The best gift our family ever received was - Canine Companions for ...

Northeast Companion
The Northeast Region of Canine Companions for Independence
Spring 2012 issue: Director’s Corner, Upcoming Events, Allie & Jack’s Puppy Raising Adventure, Fenway The Dog,
Initial Puppy Offering, Around The Region, Team Training, Regional News, Wounded Veterans Initiative.
The Greatest Gift
“Our story of love, loss and remembering our wonderful CCI dog, Bardis”
The best gift our family ever received was on my 40th
birthday. It wasn’t a car or an expensive gift, it was a CCI
dog. This wonderful dog named Bardis was for my son,
Stephen who has autism and he would change our lives forever.
Although non-verbal, Stephen is a great kid. Like many
children with autism, it was difficult to go anywhere. Stephen
would throw things, makes inappropriate noises, jump and run
away from us. We would get dirty looks and people would
tell us to control our son. Upon reading an article in the
newspaper we applied for a service dog from CCI. A
year later we received the gift that was Bardis.
CCI matched us up perfectly. Bardis was mellow
and ready to please! We had two leashes; one for
me and the other for Stephen to hold. Instead of
running away, Stephen would hold the leash and the
dog would act as an anchor.
The biggest blessing of all was not being judged
when we went places. Bardis was a bridge to
our own independence. People loved dogs and
they would ask if Bardis was in training and
we would say: “No, he is a working dog for
our son who has autism.” The dirty looks
stopped. Taking Stephen places was still
hard sometimes, but he was just the
buffer we needed. I felt that Stephen,
Bardis and I were a single unit.
Pictured: In Memory of Bardis 2001 - 2011
The morning of Friday, May 13th, was like any other day.
The kids got ready for school, Stephen fed Bardis and he gobbled
it up, just like he always did. Two hours later I saw Bardis
staggering in the back yard and then he fell. We quickly raced
off to the vet where we were given the terrible news. Bardis
had a mass that ruptured and he was bleeding internally. There
was nothing they could do for him and it was time for us to
say goodbye. I laid on the floor, hugging him and
telling him what a good boy he was. I gave him
his last command, the one you gave a dog
that was on task. ”That’s it, that’s it, good
boy.” And he was gone.
It has been nine months since we said
good-bye to Bardis. He served us faithfully
for seven years and I am so grateful to have
had him as part of our family. We still get
strange looks when we are out in public.
I can still feel the void of our anchor, yet
we are eagerly anticipating receiving our
next dog. Bardis can never be replaced, but
we are making room in our hearts for our
“new gift.” Bardis would be happy to share
his boy with another lucky dog.
By Melody LaTour

Director’s Chair
Hello everyone,
I wish to start by personally thanking each of you for your generosity and
volunteerism in 2011! I am humbled to be part of this great organization and
to know and work with the many like-minded and selfless people who value
the opportunity to enhance someone’s life by increasing their independence.
Because of you, Canine Companions for Independence made a record-breaking
262 placements in 2011, in addition to surpassing its graduate follow-up goals and
meeting its fundraising goals for the year. These accomplishments are no small
feat given the economic environment of the last several years! The Miller Family
Campus made 42 of those placements and increased its income by 19% while
keeping costs below budget!
You have changed the lives of countless numbers of people because of your
commitment to assisting us in placing our ‘exceptional dogs with exceptional
people.’ Watching and listening to our graduates’ stories as well as the passion
and dedication of our volunteers, serve as constant sources of inspiration and
motivation for us to continue making the quality placements on which CCI
has built its reputation.
There is still much more we need to accomplish--2012 brings with it new
opportunities and challenges. The ever increasing wait list of deserving
candidates for a Canine Companions for Independence assistance dog
translates into the need for more puppy raisers, additional Instructors for
training and of course more financial support.
Through the efforts of our volunteer chapters we have brought back some of your favorite events this year-Sails and
Tails, DogFest--and are working to develop some new events, Wag ‘N Wheels on Long Island. Hearts & Heroes Gala
will be a “Phantom Gala” event during the month of October. In an effort to encourage participation across the Region,
we are asking supporters to sponsor a cocktail event in their home or place of business. It is one of the best ways to
showcase the CCI mission, broaden our outreach and build awareness. We have already received commitments from
several of our major sponsors of the event along with other supporters throughout the Region. We are pleased to
provide support to those who wish to host a fun, heartwarming evening — we hope you will join us!!! Stay tuned to
the website and e-newsletters for new developments, or contact me (ddougherty@cci.org) if you have any questions.
I hope you enjoy reading the newsletter and learning about some of the ways in which Canine Companions for
Independence and our volunteers are striving to continue to fulfill our mission.
On behalf of our graduates and the staff, thank you for all you do for Canine Companions for Independence.
Warmest regards,
Debra Dougherty
Executive Director, Northeast Region
Special thanks to the 2011 Wine & Noses Sponsors
PREMIER CRU
Ann & Bob Benson
GRAND CRU
Joan & Sandy Baer
Bruce, Kathleen and Satchel Rex
The Earle Family
RESERVE
Deborah Alexander
Concrete Construction Corp.
Jack & Kara Dorsey
Marty & Gene Erickson
The Walsh Company
MERITAGE
Paul & Kathleen Engeldrum
Judith Fine
IN-KIND SPONSORS: The Indian Trail Club, Franklin Lakes, NJ • 56 Degree Wine • J. Emanuel Chocolatier
Len Fliegel - Guitar • Elisabeth Morrow String Camerata • Amelia Gold - Director • Jen Pottheiser - Photographer
Danielle Elliot - Producer/Writer • Janice Huff, Chief Meteorologist-WNBC - MC
2 Canine Companions for Independence

