Spring 2011 - Canine Companions for Independence

Southwest Companion
The Southwest Region Newsletter of Canine Companions for Independence
Spring 2011 Issue: CANINE COMPANIONS SALUTES INDEPENDENCE at Oklahoma City VA Medical
Center, Colorado Firefighters Raise a Puppy, Canine Companions Hosts BALBOA BARKS in San Diego
Prisoners Find Their Purpose by Puppy Raising
by Katie Malatino
I
t may be surprising to learn that some residents of Naval
Canine Companions—an impressive 50%. The average success
Consolidated Brig Miramar have four legs and a wagging
rate is 35-40%. “We feel we have a good success rate in the brig
tail. But for six years, select prisoners there have been
because the prisoners have 24 hours a day to dedicate to the
given the opportunity to raise puppies for Canine Companions for Independence. The program has been beneficial for
dogs,” explains Hadnot.
Recently, a dog raised in the brig was placed with an Active
all involved—prisoners learn life and career skills, puppies
Duty U.S. Army soldier with a spinal cord injury. Ser-
receive undivided attention and Canine Companions receives
geant First Class Steve
volunteer assistance in its greatest area of need.
Grant received the
“It is a huge incentive for prisoners to be a part of the Canine
appropriately named
Companions program,” explains Jeff Hadnot, Vocational Director,
Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar. “Only the best of the best are
selected to be dog handlers.” The Brig Vocational Services Office
selects prisoners for the program, all of whom are non-violent
offenders with excellent behavior. “Being a part of Canine Companions allows us to focus our time on something productive
after work,” explains one prisoner handler. “Having the pups
please see
Prisoners
Find Their
Purpose on
page 7
in the brig raises the self-esteem of the prisoners,” adds another
prisoner. “It’s a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.”
If the dogs exhibit the necessary skills and temperament
during Professional Training, they graduate to become assistance dogs for people with disabilities. So far, nine out of the
18 dogs raised by Miramar Brig prisoners have graduated from
In November 2010, a dog raised at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar graduated with Sergeant First Class
Steve Grant, U.S. Army. Commander Erik Spitzer, U.S. Navy and Jeff Hadnot, Vocational Services Director at
Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar proudly handed Service Dog Champ’s leash to his new partner.
Photo by Stacey Webb, Scout Photography
and love the dogs in their charge and follow
Not to be swept off on a cloud of
established protocols. Candidates trust that
euphoria, Canine Companions has sys-
Canine Companions will exercise its best
tems in place to proof the trust factor at
professional judgment to determine when
every important juncture. For example,
they will be invited to Team Training.
puppy raisers submit monthly reports
Once in Team Training, students trust that
chronicling the puppy’s growth and
competent and compassionate training staff
development and graduates must pass
will match them with the dog that is best
periodic public access testing and submit
suited to their abilities and lifestyle. Canine
regular veterinary reports. Training staff
anine Companions for Inde-
Companions trusts emphatically that gradu-
navigate a tough three-year course to
pendence is ripe with emotion.
ates will be their new canine partner’s best
achieve their instructorships. All staff are
Witnessing life-changing miracles
friend and protector in service, in play and
regularly evaluated and mentored to best
in all stages of health.
performance levels. The Canine Com-
C
emerge from the bonds formed between
assistance dog and human partner is pure
This multi-dimensional tower of trust
panions organization operates under the
is built on the foundation of 35 years
standards and accreditation of Assistance
Trust is a cornerstone of Canine Com-
of upholding the highest professional
Dogs International.
panions. Puppy raisers trust that Canine
standards in the assistance dog industry.
I have an abiding trust in Canine Com-
Companions will provide all the support
Throughout the years volunteers, staff,
panions for Independence—an informed
necessary to help them complete their
graduates and supporters have infused
confidence that the system works.
vitally important jobs. In turn, the organiza-
their own skill, dedication and integrity
tion trusts that those volunteers will nurture
to strengthen the bonds of trust.
joy.
Los Angeles Open House Draws a Crowd
M
ore than 120 people packed
assistance dogs to people with dis-
the Canine Companions for
abilities,” explains philanthropist
Independence Los Angeles
Shirley McKernan of The Shirley
Office in December for a special open
McKernan Courage Foundation.
house event. “The open house was a won-
“Guests were offered a glimpse
derful opportunity to show Los Angeles
of this remarkable program in its
residents the value of Canine Companions
entirety, and I hope they are as
excited as I am to support Canine
Companions’ expansion in Los
Angeles!” Currently, there are 36
Canine Companions assistance
dogs working in Los Angeles
Jenay, 12, of Arcadia,
California won Art
Unleashed: A Contest
for Kids with this
awesome depiction of
a Canine Companions
assistance dog. The
art contest was held
last year for children
in Los Angeles County.
