Northeast Companion The Northeast Region of Canine Companions for Independence

Spring 2011 issue: Director’s Corner, Puppy Raiser & Graduate Stories, Around The Region, Volunteer Spotlight, Recent Puppy Placements, Margaret O’Brien Children’s Initiative, Wounded Veterans Initiative.

W

2010 ended with the Heroes at Home... hat a year! the

35 t h

2010 marked B i r t h d ay

of

Canine Companions for

Heroes Gala at the Miller Family Campus

Facility Team Elizabeth Alison &

themed “Home is where the Hearts and

Morrow—May 2007.

Heroes Are.”

Another special

The inspiring evening

individual was also honored – 12-year

Independence...and there was paws to

honored all of our graduates. A team

old Kyle Orent of Kyle’s Lemonade. Since

celebrate. The celebration kicked off at the

from each placement category was

the age of seven, Kyle has helped to raise

May 2010 graduations across the country.

invited to attend and speak on how their

more than $125,000 for the Northeast

During the year, festivities took place

assistance dog has enhanced their life.

Region. His mantra is “You are never too

across the region which included birthday

Representing the placements were:

little to make a difference”. The event was

parties, barbeques and special

a

fundraising events. On June

success raising more

26th, the Old Dominion

than $185,000.

tremendous

Volunteer Chapter located in

Canine

Virginia held a Pupapalooza

Companions also

Party which helped raise

reached

more than $3,600. A total of

amazing milestone

t w e n t y- t h r e e

and

by placing its

t h e i r o w n e r s c a m e o ut

3,500th assistance

on

dog team during

an

dogs

extremely

hot

an

summer day to take part in the

2010.

fundraising efforts. Volunteers in

to thank all of

Massachusetts

held

a

We wish

you who have

Bir thday B ash and fundraiser at

Service Team Susan Stern & Crane –

been a part of Canine Companions for

Especially for Pets in Canton, MA on

February 2005; Skilled Companion Team

Independence over the last 35 years. With

October 16th.

Eileen Benthal & Johanna with Taffy –

your help, we look forward to enhancing

The celebration wrapped up on

November 2004; Hearing Team Cheryl

the lives of people with disabilities for

November 18th with the 2010 Hearts and

Heppner & Galaxy—November 2002 and

many years to come.

Pictured above L to R: Skilled Companion Team Eileen Benthal & Johanna with Taffy; Hearing Team Cheryl Heppner & Galaxy; Service Team Susan Stern & Crane; Facility Team Elizabeth Alison & Morrow. Far Right Photo: Kyle Orent sporting the 1st Canine Companions tie created by Vineyard Vines. (Available in the giftshop and online)

Director’s Chair Hello Everyone, I wish to extend my warmest thanks to each of you for a very successful 2010. The Northeast Region exceeded its placement goal of 40 and placed 42 teams in 2010. We celebrated the 35th Birthday of Canine Companions during the year in myriad ways across the Region—some of which are highlighted in this issue of The Companion. Once again during these difficult economic times, with your help, Canine Companions met its $13.7 million budget in 2010–I wish to extend a great big THANK YOU for your dedication and commitment to assisting us in continuing to provide “exceptional dogs for exceptional people”. Please note that seventy-eight cents of each dollar you donate goes directly to our program- including breeding, raising, training puppies to become assistance dogs and providing follow up services. We are well underway with 2011–having already completed our first Team Training of the year. A New Year presents new opportunities as well as new challenges. We have a new Northeast Regional Board President, John Miller and Vice President Nancy McGraw—both of whom have demonstrated steadfast commitment and dedication to the Northeast Region. We wish to thank Susan Winters for holding the position of Northeast Regional Board President for the past 11 years. Susan has led the charge through the Capital Campaign, fostered well over 100 puppies and devoted extraordinary amounts of time as a co-chair of our annual Hearts & Heroes Gala. Susan remains an active Northeast Region Board member. We have a new chapter surrounding the Miller Family Campus, right here on Long Island (see announcement on pg. 7). We continue to forge ahead with a strong commitment to the Wounded Veterans Initiative. With your continued support, we are confident we will meet the challenges before us this year. We need to continue to build a strong volunteer base across the Region—especially puppy raisers to reduce the wait list for an assistance dog. We also need to identify new avenues for outreach to build awareness and raise funds. Please contact us with any ideas or suggestions you may have. Check the Canine Companions website, Facebook and Twitter for updates and announcements. Thank you once again for your support. Enjoy the newsletter!

