Spring 2015 - Canine Companions for Independence

The Companion
Spring 2015, issue twenty
Southwest 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®
Barbara’s Director’s Chair
Photo Credit Ken Sergi Photography
I want to personally extend my warmest thank you to each of you for your contributions to
Canine Companions in 2014. This past year was a strong one for our Southwest Region and
was marked by many significant accomplishments. Our incredible success can be attributed
to the strength of our team and the commitment of our volunteers, donors, partners and staff.
Together, we achieved extraordinary things!
Nationally, Canine Companions had a banner year and met its financial goals raising over
$22 million in support. In the Southwest Region, our loyal donors and volunteers helped raise
a record-breaking $4,100,000. In addition to our financial goals, the entire Canine Companions
organization had 289 placements against a goal of 240 and the Southwest Region exceeded
its placement goal with 52 quality teams. We now have 1,935 active graduate teams with 363
active teams here in the Southwest Region.
Our region placed 171 puppies in volunteers’ homes and averaged 270 active puppy
raisers. We completed 197 follow-up visits consisting of Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
public certification tests, center visits, home visits and workshops. Our volunteers and staff
gave 113 presentations and participated in 109 outreach events. YOUR investment in Canine
Companions helped us provide these exceptional dogs to our graduates free of charge.
We are already off to a terrific start in 2015 as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Canine
Companions and are excited by the many great new opportunities that lie ahead. We have
already completed our first graduation of the year and 14 new teams are now on their journey
to independence. Our graduates are the reason we give our time, talents and treasures and
remind us why we are all a part of the Canine Companions for Independence family. They
inspire us to work tirelessly to achieve our incredible mission.
Many fabulous events are on the 2015 schedule and they all provide an excellent opportunity to support Canine Companions. These events would not be possible without the
commitment of our loyal and dedicated volunteers. Our signature national event, DogFest
Walk ‘n Roll, will expand to five locations in the Southwest Region including San Diego, Denver,
Phoenix, Vail and Salt Lake City. Kudos to DogFest San Diego Chair Sondra Thiederman and
her extraordinary team of volunteers for orchestrating the #1 DogFest in the country. We
would love to add walks, so please contact us if you want one in your city!
I look forward to working with each and every one of you this year to advance our mission
across the Southwest Region! Together we will continue to transform lives!
Warmest regards,
Southwest Region
Board of Directors
Col. Chris Conlin (USMC Ret.)
President
Jack Peluso
Vice President
Bill Bauce
Robert Cartin, DVM
Tim Gackstetter
Glen Gregos
Kim Haydel
Leslie Hennessy, PhD
Tom Hollenstein
Joe Moeller
Cynthia Miley
Stephanie Small, LLC
Bob Street
Sondra Thiederman, PhD
Mark Ward
Lance Weir
Margaret “Pegge” Wilson
Barbara Barrow
Southwest Region Executive Director
Above: Barbara Barrow, Executive Director,
Canine Companions Southwest Region
THE COMPANION SPRING 2015
SOUTHWEST REGION
7
DogFest Rocks San Diego!
Photos by Rock
Approximately 550 people
gathered in San Diego in
November for DogFest Walk
‘n Roll. The fundraiser featured
a walk followed by a dog and
family-friendly festival to benefit
Canine Companions. San Diego’s
event was the largest DogFest in
the country in 2014 out of more
than 20 nationwide. It raised
over $118,000—far surpassing
the original goal of $60,500!
See page nine for the dates
and locations of DogFest 2015
events across the Southwest
Region.
➊
➊ DogFest San Diego attendees enjoyed shopping at 39 vendor
booths; performances by Disc Dogs, Resonate! and the Canine
Companions drill team; dog stenciling by Banfield Pet Hospital
and PetSmart; contests and more! ➋ From left to right are Southwest Region Volunteer Coordinator
Becky Hein with committee members Mary Milton, Patti Roebuck,
Tina Swim, Tom Sandler, Jane Walstrom, Jann de la Cruz and Geno
Spatafore. Front and center is event chair Sondra Thiederman.
Sondra was also recently recognized as the Geneva Davis Award
winner, which is a peer-nominated recognition of quality volunteer
leadership and exceptional volunteer efforts. Our thanks to the
entire event committee, which also included Lexi Padilla, Nancy
Gackstetter and Cath Phillips, as well as many additional volunteers
who helped the day run smoothly!
➋
➌ The crowd enjoyed testimonials by Kim and Christopher with
Skilled Companion Gabrielle. Graduates and volunteers were also
interviewed by the three local TV news outlets.
“Dog-gone” great ways to help Canine Companions
A special dog named Sherwood matched $10,000 in DogFest San
Diego donations! Sherwood helped over 1,600 people live better lives
through physical therapy. In support of DogFest Denver, pet dogs Heidi
and Greta matched every dollar donated up to $5,000 through their
Double Dog Challenge! These two special dogs wanted to help Canine
Companions in Colorado and beyond.