Open house attendees
received notecards
featuring the artwork
of the three contest
finalists.
County and we hope to serve
Puppy in program Renata celebrated her first
birthday at the open house. From left to right:
puppy raiser Marilyn Cohen; Linda Valliant, Canine
Companions Southwest Region Executive Director;
Shirley McKernan, The Shirley McKernan Courage
Foundation and puppy raiser Chris Malburg.
2
many more disabled residents in the future.
and Chris have provided a window into
Guests learned about volunteer
the puppy raising experience with the
opportunities with Canine Companions
goal of inspiring Los Angeles residents
and puppy raising was highlighted.
to volunteer with Canine Companions.
Marilyn Cohen and Chris Malburg
We hope all of the energy and
have been sharing their experiences as
enthusiasm around the new Canine
puppy raisers of puppy in program,
Companions Los Angeles Of fice
Renata, through an online journal at
will result in more area applicants,
www.cci.org/renata. Marilyn, Chris and
volunteers and supporters! Visit
Renata were all special guests at the open
www.cci.org/laoffice to learn more.
house. Through Renata’s journal, Marilyn
Canine Companions for Independence
Team Training Yearbook
June Graduates
Gregg
Hearing Dog Hilly
San Tan Valley, AZ
The Ward Family
Poway, CA
Trinity
With Facilitator Linda
Skilled Companion Dog
Erin III
Manitou Springs, CO
Jan Ford
Santee, CA
August Graduates
Patricia
Hearing Dog Yuta
Fountain Hills, AZ
Glennda Cartner
Redmond, WA
Skylar
With Facilitators
Tracy & James
Skilled Companion Dog
Yaston
Clovis, CA
Jackie Larsen
Phoenix, AZ
Steven
Hearing Dog Montera
Whittier, CA
The Richards Family
Seattle, WA
Tatum
With Facilitators
Sheryl & Michael
Skilled Companion Dog
Newt II
Scottsdale, AZ
Diann Christiansen, Torre &
Dominic Scaramella
Windsor, CA
Frank
Hearing Dog Niagara
Creswell, OR
Patricia Barter
Baiting Hollow, NY
Greg
Service Dog Duet
Oceanside, CA
Gayle & Jim Batchelor
Murrieta, CA
Caleb
With Facilitators
Kaylene & Mark
Skilled Companion Dog
Raine II
Woods Cross, UT
The Logsdon Family
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Elizabeth
Facility Dog Yori II
Oceanside, CA
The Specht Family
Littleton, CO
Vico
With Facilitator Moira
Skilled Companion Dog
Navarro II
West Hills, CA
Christine & Roger St.Clair
Celeste & Gerald Kennedy
Lakeside, CA
Lyena
Service Dog Reba III
North Hollywood, CA
Jennifer E. Jobst
Austin, TX
Chas
Andres
Service Dog Holmby
Midland, TX
The Barker Family
Parker, CO
Amanda
With Facilitator Jodi
Skilled Companion Dog
Sable III
Glenwood Springs, CO
Kit Carson Correctional
Center
Burlington, CO
Service Dog Dennie
Austin, TX
Vanessa & Kevin O’Grady
Denver, CO
Kyler
With Facilitators
Lisa & Brad
Skilled Companion Dog
Todd III
Carlsbad, CA
Lazette Bevers Chang-Yit
Oklahoma City, OK
In Her Own Words
by Cynthia Harper Miley
C
ynthia Harper Miley has been
Companions that Cynthia has organized
a Southwest Region Board
over the years.
member for 14 years. Cynthia
After 14 years with Canine Compan-
first learned about Canine Companions
ions, Cynthia is still deeply impacted by
for Independence while researching
each graduation she attends. “Watching
resources for people with disabilities. “I
and feeling the emotion of my new
found that Canine Companions is the
friends and acquaintances as they receive
very best organization for assistance
their assistance dogs always makes me
dogs,” Cynthia explains. “While spend-
cry!” Another special memory Cynthia
ing time at the Southwest Region and
Northwest/National Campuses, I realized
my research could not prepare me for the
impact of seeing the dogs in training and
Southwest Regional Board Member
Cynthia Harper Miley enjoys the company
of release dogs Gaelan and Tracker and
an Australian Shephard named Hank.
recalls is having lunch with bestselling
author Dean Koontz and his wife, Gerda,
who are the Southwest Region campus
benefactors. “I will never forget the
working with someone with a disability. I decided to become
inspirational conversation. Dean and Gerda are so special.
a volunteer puppy raiser immediately!” Cynthia went on to
Their dedication and love for Canine Companions made me
raise three puppies for Canine Companions.
want to do more as a board member.”
