2014Team Training Graduation

Friday, October 107:00 pm

WelcomePete Markham

Thank You to Team Training VolunteersPete Markham

Recognition of Sires and Dams of Tonight’s Graduating Service Dogs

Eileen Bohn

Introductions of New TeamsPete 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’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.

For Chuck, “Confidence is the greatest gift I get from Aida. Recently, I was in the bathroom and

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 dog like Aida. Her enthusiasm and zaniness make Chuck laugh. “Aida added youth to my life again.”

Chuck Myers & Service Dog Partner, Aida

Foster Home Trainer: Katy ShannonAida 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 KingSire: 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 FamilySire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)

Blue Coat Benefactors: Doreen Bell, Kartra & Glenn Kohl, Tony Naffziger, Peggy Neibling, Dr. Sharon Wachs

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.

Beth Hudspeth & Service Dog Partner, Mika

Foster Home Trainers: Diane & Jamie Crannell FamilySire: 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 KleinSire: 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 HeathSire: 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 BuckleySire: 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 TorellSire: Logan (Sue & Dave Ostendorf) Dam: Keeley (Judy & Steve Michurski Family)

Blue Coat Benefactors: Anchor Bank Family Foundation, Carol Burmaster, Lee Holtz

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.

Richard Smith & Service Dog Partner, Watson

Foster Home Trainers: Karen & Alan HuppSire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)

Blue Coat Benefactors: Brenda Casey Pickard, Betsy & Andy Hedberg, Pat Hook

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!

Will Sullivan & Service Dog Partner, Chuda

Foster Home Trainers: Wendy & Peter HitchSire: Lambeau (Jessie Douglas) Dam: Elise (Susan & Mike Martiny Family)

Blue Coat Benefactors: Kaleidoscope Charter School, Sue & Bill Linder, Jacqueline Lou Smith

Foster Home Trainers: Kathy Smith & Ed Doberstein; Breana FoleySire: 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

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 meShe 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!

Melissa Gleason & Service Dog Partner, Winnie

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 SeelySire: 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 AssociateEileen Bohn, Director of Programs

Nancy Hiebert, Canine Care Coordinator & InstructorMaureen Kleckner, Foster Home Recruiter & Instructor

Sue Kliewer, Graduate Follow-Up CoordinatorNanci 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 DevelopmentRebecca Becker, Development Assistant

Renée Duncan, Communications & Special Projects CoordinatorBrenda Hawley, Volunteer & Social Media Coordinator

Jo Sorensen, Programs Department Administrative Coordinator

Helping Paws, Inc.PO Box 634Hopkins, MN 55343952-988-9359

www.helpingpaws.orgwww.facebook.com/helpingpawsmn