Warmest regards, Debra Dougherty, Executive Director, Northeast Region

Special thanks to the 2010 HEARTS

& HEROES Sponsors

BEST IN SHOW

BEST FRIEND

TOP DOG

IN-KIND SPONSORS

The McGraw-Hill Companies

CBIZ Mahoney Cohen WLNY – TV Inc. Amy Hagedorn William & Rachel White DeMartino Construction Company, Inc. Merrill Lynch – John Wessels & Susan Winters Ernst & Young LLP

Jackie Gufrovich Farrell Fritz, P.C. Ruskin Moscou Faltischek , P.C. UBS Financial Services – Louis J. Croce

Carrabba’s Smithtown Mark DiPippa - DNA Creative/The Centsables Neil Collins - Autoluxe Transportation Services, Inc. Cristina Fontanelli Jed Morey

CHAMPION Kristin & John Miller PEDIGREE Robert & Audrey Lien

COMPANION Anita & Robert Jacobson Jeff & Donna Weintraub & Marilee II

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT HEARTS & HEROES 2011! Please continue to check the www.cci.org/northeast website for a date, registration and sponsorship opportunities.

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Canine Companions for Independence

DON’T MISS

The 3rd Annual Sails & Tails Event Sunday, April 10, 2011 1:00 - 5:00 PM Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Please join us for a spectacular event of Unique Wine and Chocolate Tastings Tickets $75 per person

Space is limited. Reserve your tickets today! To purchase tickets, obtain sponsorship opportunities or get the latest information about the event visit www.cci.org/sailsandtails2011

DogFest-A BARKing Good Time! C a n i n e C o m p a n i o n s 1 7 t h A n n u a l D o g F e s t featuring Snoopy & Friends took place October 16, 2010 at Farmingdale State College, Farmingdale, NY. Four-legged friends (and their owners) took part in the festivities, which included: walk-a-thon; costume parade; scavenger hunt; trick-or-treat stops; ticket auction; vendors; agility course; Canine Companions demonstrations and a whole lot more... Thank you to all the vendors & sponsors who made this a great PAWty.

2011

JOIN US FOR DOGFEST SUNDAy, OCTOBER 9Th FARMINGDAlE STATE COllEGE FARMINGDAlE, Ny To become a sponsor, vendor or volunteer please contact: Jamie Malloy at [email protected]

Wine & Noses On October 25, 2010, more than 125 guests attended the Wine & Noses event presented by the New Jersey Volunteer Chapter of Canine Companions. The event was held at the Basking Ridge Country Club in Basking Ridge, NJ and raised more than $25,000. Special thanks to the New Jersey Volunteer Chapter for their hard work! We would also like to extend our appreciation to the following sponsors that helped to make the event a huge success.

VINTAGE: Anne & Bob Benson; CHAMPAGNE: Robert & Audrey Lien; GRANDCRU: Debbie & Bill Alexander; Brueckner Family Foundation; The Earle Family; Joan & Stanley Baer; RESERVE: John & Wendy Lovetro; MERITAGE: Howard & Anne Redlus; Shop Rite of Greenwich; Paul & Kathleen Engeldrum; Mary Waldron. Pictured at Left: L to R: Deborah Alexander w/Mina; Jane Nagy; Laurie Bruckner w/Butterfly & Chris Cree, 56 Degree Wine; Jean Earle & Cheryl Porter-Avino w/Patrina

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT WINE & NOSES 2011, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th, INDIAN TRAIL CLUB, FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ Please continue to check the www.cci.org/northeast website for registration and sponsorship opportunities. The Companion Autumn 2010 3 Spring 2011

How will I give up the pup?

I

am a first-time puppy raiser, although I have always had

Society and eventually rescued a small, untrained dog with a

dogs in my life. I have been inundated with what I think is

heart of gold. The comfort, companionship, and unconditional

the most frequently asked question: ‘How will you ever give

love this little dog gives to our daughter has been miraculous.

My answer is fairly easy, even though I’m sure

Trying to find some purpose in all this tragedy, I started

graduation day will find my heart aching when I have to say

working with our veterans. I wondered if there was something

good-bye. However, my ever-aching heart needs to help

I could do to help our disabled veterans in memory of my son.

up the pup?’