“My passion is puppy raising, but my talent is fundrais-
Now, Cynthia has combined her passion for Canine
ing,” says Cynthia. Many years ago, Cynthia’s first fundraiser
Companions with her career with the launch of Zephyr
for Canine Companions was an Antiques & Garden Show. It
Partners’ “Ability Calls.” Cynthia and her partners were
became an annual four-day event with high-profile sponsors.
inspired to create employment opportunities for veterans
The event is just one example of the fundraisers for Canine
and civilians with disabilities. For more information, contact
Cynthia at chmiley@zpacs.com or (702) 521-6077.
3
Canine Companions for Independence
Red Earth Champions of
Oklahoma
by Dawn Ramsey
W
e’re off and running in 2011 in
Oklahoma! Foremost on our
agenda is the CANINE COMPANIONS SALUTES INDEPENDENCE
event in Oklahoma City on March 19.
On top of that, we are keeping up with
our regular outreach events. In January,
we were at Market Dayz in Shawnee to
raise awareness of Canine Companions.
It will be a monthly event this year. In
February, we were at the Tractor Supply
Store with an information table. Those
who donated to Canine Companions
received a Valentines Day bandana. In
March, we’re looking forward to the
annual Shawnee Mall Easter Mutt Strut,
in which the public is invited to walk
their dogs inside the mall for a donation
to Canine Companions. Future events
include another Shawnee Mall Mutt Strut
and the annual Gala Dinner.
with a $10,000 donation! After tallying
our numbers for 2010, we have over 60
active volunteer puppy raisers in Colorado. What a great group and a great
achievement! Kit Carson Correctional
Center continues to be an integral and
successful part of the Colorado Puppy
Raising Program. In 2010, the correctional
center received their 44th puppy in program to raise for Canine Companions.
Now, our office is busy with
preparations for the year’s events. They
include the 14th Annual Glen and Lynn Ann
Balenseifen Golf Tournament on June 20, the
8th Annual Journey to Independence in Vail
in August, the 20th Annual Good Times Car
Show on August 21, Puppy Raiser Workshop
in the fall and some new fundraising
events.
The Southern California Champions have a drill
team that walks in parades.
Photo by kensergi.com
Southern California
Champions
by Kim Jaurena
T
Colorado Satellite Office
by Kelly Gorman
C
anine Companions had a successful 2010 in Colorado and we are
looking forward to a busy 2011!
At the end of the year, we held
an informative Graduate Workshop with
Southwest Region Program Manager Simi
Balter and Instructor Patti Irby. We also
received the wonderful news that the
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association
Auxiliary will continue their sponsorship
Graduate Donna Piller and Skilled Companion
Dog Gladys II join puppies in program Jessex
and Pala II to spread the word about Canine
Companions at The Children’s Hospital
Resource Fair in Aurora, Colorado.
4
We rounded out the year with a
fabulous Volunteer Appreciation Bowling Party!
What a fun occasion to celebrate another
outstanding year in the Valley of the Sun.
We gathered to share memories with a
video of the year’s events, a holiday dinner and a fun raffle, followed by showing
our bowling prowess on the lanes!
Valley of the Sun Chapter Vice President
Stephanie Small enjoys the company of nineweek-old puppy in program, Cola.
Photo by Pat Lawson
Arizona Valley of the Sun
Chapter
by Pat Lawson
T
he Valley of the Sun Chapter
finished out the year with booths
at three community events. In
November, volunteers represented
Canine Companions at the Spina Bifida
Walk, the Rehab Without Walls Farmer’s Market and the MS Walk at the Phoenix Zoo.
Hundreds of people at each event were
introduced to Canine Companions and
had the opportunity to learn about the
different types of assistance dogs and our
volunteer puppy raising opportunities.
