2014 Team Training Graduation Friday, October 10 7:00 pm Welcome

2014
Team Training Graduation
Friday, October 10
7:00 pm
Welcome
Pete Markham
Thank You to Team Training Volunteers
Pete Markham
Recognition of Sires and Dams of Tonight’s
Graduating Service Dogs
Eileen Bohn
Introductions of New Teams
Pete Markham, assisted by Team Training Staff
Comments from Graduates
Cake & refreshments served after the
conclusion of the program
Congratulations
Helping Paws 2014 Graduate Teams
Chuck Myers & Service Dog Partner, Aida
Chuck’s first service dog, Echo, passed away in
October 2013. Chuck worried as Echo got older, as
he always considered her irreplaceable. In many
ways, each service dog is irreplaceable, that’s why
Helping Paws calls service dogs that are placed
with graduates who had prior dogs, “successor
dogs.” Each service dog is unique in their own
way and in the skills that they can perform.
leaned over to get my pants. I fell and my face hit the
bathroom floor. I let out a loud ‘ouch.’ An instant
later, there was Aida. I told her to get the phone.
She brought it right in. I called 911 and until they
got there, she splayed out on the floor right by me
and let me use her body as a pillow for my face.”
Chuck now realizes that other dogs can be loving
and helpful too, especially an affectionate, funny
For Chuck, “Confidence is the greatest gift I get dog like Aida. Her enthusiasm and zaniness make
from Aida. Recently, I was in the bathroom and Chuck laugh. “Aida added youth to my life again.”
Foster Home Trainer: Katy Shannon
Aida donated by: Diane Morrison
Blue Coat Benefactors: Betty Lou Brooking, Carole Erlandson, Judy McNamara, Joy & Dan O’Bresky,
Pat & Paul Sackett, The Venable Family
Lizzie Lance & Skilled
Companion, Boone
Boone is a nice dog. And he is crazy. He does lots of cool things. He likes to play ball
and fetch. He picks up his leash. He shakes hands. He rolls over. He is my buddy.
I like it when he sits at the door waiting for me when I come home. I
like to lay with him and hug him. I like his eyes. I am happy that
Boone is part of my family.
Foster Home Trainers: Heather & Matt King
Sire: Ozzie (Nancy Dahlen & Linda Furst) Dam: River (Jane EckesEtzel)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Dawna & Douglas Gray, Janeen Steffel
Angela Folie & Service Dog Partner, Baylor
Angie received Baylor as her second service dog.
Her first service dog was Milo. Baylor accompanies
Angie everywhere she goes, including work at the
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute where
Angie is a clinical psychologist.
Besides the assistance Baylor provides in things
such as retrieving dropped items and opening
doors, his presence is also healing for the patients,
staff, and family members that he encounters on a
daily basis. Angie looks forward to many years of
their beautiful partnership.
Foster Home Trainers: The Luedke Family
Sire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Doreen Bell, Kartra & Glenn Kohl, Tony Naffziger, Peggy Neibling, Dr. Sharon Wachs
Beth Hudspeth & Service Dog Partner, Mika
My first service dog, Jack introduced me to a world beyond my
disability. He opened my heart. Mika, my successor dog, has an
amazing ability to understand, empathize, and talk to me. Both
show a clarity of purpose; both are beautiful in different ways.
Mika can be humorous in her verbalization, as well as serious.
In the middle of the night, she will gently lay her chin on the
bed and if I don’t wake up, she starts quiet murmurs, moving to
louder grunts. She wakes me because she knows I am in trouble
and need to take care of something. She has calmed some of my
fears, soothed me after major surgery and is on alert.
But that girl is all about her Frisbee time; she has taken it to a
new level of fun. And to smile again, to laugh, to let go of the
heaviness of my situation, even for a moment, is a precious gift.
My husband calls her a gentle soul. She exudes joy; it radiates
out, encompasses and delights all, especially me.
Foster Home Trainers: Diane & Jamie Crannell Family
Sire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Greater Twin Cities Golden Retriever Club, Nancy Parsons, Jenny & Rob Townshend
Vanessa Kacon
& Service Dog Partner, Abraham
I am a Navy Veteran, partnered with Abraham in May 2014.
Abraham helps me deal with the effects of PTSD, as well as
chronic back issues that cause me to fall.
Abraham loves living on our family farm but like many males,
he can be an impatient shopper. He is an exuberant “kisser,”
which we love!
Some of the tasks that he does for me are serving as a brace
if I need help getting up and picking things up for me when
needed so I don’t have to bend over. He can go ahead of me
into a darkened room and turn the lights on. Most of all, he
has encouraged me to be less of a hermit. With Abraham by
my side, I am not alone.