Re a l i z i ng h o w o u r d a ug h t e r b e n e f i t e d f r o m

someone else in their struggle. Let me start by telling you that our now 25 year old

having the dog, I started investigating different dog training

daughter sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury after being

organizations to see who worked with veterans. Canine

in a car accident just three days after her high school

Companions was one of the first organizations that caught

graduation in 2003. We had

my interest. I read

a yellow lab and a golden at

about puppy raisers

the time, and they were a great

and thought that would

comfort to her when she finally

be a perfect fit for me.

made it home after months

I understood they had

in the hospital. In time and

a Veteran’s Initiative

with age, those two faithful,

which allows disabled

f o ur - l e g g e d c o m p a n i o n s

veterans to apply for

passed away.

a trained dog. If he

For a short time there

graduates, the pup I raise

weren’t any dogs in the house

may not go to a veteran,

and our daughter’s loneliness

as Canine Companions

increased as her friends faded

tries to match up the

into the background and

personalities of the dogs

moved on with their lives.

and the clients. However,

She continued to struggle

I now understand that

every day to remember daily tasks, appointments, and to try to ward off the ever-present loneliness.

my doing this may allow a veteran somewhere to get a dog. So now I’m raising a wonderful puppy and as people see

Then three years after our daughter’s accident, our

how well behaved he is becoming, they still ask, “How will

youngest son was killed in action in Iraq while bravely

you ever give him up?” My answer remains the same. I had

serving his country in the Army 82nd Airborne. Obviously, the

no control over losing my son in Iraq. Now I choose to raise

devastation to our family was immeasurable. Our daughter

this pup, knowing he’s not mine and acknowledging that it

continued to struggle with her brain injury as we all grappled

will be hard to hand over his leash. Yet I remain committed

with this unimaginable loss.

to doing this for my son, for myself, and for the person whose

Our daughter began volunteering at the Women’s Humane

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed Raise A Puppy, Change A Life

For More Information Contact: Katrina Winsor [email protected]

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life this pup will enrich.

By Frances Dembowski

To volunteer in your area, please contact your local representative: Long Island: Sam Cila: [email protected] New Jersey: Jean Earle: [email protected] Philadelphia Chapter: [email protected] Old Dominion Chapter (Central VA): Debbie Zilka: [email protected] Capital Chapter (DC, Maryland & Northern VA): Kim Levin: [email protected] Connecticut & Western Massachusetts: Linda Donnelly: [email protected] Eastern MA & Rhode Island: Leslie Zelamsky: [email protected] Maine & New Hampshire: Kathy Mandsager: [email protected]

Canine Companions for Independence

My Journey of Companionship & Independence When Birch and I graduated from Canine Companions in May of 1998 I had no idea I had just been placed with“Brad Pitt on a leash”. Wherever we went the focus was no longer on my disability; it was on my handsome helper!

B

irch completely changed my life! He helped me regain the

They always sent Birthday and Christmas presents and

confidence and independence I had prior to my accident. we also got together several times a year socially and to raise I was able to reduce the amount of home care services

I was getting and became a very active volunteer in my com-

awareness at Canine Companions events. Jack and I have come to share a very special friendship with the Benson family.

munity. He helped me to be a good homemaker by opening

Birchie, my wonderful companion and Service Dog died on

the front door, getting the mail and picking up EVERYTHING

December 17, 2010 in my arms wearing his blue and gold vest

I dropped, like my pen while paying bills. Birch helped me

that he earned so many years ago and loved to wear. He was

carry out recycling and shut my gate in the back yard. I can’t

my best friend, now he is God’s.

even count how many times I was in the middle of mopping

Life, like my love for Birch, goes on.

and dropped the mop handle, but Birch was right there ready to pick it up at a moments notice. Birch also had an amazing bark that served as a wonderful intercom to alert my husband or nurse if I needed help and he was great at making deliveries. In fact, Birch was always ready to work. Some mornings he would go into my kitchen get his Canine Companions vest and bring it to me, without being asked. He loved working so much that even after a busy day volunteering, I could undress him and 20 minutes later he’d be standing there with his vest looking at me like, okay I’m ready to go back to work. We went everywhere together. I’m so thankful that Jack and I had the opportunity to meet Birch’s puppy raisers’ Ann, Bob, Samantha and Ryan Benson at our graduation ceremony in 1998 . Since then they remained very close with Birch. I

know there will never be another Birch. But I also know that because of my sweet Birch, I cannot continue my journey through life without the companionship of an assistance dog.