December brought volunteers to several giftwrapping stations inside Borders
stores and a new location at Tommy
Bahama! We raised almost $2,000 while
spreading some Canine Companions
cheer!
he SoCal Champions had a busy
first year! We held meetings
in Orange County, Santee and
Oceanside, California. We established
a drill team that walked in parades in
Coronado, La Habra and La Jolla. We
also raised funds for Canine Companions
with several fun events including the San
Diego dog and people festival, a parking
lot sale at the Oceanside campus, a dog
wash, a golf tournament, craft boutique
sales and Christmas giftwrapping.
We look forward to continued
membership growth and participation
in 2011. Volunteers are already working
on BALBOA BARKS: A Day of Peace, Love &
Canine Companions and the Canine Companions Invitational Golf Classic later in the year.
Our “southern village” volunteers have
set their sights on improving the dorm
rooms on campus. They have already
purchased new bedspreads with profits
from the craft boutique sale and the
Christmas giftwrap fundraiser. They are
planning another craft sale so they can
supply new sheets and lamps for all the
rooms, as well.
Canine Companions for Independence
Puppy in program Sully V is ready to work at a
Canine Companions outreach event.
Photo by Kelly Haugh
Las Vegas Chapter
New Mexico volunteers gathered for a group photo at a recent event. In the back row from left to right:
Joanie McSweeney with Genise, Amy Steider with Heart, Brandon Steider, Buddy Hayes with Ellie,
Valerie Einspahr with Zendo, Susan Bloch, Judy Long with Ojai III and Linda Solyntjes with Oreily II. In
the front row from left to right: Marcia Fox with Frieda, Karen Molony with NARHA and Aubrey Gutierrez.
Photo by Tim Steider.
by Kerry Pettit
T
he Las Vegas Chapter is getting
ready to celebrate our first anniversary! During this short year, we
have welcomed two new puppy raisers
and one new graduate team. We said
“Good Luck” to two puppies in program
as they started Professional Training and
“Welcome” to three new puppies.
In December, we celebrated the
year’s achievements with a Holiday Dinner.
Certificates of appreciation were awarded
to founding Chapter Board members for
all of their hard work and dedication.
They were instrumental to making the
Las Vegas Chapter a success. In February, we will meet to elect our 2011 Board
Members and set our goals for the year.
Viva Las Vegas!
Wasatch Champions
by Melanie Dutcher
F
or the Wasatch Champions,
December was the grand finale
to an incredible year! We raised
$7,500 in December, which set records
for both monthly and annual fundraising!
It all started with the First Annual Wasatch
Champions Holiday Open House, where
guests were serenaded with Christmas
carols by harpist and puppy raiser, Alexis
Clukey. Our new cookbook, Sit, Stay &
Eat, debuted at the open house along
with dog-themed jewelry from local
artist, Stephanie Saint-Thomas. One
hundred percent of cookbook sales and
50 percent of Stephanie’s jewelry sales
went to Canine Companions. We continued to promote Sit, Stay & Eat personally
and at local businesses, which raised
more funds. Then, three area Barnes &
Noble Booksellers hosted the Wasatch
Champions gift wrappers, and dozens of
volunteers worked for donations! Finally,
employees of ADP bought copies of Sit,
Stay & Eat and Casual Day Stickers to
benefit Canine Companions. Through
ADP’s Casual Day Stickers program,
employees purchase stickers for $2.50
for the privilege of dressing casually at
work for one day. ADP also matched
their employees contributions to Canine
Companions, in addition to donating
the entire cost of printing Sit, Stay & Eat.
This phenomenal success would not have
been possible without the vast majority
of Wasatch Champions contributing their
time, talent and resources. Thank you all
for an exceptional year!
mingle with their pet llamas. A grand
time was had by llamas, canines and
humans alike!
Shortly after, everyone was stunned
to learn of the unexpected loss of Buddy
Hayes’ Service Dog, Ellie. Buddy and
Ellie were great ambassadors of Canine
Companions and active volunteers. We
gathered in Santa Fe on January 22 to
celebrate Ellie’s life and honor her service
and dedication to Buddy. Ellie will be
greatly missed and warmly remembered
by all who knew her. Our thoughts are
with Buddy at this difficult time.
New Mexico Champions
by Amy Steider and Mary Aynn Shoemate
T
The Sit, Stay & Eat cookbook can be purchased
for $15 plus $3 shipping at www.etsy.com/
shop/wasatchchampions.
5
he New Mexico Champions have
gathered for some memorable
events in the past few months. Just
before the holidays, we welcomed Service
Team Valerie Einspahr and Zendo, who
graduated in November 2010, to our
group over coffee. Then, puppy raisers
Joanie and Denny McSweeney graciously
hosted a January meeting, which offered
our group the unique opportunity to
Canine Companions
Volunteer Honored
Six-time puppy raiser Theresa Barnes
was honored for her charitable efforts on
behalf of Canine Companions in November.