Foster Home Trainers: Kay & Mike Klein
Sire: Ozzie (Nancy Dahlen & Linda Furst) Dam: River (Jane EckesEtzel)
Blue Coat Benefactor: Betsy & Paul von Kuster
Andrea Shealy & Service Dog Partner, Tate
Andrea learned about the Helping Paws Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) program for
veterans through an encounter with Carl Ringberg and Jed, the first PTSD team to graduate from
the Helping Paws program. As a 23-year Army Veteran, Andrea served combat tours in both the
first Gulf War and Iraq. Post-Iraq, Andrea was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and depression,
the effects of which include nightmares, hyper-vigilance, avoidance of public places, trust issues,
emotional numbness and memory issues. Thanks to a very loving and patient four-legged
gift from Helping Paws, Andrea is taking first steps toward working on some of these issues.
Tate, a very calm and affectionate Golden Retriever, has wiggled her way into Andrea’s heart.
Whether it’s the confidence of always having that companion right there, reassuring her that all
is ok; or the constant pressure against her back when she goes to sleep at night; or the fawning
against her leg when out in public. Tate is always there, providing the assurance that she’s “got her
six.” Tate is so tuned in to Andrea that she’s always watching to make sure everything is ok. One day
at physical therapy, as the therapist had Andrea change positions, Tate rose out of her “go to bed”
cue and stood up with her two front paws on the examining table, looking at the therapist with a
wondering eye, as if to say “What do we have here, doc?” Whether helping out at physical therapy or
snuggling in bed at night, Helping Paws picked a perfect team when they matched Andrea and Tate.
Foster Home Trainers: Dianne & Jay Heath
Sire: Maverick (Sandra & Barney Roberts)
Dam: Lola (Brent, Tanner & Kyler Voeller and in loving memory of Kristi Suronen Voeller)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Carmel & Scott Dunlop, Angela Folie, John Litch, The Nachbor Family
Graduating Dogs
with
Foster Home Trainers
Donovan Carlson
& Service Dog Partner, Buffy
My mom worked with a gentleman who fostered a service dog. When
it came time for “bring your child to work day,” my mom’s employer had
a service dog demo, and I was determined to get a service dog. Years later,
I finally completed the application and I was later matched with Buffy. Since
completing team training, I don’t need to rely on my family as much with Buffy by
my side.
I have taken Buffy to watch planes, visit the Science Museum and Como Zoo
(funny to watch Buffy look at the animals and the animals stare right back),
and many other places. Wherever we go I love to hear everybody say
“What a pretty dog” and “What a good dog.”
I can`t imagine life without her!
Foster Home Trainers: Jeanne Jones & Larry Buckley
Sire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Betty Lou Brooking, Zoe and Jeff Gay & Lisa Donahue, Sandra & David Frauenshuh,
Julie & Peter Gainsley, Rita Lehnert
Ahnna Kraklau & Service Dog Partner, Quincy
Quincy is my first service dog. He is the sweetest dog and best
companion ever! I like having him around because I know I’ve
always got a friend and helper by my side. Quincy picks up objects
I’ve dropped or that I need, pushes buttons for me, jumps up for me
to brush and cuddle with him, turns on and off lights, and braces
while I transfer.
One day, I woke up and he instantly showered me with kisses in bed.
That was the moment that I knew that our strong bond was formed.
Initially, I was very nervous, especially about the matching process.
As soon as I found out that I was going to be paired with Quincy,
I was ecstatic beyond belief! In the time that I’ve gotten to know
Quincy, he has become my service dog, as well as my best friend.
Foster Home Trainers: Kim, Ray & Nathan Torell
Sire: Logan (Sue & Dave Ostendorf) Dam: Keeley (Judy & Steve Michurski Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Anchor Bank Family Foundation, Carol Burmaster, Lee Holtz
Richard Smith & Service Dog Partner, Watson
After being diagnosed with Spino-Cerebellar Ataxia and Parkinsonism in 2010, which affects my
balance and speech, my family members began researching a service
dog for me. Helping Paws fit all the criteria, especially the fact that
they use Goldens and Labs, which have been members of our family for
many years. I applied to Helping Paws in Fall 2012 and in January 2014,
I chose to retire from a 37 year law practice.
The long awaited match happened in March 2014 and Watson’s future
was on my horizon. My friends asked if they could call me “Sherlock.”
During the three weeks of training in June 2014, where I visited more
shopping malls than I had in 5 years, Watson and I began our team
bonding. Watson traveled to our lake home on Otter Tail Lake and our
home residence in Wahpeton, ND to join the family and “Grandma”
Nora, the 11 year old matriarch Golden Retriever. Watson loves
swimming and retrieving but is not ready to jump off the dock.
Having Watson by my side is very comforting and allows me to have more freedom.
Foster Home Trainers: Karen & Alan Hupp
Sire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Brenda Casey Pickard, Betsy & Andy Hedberg, Pat Hook
Will Sullivan & Service Dog Partner, Chuda
I love Chuda.
Chuda is my very best friend.
And he always will be. At night,
after a full day of working with
his pack on, when he rests his
head in my lap, I know I’m his
best friend, too. And, I know he
loves me.
In the relatively short time that
Chuda has been with me, being
with him has increased my
confidence, reduced fear and
anxiety and increased my joy.