By Kara Dorsey

To read more on this story, go to www.ccinjchapter.org

In Memoriam

Patrick Annello - Graduate Zachary Kraus - Graduate Birch - Retired Graduate Dog Cagney - Retired Graduate Dog

The Companion Spring 2011

In honor of the special members of the CCI family we have lost: Jasper III - Graduate Dog Lynette - GraduateDog Monty V - Graduate Dog Natchez III - Graduate Dog

Nello III - Graduate Dog Samuel - Retired Graduate Dog Titus - Graduate Dog

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Around the Region

The Old Dominion Chapter manned a booth at the packed Richmond Convention Center for the CBS6 Healthy Lifestyle Expo on February 5, 2011. The puppies drew many people to the booth and chapter members spoke to a great number of prospective puppy raisers and recipients. There were over 7,000 people in attendance! Attending the event were the following Canine Companion volunteer puppy raisers & puppies-in-training: Jane Johnson with Kevin; Susan & Jenna Bracken with Lochlin; Charlotte, Gray & Zane Underwood with Pecos; Terri Laundon with Geoff; Chris & Bruce Alt with Kahn.

The New Jersey Chapter of Canine Companions celebrated February’s 2011 graduation in numbers! Volunteer puppy raisers Ellen Goldberg; Joan & Sandy Baer and Caryl Swain all turned over the leashes to graduates in the February class. Many other New Jersey volunteer puppy raisers sent their puppies off to Advanced Training. These volunteers included: Olivia & Lisa Plocinski; Patricia Smith-Rosen & Jeffrey Rosen; and Abbey & Terry Earle along with the PRIDE Volunteers. Caryl Swain shared her Tails from a Puppy Raiser at the graduation ceremony – not leaving a dry eye in the audience.

Photo: Jen Pottheiser Photography

Capital Chapter - It’s a Wrap! Capital Chapter volunteers came out to the Barnes & Noble Gift wrapping event this past holiday season. Jennifer and Elizabeth Plunk with Kristy; Jane Torrell; Michele Kauffman with Liz and Nancy Patterson with Service Dog, Mahler all wrapped gifts for the busy holiday shoppers and helped to raise money and spread awareness about Canine Companions. If you would like to participate at the next Capital Chapter event, contact them at: [email protected]

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Canine Companions for Independence

Volunteer Spotlight The Northeast Region is excited to launch its latest chapter, right here on Long Island! Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (RET) has taken on the role of Long Island Chapter President. Sam is a spokesperson for Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative. In February 2010, Sam graduated with Service Dog, Gillian. Sam and Gillian travel throughout the country and worldwide to numerous speaking engagements and to perform at physical endurance events. Together, Sam and Gillian help others heal. Other members of the Long Island Chapter include: Nassau County Demonstration Coordinator, Judy Carey who has been volunteering for more than 10 years and is currently raising her 2nd puppy for Canine Companions, Sergio. Suffolk County Demonstration Coordinator, Meg Flood who has been a part of the Canine Companions family since 2004 and is currently raising her 6th puppy, CJ. Central Long Island Demonstration Coordinator, Krista West who has been a foster sitter for several years and has provided the much needed care and love for so many of our puppies who need a temporary home. The Long Island Chapter will help Canine Companions expand the regional outreach, awareness and fundraising efforts. Volunteers are needed to help reach these goals. Opportunities include: puppy raising, foster sitting, special event support; awareness activities… For more information on how you can help the Long Island Chapter, please contact them at [email protected]. All chapters are in need of volunteers. For a chapter nearest you, please see page 4. The next meeting of the Long Island Chapter is scheduled to take place at 6:00pm on Wednesday, April 6th at the Miller Family Campus in Medford, NY.

Pictured L to R: Krista West, Meg Flood, Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (Ret.)& Judy Carey

We hope to see you there!