The awards luncheon was hosted by
the North County Philanthropy Council
in Southern California and volunteers
from 43 different organizations were
recognized. Congratulations, Theresa!
Canine Companions for Independence
Firefighters Raise Puppy
for Canine Companions
by Diana M. Allen and Katie Malatino
Upcoming Events
March 19
CANINE COMPANIONS SALUTES
INDEPENDENCE
Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
Oklahoma City, OK
March 26
Puppy Raiser Workshop
Salt Lake City, UT
April 9
BALBOA BARKS: A Day of Peace,
Love & Canine Companions
San Diego, CA
April 9
Puppy Raiser Workshop
Dallas, TX
May 14
Canine Companions Graduation
Mission San Luis Rey
Oceanside, CA
June 20
Glen and Lynn Ann Balenseifen Golf
Tournament
Larkspur, CO
The crew at the Westminster Fire Department enjoy the company of puppy in program Julep II, who is
being raised by firefighters Karen Consigny and Kurt Morris.
he Westminster Fire Department
T
“The crew loves having her at the fire-
Station #2 crew in Colorado recently
house, except when she steals their socks!”
added a four-legged member to
Karen says with a laugh. “Some guys have
their team. Julep II, however, is not a Dal-
told me that Julep always puts them in a
mation! She is a Labrador/Golden Retriever
better mood and others bring their kids by
cross and a Canine Companions puppy in
to see her,” she explains. “How can you
program. Firefighters Karen Consigny and
not smile when you’re petting a puppy?”
Kurt Morris are Julep’s volunteer puppy
Despite their ever-growing bond with
raisers. Their coworkers at the firehouse
Julep, her puppy raisers are keeping Canine
are some of Julep’s biggest fans!
Companions’ mission of “enhancing the
“When Karen came to us with the
lives of people with disabilities by providing
request of bringing a dog to the fire sta-
highly trained assistance dogs” foremost in
tion while she was on duty, it brought to
their minds. “We think the puppy raising
mind the old image of a Dalmatian with
program is a great way to have the joy of a
firefighters,” said Chief Jim Cloud. “So, the
dog and also give back,” says Karen. “Kurt
idea of a dog at the firehouse wasn’t foreign.
and I feel very fortunate that we have our
Knowing the program is to help those with
health and careers that we enjoy. We will
disabilities made the decision to allow it
be extremely sad on the day we have to let
pretty easy.”
her go, but it is an honor, too—knowing
Julep lives with Karen and Kurt in their
that she will greatly improve the life of an
home and accompanies them to the fire sta-
individual with an impairment or possibly
tion during their 24-hour firefighter shifts. At
a veteran who has made incredible sacrifices
work, Julep gets the opportunity to work on
for us all.”
her socialization skills, which are critical to
If you’re interested
graduate as an assistance dog working in pub-
in becoming a volunteer
lic. Julep also adds some much-appreciated
puppy love to the department.
July 22
Enchanted Canines Golf Classic
Twin Warriors Golf Course
Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
For more information about these events,
visit www.cci.org/southwest or call
(760) 901-4300.
Wish List
• Gift cards for volunteer
recognition—movie theaters,
restaurants, etc.
• Sound machines
• Flash drives
• Proloquo2go application for iPod
Touch
• iMainGo speaker for iPod Touch
• Two heavy duty plastic kiddie
pools
• Samsung SP-H03 Pico Projector or
similar for presentations
• Postage scale
• Two inflatable air mattresses
Please call (760) 901-4300 for questions
about wish list items. Special thanks to
Paula Baker, Marylin DeCain and Kim
and Pat Hacker for donating items from
our previous wish list.
puppy raiser, visit
www.cci.org/swpuppy
or call (760) 901-4300.
6
Canine Companions for Independence
CANINE COMPANIONS SALUTES
INDEPENDENCE in Oklahoma City
I
n 2011,
Canine
Com-
panions
will “Salute
Independence” at
the Oklahoma City
Prisoners Find Their Purpose
continued from page 1
Service Dog, Champ, in November.”The
members killed or disabled while serving
experience was particularly meaningful
our great nation, as well as the Okla-
to brig dog handlers. “It makes me feel
homa City VA Medical Center, which
good that I have helped someone who
honors America’s veterans by providing
is like a family member and whom I
exceptional healthcare that improves
could’ve served alongside in the field,”
their quality of life. Join us for a day of
explains a prisoner handler. “I feel that
information, inspiration and fun!
by helping him regain some freedom and
This free event will feature:
•
VA Medical
Opportunities to Meet Veterans and
their Service Dogs
independence, I’m still able to help the
country in a small way.”