8
SOUTHWEST REGION
CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE®
Courtesy of StinkDog Photos
➌
The Diamond Ball:
Record-Breaking Donation to
Wounded Veterans Initiative
Upcoming
Events
Imagine Independence
April 16 in Ogden, UT
Graduation
May 15 in Oceanside, CA
Enchanted Canines
Golf Classic
June 19 in
Albuquerque, NM
DogFest Walk ‘n Roll
July 11 in Vail, CO
➊
➋
July 17 in Carlsbad, CA
Volunteer Leadership
Conference
The Diamond Ball at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel raised
July 31 - August 1 in
Orlando, FL
$200,000 for the Wounded
Graduation
Veterans Initiative. It was the
August 14 in
Oceanside, CA
largest single donation ever to
DogFest Walk ‘n Roll
benefit Canine Companions’
➍
Canine Companions
Invitational Golf
Tournament
program to provide assistance
September TBD in
Denver, CO
dogs to injured military veterans!
DogFest Walk ‘n Roll
September 19 in
Salt Lake City, UT
➊ Staff Sgt. Matthew Keil, US Army (Ret.), was a featured speaker.
He shared how he was injured by a sniper’s bullet in Operation
Iraqi Freedom, leaving him a quadriplegic with only the use of his
left arm. Matthew is pictured with his wife Tracy, general manager
of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Bruce Brainerd and released
dog Brock II.
➋ Billy Lister and Service Dog Potter; Christine Doane, volunteer;
Paula Bogenrief, volunteer; Southwest Region board member
Cynthia Miley and Eileen Sever, volunteer, enjoyed the festivities.
➌ Staff Sgt. Sebastian (Sam) Cila, US Army (Ret.), was a featured
speaker. Sam was injured by an IED blast in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Now he relies on Service Dog Gillian for help with daily
tasks. Sam is pictured with his wife, Anna.
Dog Days of Summer
Golf Classic
September 25 in
Paradise Valley, AZ
HAUTE DOG | LA
TBD this fall in Los
Angeles, CA
➌
Photos courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton,
Laguna Niguel
Graduation
November 6 in
Oceanside, CA
DogFest Walk ‘n Roll
November 14 in
San Diego, CA
➍ Mary Wiscomb, Successor Service Graduate Jack Allison and
volunteer Theresa Barnes partied for the cause.
THE COMPANION SPRING 2015
SOUTHWEST REGION
9
Photos by Jared Cowan Photography.
➋
➊
➌
➍
➎
➏
HAUTE DOG | LA
Canine Companions for Independence and Disney VoluntEARS
presented the Third Annual HAUTE DOG | LA doggie runway fashion
show at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in October. The whimsical event
raised over $70,000 for Canine Companions.
Nutella. Melissa shared the story of Nutella’s impact on Ian with a riveted
audience, which later gave Nutella the People’s Choice Award in a landslide
vote. Shawn, Holly, Linda and Denny were celebrity judges of the runway
show. ➎ Kate Luhr, producer and co-host of the show “Broadly Speaking:
Comedy that Makes you Think” was the event’s hilarious emcee. She is
pictured with Glen Gregos and Successor Service Dog Kalea, who shared
his story with attendees. Glen is the Southwest Region’s newest regional
board member, ➏ Canine Companions National Board Member Mel Gottlieb
donated a matching gift of $25,000 at HAUTE DOG | LA. The gift inspired
supporters to take on the challenge of funding a new human-canine team
in Los Angeles. He is pictured with Southwest Region Executive Director
Barbara Barrow.
Photos by James Duree
➊ Sixteen canine models strutted their stuff on the catwalk to benefit
Canine Companions, dressed as everything from a lion to Elvis. ➋ Joan
Solon’s family accepted the Paws of Distinction Award in her memory
at HAUTE DOG | LA. Joan helped raise over $1.2 million as chair/co-chair
of the Vail Valley Journey to Independence galas. ➌ Actor Ian Zeiring
was one of the celebrity judges. He is best known for his role on “Beverly
Hills, 90210” and more recently was “Fin” in the “Sharknado” movies.
➍ Sean Blakemore, series regular on “General Hospital”; NBC 4’s Holly
Hannula; Melissa Coleman, Canine Companions graduate; Linda Purl, a
beloved television, film, and stage actress and recording artist; Denny
Seiwell, founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon WINGS and
Lauren McFarland crowd around Ian McFarland and Skilled Companion
Miracles Made in Denver
Stacey Hendricks, who is partnered with Service Dog Cavalier, said
volunteer loves to travel and explore. Thanks to Cavalier, Stacey has
to the crowd at Making Miracles Happen, “Thank you for making my
the confidence to pursue her adventures independently.
independent lifestyle not just a possibility, but a reality.” Stacey said
Over 200 Denver residents came together for the Making Miracles
she does not let brittle bone disease slow her down. The University of
Happen event to benefit Canine Companions, which raised $40,000!
Colorado Denver student and Denver Museum of Nature and Science
10
SOUTHWEST 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 pginfo@cci.org 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: info@cci.org 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