“A New Leash on Life” The Suffolk South Shore Chapter of the Long Island Board of Realtors held a fundraising event, “A New Leash on Life” on Tuesday, March 15th at the Marconi Manor in Islip, NY. This supported Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative. More than 100 guests attended the Mardi Gras Celebration which included an auction, dinner and dancing. Canine Companions provided a demonstration

and Sgt. Sam Cila USA (Ret) with Service Dog Gillian spoke about the impact Gillian has on his life and how she has helped other wounded veterans. Special thanks to the Suffolk South Shore Chapter of the Long Island Board of Realtors, committee, volunteers and sponsors that made the event a tremendous success! Pictured L to R: Judy Carey with Puppy-In-Training Sergio and Yvonne Dagger with Puppy-In-Training Dog, YaYa

The Companion Autumn 2010 Spring 2011

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Team Training Graduates November 2010 Graduates

Emily Costanza

Jen Dapice-Feinstein

June Feinstein

Alissa Hindes

John

Carmel II Puppy Raisers: Jan Gurtner

Norm III Puppy Raiser: Susan & Stuart Sommers

Aaron V Puppy Raisers: Diane and Dale Eissler & Lindsay Riemer

Estelle III Facilitator: Stephanie Hindes Puppy Raisers: Toni & Joe Agosta

Keegan Facilitator: Jesse Puppy Raisers: Guy, Miranda & Sarah Park

February 2011 Graduates

Christian

Marjorie Shoemaker

Ronit

Jeff Brosi

Sophia

Talita Facilitator: Tammy & Paul Puppy Raisers: Brittany King

Bayou II Puppy Raiser: Sharon & Chrissy Nichols

Custer III Facilitators: Kavita & Devesh Puppy Raisers: Terri & Bob Laundon

Shane IV Puppy Raisers: The Grieser Family

Zack II Facilitators: Marc & Irina Puppy Raisers: Joan & Sandy Baer

Zack

Dennis Leonard Sgt. (Ret)

Zbigniew Ed Mikutajtis

Ken Ryno

Anthony Sicuranza

Rommel Puppy Raiser: Rickie Robinson

Woodrow Puppy Raisers: Fred & Kathleen Dietrich

Wilbur II Facilitators: Karyl & Rocco Sicuranza Puppy Raiser: Ellen Goldberg

Gaber Facilitator: Larry Puppy Raisers: Tobi, Rob & Josh Oakes

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Dave III Puppy Raisers: Mary Jane & Bob Drake

Canine Companions for Independence

February Con’t.

J

OIN US

Kathleen Tevnan

Olivia

Terrance Travers

Cosmo II Puppy Raisers: Meg Chorpenning & Family

Arnold II Facilitators: Bonnie & David Puppy Raisers: Nancy Leighley & Family

July Puppy Raiser: Caryl Swain

at the Graduation Ceremony for the May Team Training Class Friday, May 13th, 2:00-3:30PM at the Hyatt Regency 1717 Motor Parkway Hauppage, NY 11788

A SPECIAL THANKS to our dedicated volunteers who provide lunch for our team training classes. If you would like more information on how to sponsor a lunch, please contact: Jamie Malloy at [email protected] or 631-561-0206

Recent Puppy Placements Puppy Raiser Dog Name Patricia Wright Mary Giroux Gina King May & Lauren Sikora Jane Nagy, Mary Waldron, & Thomas McKay Skip & Davi Fonner Ann Benson, Ellen Goldberg Debbie Brisson Amy & John Robinson Amy Knapp David & Regina Benjamin Rickie Robinson Fred & Kathleen Dietrich Bethann & Margaretann Slater

State

BANDIT III BANJO II BRUISER BUFFY III

NY NY PA NJ

BUTTERFLY II CARMELA CHARLES III COLONEL II CURLY DODGER II DOMINO III FALCO FERNANDO FREEDOM V

NJ MD NJ VA ME NH NJ NJ NY VA

The Companion Autumn 2010 Spring 2011

Puppy Raiser Dog Name Laura Haas & Sergio Gatell Beverly Bouse Patricia & Larry Cole Jennifer Holly Marietta Hanigan Catherine & Ed Clark Debra & Robert Baker Carol & Kerinne Levy Anthony Kozberg Mary & Scott Mace Jan Gurtner Diane & Daniel Skelley Jennifer Rhinehart Christopher & Katrina Winsor Patrick McGrath

GAMBINO GIO II GONZO HECTOR IV HOPE V KATIYA KYLE IV LEVY III LIVINGSTONE III LOUIE IV ORION IV OXFORD II PATRICK IV PEANUT PILGRIM II

State NY VA VA NJ NJ MA MA PA NY ME VA MD PA NY NY

Puppy Raiser Dog Name Clark & Jane Torell Beverly Christiana Jessica Reiss Jennifer Dietrich Wendy Caldwell Bruce & Gayle Webster Jo-Ann Tyler Amy Ulricson Alison Silver Frances Dembowski Kim Clairmont Elizabeth Emma Barbara & Buddy Novak Cheri Goodson Judi Evans