Cath Phillips is a contract trainer for
Center on
•
Saturday,
Assistance Dog Demonstrations
Canine Companions, and she visits the brig
•
Video Tour of the Canine Compan-
every two weeks to teach an obedience
ions Training Center
class to prisoner handlers and their puppies.
Canine Companions Puppies in
She has witnessed major transformations in
Program
some of the prisoners. In some cases, their
March
19
from 9AM
to
•
5PM.
This will be the fourth event the South-
•
Great Photo Opportunities
experiences as dog handlers inspire them
west Region of Canine Companions
•
to work to get their sentences reduced, take
has held to increase awareness of our
Live Music by Bad Influence
•
Games, Prizes and Face Painting
on professional responsibilities at the brig or
Wounded Veterans Initiative. This year,
•
All-American Refreshments
work towards new career goals for when
we are proudly partnering with the Folds
of Honor Foundation, which provides
post-secondary educational scholarships for children of spouses of service
Join us! Visit
www.cci.org/salutes
for more information and to
download a flyer.
they are released. One prisoner explained to
Cath, “I don’t think I would have survived
in the brig if it hadn’t been for the Canine
Companions program and your confidence
in me. This has changed my life. You have
shown me the path I want to take.” Now
Southwest Region Establishes Advisory Council
paroled, the prisoner teaches obedience
classes at a dog grooming facility.
“It is rare that a program is so beneficial for all parties involved,” explains Stu
Wahrenbrock, Canine Companions Puppy
Program Manager. “Without volunteer
puppy raisers, Canine Companions could
not provide assistance dogs to people
with disabilities for free. The program at
Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar has been
tremendously helpful to our organization. It
gives us great satisfaction to know that prisoner handlers are reaping equal benefits.”
A reception was held following the Southwest Regional Board meeting on Friday, November 12, 2010 to
welcome members of the newly formed Advisory Council. The Council brings together individuals to serve
as a resource and source of knowledge, advice and networking to promote Canine Companions in the
community. The reception also provided a time to thank outgoing Southwest Regional Board President
Tim Gackstetter for his service and to toast incoming Southwest Regional Board President Pegge Wilson.
Pictured from left to right: Graduate Glen Gregos with Miss Bo, Tom Foerstel, Cheryl Crawford, Sondra
Thiederman with Rima II, Dr. Bob Cartin, Jack Peluso, Linda Valliant, Pegge Wilson, Paul O’Brien, Jay
Scrivener with Ogden III and Tim Gackstetter.
7
The Southwest Region wishes
to thank Pat Malczynski of RPM
Distributors, who has generously
provided dog shampoo to all
of our graduates for at least six
years. Pat has recently retired.
Congratulations, Pat, and thank
you for your support!
Canine Companions for Independence
Nonprofit Organization
Regional Board
Margaret “Pegge” Wilson,
President
John Brunton
Robert Cartin, DVM
Louise Copeland
Dale Feine
Jack Feller
Tim Gackstetter
Leslie Hennessy
Michael E. Hennessy
Tom Hollenstein
Ron Ignelzi
Diane Killeen
Cynthia Miley
George “Jeep” Rice
Bob Street
Lance Weir
U.S. Postage
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. ©2011 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.
April 9, 2011 from 10AM-3PM
San Diego’s Balboa Park
Festival Admission $7 - Free for Kids Under 5
www.cci.org/balboabarks
Featuring:
Flyball • Disc Dogs • K9 Playground
Great Shopping at Dozens of Vendor Booths • Silent Auction
Contests • Kids Zone • and More!
R
egister for the Peace, Love & Canine Companions
dog walk to raise funds for Canine Companions!
Registration fee ($35/adult, $15/child, $75/family)
includes event tee shirt, bandana, sWAG bag and free
festival admission. The Top Dog Fundraiser wins a two
night stay at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, dinner for two at the Marine Room and two nights stay
at Camp Bow Wow in El Cajon for your pooch! The
walk precedes the BALBOA BARKS Festival at 9AM. All
proceeds benefit Canine Companions. Call (760) 901-4328
for information on sponsorship and vendor opportunities.
Photos by Stacey Webb, Scout Photography