More than 120 people packed the Canine Companions for Independence office at 2312 Westwood Boulevard on December 12 for a special open house event. Canine Companions 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. Potential assistance dog applicants, professionals serving people with disabilities, dog-lovers and charitable community members gathered for the first public event held at the facility since it opened in May 2010.
Shirley McKernan of The Shirley McKernan Courage Foundation, which funded the office for a two-year period, was a guest of honor. “The open house was a wonderful opportunity to show Los Angeles residents the value of Canine Companions assistance dogs to people with disabilities,†Shirley explains. “Guests were offered a glimpse of this remarkable program in its entirety, and I hope they are as excited as I am to support Canine Companions’ expansion in Los Angeles!â€
Currently, there are 35 Canine Companions assistance dogs working in Los Angeles County and the organization hopes to serve many more disabled residents in the future.
Several human-canine graduate teams from throughout Los Angeles County represented Canine Companions at the open house. Glen Gregos, a Woodland Hills resident who has a spinal cord injury, explained how Service Dog Bo helps him by pulling his manual wheelchair and opening doors. Palos Verdes resident Ron Young, who has multiple sclerosis, showed how Service Dog Caelan assists him by retrieving his cane off the floor and getting his wife if he needs help. Steve Sterry of Whittier demonstrated how Hearing Dog Montera alerts him to important sounds by nudging his leg and leading him to the noise’s source. Finally, Siobhan of Santa Monica, who struggles with both physical and developmental challenges, showed off her Skilled Companion Dog, Gaynor. Gaynor acts as a social bridge and a motivator for Siobhan to communicate with others.
The Canine Companions program begins with volunteer puppy raisers, and several introduced their canine charges to open house guests. Puppy raisers foster future assistance dogs for the first year and a half of their lives. They provide socialization opportunities and training in basic commands, along with a lot of love. Palos Verdes Estates residents Marilyn Cohen and Chris Malburg have been sharing their experiences as puppy raisers of puppy in program, Renata, through an online journal at www.cci.org/renata. Marilyn, Chris and Renata were all special guests at the open house and Renata’s first birthday was celebrated.
Through Renata’s journal, Marilyn and Chris have provided a window into the puppy raising experience with the goal to inspire Los Angeles residents to volunteer with Canine Companions.
In addition to meeting volunteers and clients, open house guests met Canine Companions staff members. Instructor Becky Miller gave training demonstrations with a dog in Professional Training and Program Manager Simi Balter answered questions from interested applicants and volunteers. Southwest Region Executive Director Linda Valliant, a native of Los Angeles, was thrilled by Canine Companions’ warm reception in the community. “Not only is Canine Companions better serving our local clientele, but our Los Angeles Office is serving as a great outreach tool to disabled residents who may benefit from an assistance dog,†Linda explained. “We look forward to growing our program in Los Angeles, but we cannot do it without the support of local residents.â€
About Canine Companions for Independence:
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has five regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
About Canine Companions’ Los Angeles Office:
The Canine Companions Los Angeles Office is located at 2312 Westwood Boulevard. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 12PM to 5PM. Volunteer opportunities are available and donations are gratefully accepted. Visit www.cci.org/laoffice for more information. Contact the office by calling (310) 446-5700 or emailing LA_Office@cci.org.