PROTON REGINA IV REISS ROOKIE III ROWENA SHEA SKIDMORE VALIK III VINCE IV WALDEN III WATSON III WESTMONT WILLETTE II YOSEMITE II YVES

State MD VA NY NY VA VA NJ NH NJ PA NH NJ MD VA WV

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CCI Works With A Step Ahead Prosthetics

I

n September, A Step Ahead Prosthetics donated a significant amount of prosthesis to Canine Companions. This donation will give us an opportunity to train our dogs on

picking up and carrying all types and shapes of prosthetics. With the growing number of returning veterans and Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative, we are positive that the opportunity to acclimate our dogs to this type of assistive technology will be extremely beneficial. A Step Ahead Prosthetics designs and fits customized prostheses for patients of all ages and functional levels. They are recognized world-wide as a leader and innovator in prosthetic design and have developed specializations in many areas which include: prosthetic socket design; pediatric and congenital anomalies; customize sports

prosthetics; bionic prosthetics and the Skin Tones System ™ custom silicone skin coverings. They also support a team of over 75 athletes in a variety of sports ranging from world record-holding athletes to Junior Team A Step Ahead athletes. Canine Companions was introduced to A Step Ahead Prosthetics through Wounded Veteran Graduate, Sam Cila. Sam is a client of A Step Ahead and has received all of his prosthetics due to his injury while serving in Iraq. By Jessica Reiss Pictured Above: Instructor, Lauren Makria with Advance Dog In Training, Hercules

The Margaret O’Brien Children’s Initiative

O

n December 9th at the Forbes Galleries in New York City, the Margaret O’Brien Children’s Initiative for Canine Companions was launched. Miss O’Brien, childhood star, is an Academy Award winning actress best known for her performance in Meet Me in St. Louis. Miss O’Brien is familiar with assistance dogs and she wanted to help raise awareness and funds for children on the Northeast Region wait list. Other celebrities in attendance included Academy Award winning actress and film legend, Miss Celeste Holm; Film and Television Star, and President of the Southern California Motion Picture Council Mr. Randal Malone; Stage and screen star (“Damn Yankees”) Miss Shanon Bolin; Tony Award winning actress Shirley Knight; Laurie Bogart Morrow and Rob Van Petten Author and photographer of the forthcoming books Ageless Women, Vintage Jewels and Ageless Men, Vintage Watches; and collaborators of the Forbes Gallery exhibition The Vintage Woman: A Celebration of a Century of Costume Jewelry in America. Funds raised from the event underwrote the two weeks of Team Training for the five Skilled Companion Teams placed in February’s class.

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Pictured Above: Miss Margaret O’Brien with Skilled Companion Dog Taffy

Canine Companions for Independence

Wounded Veterans Initiative

C

a n i n e Co m p a n i o n s wa s g ive n a g ra n t f ro m Pa c i f i c L i f e Insurance to build awareness and do outreach surrounding the Wounded Veterans Initiative. The grant helped to provide the necessary materials and underwrite Salutes Independence outreach events at each region.

Pictured Above: Bruce D’Abramo, Debra Dougherty, Patrick Mitchell, Sgt. Sebastian Cila, USA(Ret.)& Service Dog Gillian, Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr., Mike Dickson, Frank DeMarco

During 2010, the Northeast Reg ion did a tremendous amount of outreach and fundraising to build awareness of the Wounded Veterans Initiative. There were several donors across the Region who held cocktail parties in their homes to introduce the initiative to their friends, family and co-workers and help raise funds. In February, we graduated our first veteran in the Region, Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (Ret.)with his service dog Gillian. Since graduating, Sam has helped us promote the initiative and has done many demonstrations and presentations before groups. He has also spoken with injured service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center about the initiative.