He goes with me to all of my
appointments, is the darling
of the U of M medical systems
and is there day and night
when I am in pain, can’t sleep
or feel unsteady. His knowing
eyes, his presence and his BIG
head all comfort me beyond
expectation.
Wendy and Peter had the
privilege of raising Chuda. I
know they feel the pride for
everything Chuda has become,
and they should, but I’m also
sure they have experienced
the heartbreak that goes with
letting him go.
Here’s what they told me:
“Chuda Lono is a very fine
dog. It’s been a privilege to
train, foster, have him by
(our) side, and love him.
A dog with a wise, tender
soul and gentle manner ....
raised and nurtured by a
village....We are very proud
of Chuda and know he will
give you great pleasure and
enrich your life... We wish
you the best of luck and lots
of fun and good times in your
partnership with Chuda over
the coming years.”
I couldn’t ask for anything
more. I am enjoying “the
dance of life” with Chuda by
my side. Chuda Lono. Puppy.
Puppy.
WE ALL LOVE YOU!
Foster Home Trainers: Wendy & Peter Hitch
Sire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Kaleidoscope Charter School, Sue & Bill Linder, Jacqueline Lou Smith
Melissa Gleason & Service Dog Partner, Winnie
When I lost my first service dog, I thought it
was the end
Until I met Winnie and we began to blend.
All was new again, and I was falling fast
Falling in love again is such a blast!
Wendi, Sue, Nanci and Eileen, training was
fun, not just routine.
Learning came easily, like riding a bike,
The flow, the adventure, the spirit of a tyke!
Winnie’s playful nature has me cracking up
I’m trying to concentrate so stop it sweet pup!
Learning to groom was new for me
She just leaned in, like sipping tea
Winnie enjoys it so and doesn’t want it to end
Of course we all love a caress, my new friend
We worked so easily and I think we are
a great match I’m already in love, very
attached!
We both like to be groomed and well-dressed;
You will hardly ever see us in a mess.
Winnie is so sweet, she lays nicely on my feet.
She whines and wiggles, giving me the
giggles. She loves to retrieve for me, except if
she needs to pee.
Winnie is very quick to love, she’s always up
for a hug! Two foster homes cared for her so
much. I’m so lucky, in fact a bunch! So much
love and dedication, we should have a huge
celebration!
Foster Home Trainers: Kathy Smith & Ed Doberstein; Breana Foley
Sire: Ozzie (Nancy Dahlen & Linda Furst) Dam: River (Jane EckesEtzel)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Betty Lou Brooking, David Brown, Claire Olson & William Davidson, Ian Drummond,
Four Seasons A+, Marguerite Harvey, Patricia Herrmann, Margie & Duane Jacobs
Jan Nelson & Service Dog Partner, Willa
My husband Doug and I grew up in Little Falls and met in High School. We now live in Highlands
Ranch, Colorado. My days are filled with taking walks, Pilates classes every week and day to day
tasks and errands.
I was blessed with my first Helping Paws dog, Laker, in 2008. We lost Laker earlier this year to
Lymphoma. I wasn’t totally sure I wanted a new dog right away until I met Willa; she has quickly
entered my heart, lodged in a very special place. Willa is already proving to be a great helper and
we are becoming a stronger team each and every day. She is sweet, smart and oh so pretty, I love her
already!
Thank you to my husband Doug for always being there, to my great family and friends for all their
support and to the Helping Paws staff. A special thank you to LaDonna Seely, who trained and cared
for Willa; you did an excellent job!
Foster Home Trainers: LaDonna Seely
Sire: Ozzie (Nancy Dahlen & Linda Furst) Dam: Izzy (Sharon & Scott McKendry)
Blue Coat Benefactors: Jennifer Reedstrom Bishop & Jon Bishop, Dr. Steve Levine,
Varinie & Blake Nixon, Budd Rutter
Special Thanks To...
Team Training Staff
Wendi Anderson, Client Services Associate
Eileen Bohn, Director of Programs
Nancy Hiebert, Canine Care Coordinator & Instructor
Maureen Kleckner, Foster Home Recruiter & Instructor
Sue Kliewer, Graduate Follow-Up Coordinator
Nanci Shapiro, Team Training Instructor
Thank you for your special support of new
Teams in Training
Emery Erickson, Jane Harrington, Wendy Hitch, Pat Hook, John Litch,
Judy Michurski, Gary Nelson, Scott Stillman, Jane Weissenborn,
& all graduation volunteers
Thanks also to the Helping Paws Staff
Pam Anderson, Director of Development
Rebecca Becker, Development Assistant
Renée Duncan, Communications & Special Projects Coordinator
Brenda Hawley, Volunteer & Social Media Coordinator
Jo Sorensen, Programs Department Administrative Coordinator
Helping Paws, Inc.
PO Box 634
Hopkins, MN 55343
952-988-9359
www.helpingpaws.org
www.facebook.com/helpingpawsmn