fundraising effort.
The Cunninghams are dedicated to helping
Canine Companions serve more Texas veterans
with disabilities.
Photos cour tesy of jessicacunninghamphotography.com.
Guests enjoyed Texas barbecue and meeting
Canine Companions assistance dogs.
We’re Wild About Our Volunteers!
O
n March 10, volunteers near the Southwest Regional Facility were thanked
for their support at a safari-themed appreciation party. Guests feasted
on homemade chili prepared by staff, took part in raffle drawings and
played games designed for both dogs and people. Four individuals were recognized
for their dedication and involvement over the past year: Suzy Ball, Mary DeRose,
Susan Spicer and Sondra Thiederman. Thanks to everyone who attended!
Volunteers and
their Canine
Companions
dogs enjoyed
some friendly
competition at
the volunteer
appreciation
party.
Photo by Becky Miller
6
Upcoming Events
September 28
9th Annual Dog Days of Summer Golf
Classic
Ocotillo Golf Resort
Chandler, AZ
October 17
Haute Dog
The Peninsula Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA
October 26
Canine Companions Invitational Golf
Classic
Monarch Beach Golf Links
Dana Point, CA
For more information about these events,
please call (760) 901-4300 or visit
cci.org/swevents.
Wish List
• Gift cards for volunteer recognition—
movie theaters, restaurants, etc.
• Sound machines
• iTunes gift cards
• Tennis balls and Goughnuts balls
• Advantage Series Trifold Wheelchair
Ramp or similar
• Two multi-disc CD players
• Compact digital camera
• Large dog beds
• Bean bag chairs
• Two large dish drying racks
• Durable puppy toys
• Flatware organizers
• Utensil silverware tray
• Queen and twin blue and yellow
sheet sets
Please call (760) 901-4300 with questions about
wish list items. Special thanks to Lauren
Donner, Kathy Huben and family, Deedee
Lasker, Catharine Miller, Kristine and Jay
Scrivener, Melissa Vorndran, Jennifer Wren
and the graduating class of May 2012 for
donating items from our previous wish list.
Canine Companions for Independence
T-Time
Children with physical disabilities
says Melissa. “When T’s biggest fans
continued from page 1
work on their motor skills with Melissa
come into the room, he will get up and
It is super-cool to see a three-year-old
and T. Brushing T’s coat and teeth are
walk over to the door, sit down wagging
great opportunities to work on coordina-
or give them a kiss to say hello. The kids
tion. Even more challenging is when they
LOVE this! He’s like, ‘I’m just going to
play a game Melissa invented called “T
go say hi to my friend.’”
independently holding T’s yellow leash
and walking at his slow pace. There is
something so calming about it for these
kids that they might be crying all day
except when they are walking—with
purpose—outside with T!” T is also a
great conversation starter. “I always ask
the kids about T,” says Melissa. “I ask,
is he happy? How do you know? Is he
being a good listener?” Then, a simple
game of fetch is the best reward, as well
as an opportunity to work on sequencing. “We make T sit and stay. If he listens,
we say ‘Good boy!’ and then we throw
the ball and say ‘Okay.’ The kids have
been earning points all year to take Mr.
T to their classroom and show off his
fetch skills!” Melissa shares.
Has Fleas,” in which they use oversized
tweezers to pinch off big, plastic bugs.
“He is truly an angel to many,”
Melissa concludes.
Melissa also has older kids kneel on a
bosu ball and play tug with T, which
addresses core control and bilateral motor
coordination. The children never realize
they are “working” because they are
having so much fun!
Melissa has so many memorable
moments working with T. One child
had been attempting to throw overhand
all year and eventually succeeded while
playing fetch with T. Another child overcame his fear of dogs with T. Another
child, who has severely limited mobility
and tightly-fisted hands, opened his
hand long enough to feed T treats (see
cover photo.) “He gave the biggest smile,
complete with dimples!” Melissa recalls.
Still another student, who is very shy
and has speech challenges, gave her first
speech in front of her class on T. “She
was so proud of herself and told me
that everyone is jealous of her because
she gets to play with Mr. T! It was a
huge confidence booster,” explains
Melissa.
“Something that’s especially
cool is that many kids love T,
Duty with Honor
San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore presented a
donation to Canine Companions for $4,000
raised during the California State Sheriff’s
Association Conference in San Diego in April.
The theme of the conference was “Duty with
Honor” to honor members of the military in
San Diego County. Money raised during the
event was matched by California Forensic
Medical Group. The funds will benefit Canine
Companions’ Wounded Veterans Initiative.
but T equally LOVES them,”
Facility Dog Teal is “Super T” to
students like Sydney. The pair
dressed as super heroes last
Halloween.
Photo cour tesy of Melissa
7
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Canine Companions for Independence
Nonprofit Organization
Corey Hudson, CEO
U.S. Postage
Regional Board
Margaret “Pegge” Wilson,
President
Lance Weir, Vice President
Bill Bauce
John Brunton
Robert Cartin, DVM
Col. Chris Conlin (USMC Ret.)
Louise Copeland
Dale Feine
Tim Gackstetter
Leslie Hennessy
Michael E. Hennessy
Tom Hollenstein
Diane Killeen
Cynthia Miley
Jack Peluso
Bob Street
Mark Ward
PAID
Post Office Box 4568, Oceanside, CA 92052
(760) 901-4300
Permit #455
San Diego, CA
www.cci.org
R E T U R N SE RVIC E 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. ©2012 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.
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