Program Applicant Coordinator, Jessica Reiss, traveled across the Region to speak about the Initiaitve at VA Medical Centers, Veterans groups and organizations. One of the organizations was the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). With Puppy Raiser Michele Kaufman and puppy-in-training, Liz V, Jessica attended MOAA’s Annual meeting in Arlington, VA and the 2010 Defense forum in Washington, D.C. I n c o l l a b o ra t i o n w i t h n a t i o n a l p a r t n e r, G e n e ra l Fe d e ra t i o n o f Wo m e n’s C l u b s a n d Wo m e n I n Military Service For America Memorial Foundation held an outreach event to build awareness at the Women’s Memorial on September 29th. Special guest speakers included: Brigadier General Wilma L. Vaught, USAF (Ret.) President, Women’s Memorial Foundation; Calene A. Garner, International President, General Federation of Women’s Clubs; Debra Doughtery, Executive Director, Northeast Region Canine Companions for Independence; Corey Hudson CEO, Canine Companions for Independence, Secretary, Assistance Dogs International President, Assistance Dogs International, North America; Dr. Clifford Stanley Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; Demonstration - Flora Baird Instructor, Canine Companions for Independence; Sgt. Sebastian Cila, USA (Ret.) & Service Dog Gillian; PFC Buddy Hayes, USA (Ret.) & Service Dog Ellie. The event was well attended and was covered by the Pentagon Channel which reaches 2.9 million military personnel at military installations both domestic and international. In concluding the year’s events surrounding the Wounded Veterans Initiative, new Northeast Board member, Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. USA (Ret.) dedicated a dormitory room at the Miller Family Campus to veterans on Veterans Day! It was a very moving event and attended by many local veteran organizations and the Campus’ Congressman Timothy H. Bishop (Representative, 1st Congressional District).

National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation The National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation funded a grant to sponsor the placement of Skilled Companion Team Nancy Williams, Ean with Kobe. The team graduated in the August 2010 class. The gift was made possible through the Frank E. McCarthy Fund which was established in 2001 in memory of Frank E. McCarthy who served as the National Automobile Dealers Association Chief Operating Officer for more than three decades. The Fund has provided grants of more than $110,000 to sponsor 11 teams across all the Canine Companions regions. Picture at Right: L to R: Debra Dougherty, Executive Director, Northeast Region; Nancy Williams, Ean and Skilled Companion Dog Kobe; Bruce Kelleher, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer; Mrs. Patricia McCarthy, Honorary NADA Director; William H. Willis, Jr., NADA Director & President of Willis Automotive Group; Phillip D. Brady, President

The Companion Autumn 2010 Spring 2011

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Regional Board John Miller, President Nancy McGraw, Vice President Joanne Berghold Thomas Doyle Patricia Griesmeyer Amy hagedorn Stacey Johnson-lucchino Javier Robles Jeffrey M. Schlossberg Bari Taylor Susan Winters, Past President Marc Wortsman Dr. Douglas Wyler Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr., USA (Ret.)

Regional Staff Debra Dougherty, Executive Director Ellen Torop, Program Manager Debra Mackenzie, Development Director Dan Moody, Facilities Manager Rick Belyea, Public Relations Jamie Malloy, Development Associate Beth Pokriefke, Development Assistant laura Ann Dubecky, Graduate Program Manager / Instructor Katrina Winsor, Puppy Program Manager Jessica Reiss, Applicant Coordinator Flora Baird, Instructor lisa Moran, Instructor Stacey Szpyt, Instructor lauren Makria, Instructor Jennifer Krill, Kennel Supervisor Christina Bendetto, Kennel Technician Jacob Mammano, Kennel Technician Katy O’loughlin, Kennel Technician Katherine Russell, Kennel Technician Brendan Stokes, Kennel Technician

Newsletter Editors: Debra Dougherty, Debra Mackenzie and Jamie Malloy Graphic Designer: Beth Pokriefke

Mark Your Calendars! 3rd Annual Sails and Tails - Sunday, April 10, 2011 Spring Graduation - Friday, May 13, 2011 Summer Graduation - Friday, August 12, 2011 DogFest - Sunday, October 9, 2011 Wine & Noses - Sunday, October 16, 2011 Fall Graduation - Saturday, November 12, 2011

Check our website for the latest updates on all our events! www.cci.org/northeast

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Connect with CCI and join Facebook, Twitter and YouTube groups to be part of our incredible community of CCI graduates, volunteers and supporters.

Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Regional Center 286 Middle Island Rd. Medford, Ny 11763

631-561-0200 Voice/TTy Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.cci.org/northeast The Companion is published twice annually for distribution to CCI supporters, volunteers and graduates. Copyright 2011 Canine Companions for Independence, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Canine Companions for Independence (registered trademark sign) are trademarks of Canine Companions for Independence, Inc.

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