SPECIAL THANKS to the 10th Annual Hearts & Heroes SPONSORS
BEST IN SHOW
The McGraw-Hill Companies
CHAMPION
Anne & Wayne Gittinger • John & Kristin Miller
BEST FRIEND
Save the Starfish Foundation • Ernst & Young LLP • DeMartino Construction Company, Inc.
Susan & Mark Winters • Debra & Mark Dougherty • The Petco Foundation • Bank of America Merrill Lynch
GrEEnWICh FrIEnDS oF CCI - Kurzrok Foundation; Bari & Pete Taylor; Willis G. ryckman; Christina
o’Keefe; David & Linda Thorell; Geraldine & Patrick Gilmartin; Pamela & Dick niner; Margot & Jim Butler;
randi & Fred Filoon; nancy & Terry Elsberry; Dotsie & Bob Duran; Charles Tisa & Elizabeth Stevenson;
Charlotte & Michael Delaney
TOP DOG
Save the Starfish Foundation • Jonathan & renee rainer • Daniel & Julie Frank • Bank of America
TD Bank • ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. • BnY Mellon • Marjorie & Jerry Bogert
horace & Amy hagedorn Fund • Frank Shea
COMPANION
Marc & Phylis Brandifino • Pequa home Improvements, Inc. • KM Associates of n.Y. Inc. • James reilly
Cleanfully Yours Bldg. Maintenance, Inc. • Mobile on Demand Storage of nY Inc. • D & n Services, Inc.
Parkview Plumbing & heating Inc. • Gordon L. Seaman, Inc. • Pamela & Bob Street
Wag ‘N Wheels
Join the Long Island Chapter
of CCI at the
1st Annual Wag n’ Wheels event
sponsored by Smithtown Scion
Saturday, June 9th
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
at Smithtown Scion
330 East Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY
Enjoy fine art & crafts, raffles,
vendors, food & refreshments.
Fun for the whole family!
www.cci.org/wagnwheels
The Capital Chapter invites you to
the 4th Annual Sails & Tails
Sunday, April 22, 2012
1:00 - 4:00PM
Annapolis Marriott Waterfront
80 Compromise Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Set Sail by going to:
www.cci.org/sailsandtails2012
The Companion Companion Autumn Spring 2012 2010 3

Allie and Jack’s Puppy Raising Adventures
On February 17th, allie & Jack
turned in Slick to the Miller Family
Campus for Advanced Training. Slick is
Anticipated to graduate from Team
Training in August and at which time he will
begin his life of service. This is how
it all started…
By Allie
My family and I were introduced to
Canine Companions for Independence
through a friend, Judy Carey, who
was a volunteer puppy raiser. Our first
reaction was like everyone’s - how could
we possibly raise a puppy for 18 months
and give it back? When we found out
how one of these dogs can change a
person’s life, we realized that not only
could we do this, we had to.
We saw Slick’s baby picture on Facebook,
along with a plea for someone to volunteer to raise him. Of
course, we fell in love with his adorable face, but we wanted to
be sure we could handle what was involved. In the meantime, I
was fortunate to meet and interview philanthropist Peter Buffett,
son of the famous Warren Buffett. As he talked about making a
difference in other peoples’ lives, I kept thinking about what a
difference I could make by raising Slick. My entire family agreed.
To be honest, I don’t think anything
could have really prepared us for life
with Slick. It was an ongoing process
teaching him the commands he will
need to know for advanced training.
It was always so exciting when
he learned something new. It’s
amazing that some things came so
easily for him, while others seem to take
forever. I have learned that so many of
Slick’s commands had such a different
meaning for a disabled person. I
once asked a graduate what the most
important command his CCI dog could
do for him. He said “get”- the dog picks
up everything he drops on the floor, things he would never be
able to reach. So simple, yet so liberating!
It is hard to say who will benefit most from this puppy raising
experience, Slick’s new companion, or me. He had accompanied
me and my family to the grocery store. He
sat at mass as my brother, Jack, and I altar
served. He came to my swim meets like he
was my own personal mascot, and sat in
the back of our truck the first time I ever
drove. I am so proud of him. This journey
has taught me the importance of selflessness.
Saying goodbye was hard, but my hope is that
Slick will change someone’s life forever.
I know he’s changed mine. And for that,
I am grateful.
Allie was recently awarded with a President’s
Volunteer Service Award. The honor, which
recognizes those who have volunteered
significant amounts of time to serve their
communities and their country, was presented
by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
program on behalf of President Barack Obama
By Jack
My dog, Slick, is not really my dog. Slick is a puppy
that my family is raised for Canine Companions for
Independence. We volunteered to raise him for 13 to 18 months.
While he was with us, we taught him commands and socialized
him with people and other dogs. We also gave him lots of care and
attention when he was a puppy, because he got into everything.
Slick is in advanced training and will spend
6-9 months with professional trainers. If he
passes, he will be matched up with a disabled
person. Slick will be able to open doors, turn
on lights, pick things up, and carry shopping
bags for his new companion. Not all puppies
pass, but I really hope Slick graduates and
makes somebody’s life easier and happier.
One of the first questions people usually
asked about Slick was “how are you going
to give him back?” I know that I will not
want to, but I also know that he is not
really my dog. I will be happy when I
see him making a difference and knowing
that I was the one who helped make it
happen. Talking about this makes me wonder,
if everyone could help a total stranger live a better life, why
wouldn’t they do it? I personally think that everyone should
do what they can. I know I am.
4 Canine Companions for Independence
§
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Fenway (The Dog) Readies for Opening Day!
What do the Green Monster,
common? Fenway!!!
the Pesky Pole and Canine
Companions have in
As signs of spring appear all around us
and the anticipation of opening day at
Fenway Park builds, this spring takes
on an added eagerness with the birth
of a very exciting collaboration focused
on ‘service’ through our longstanding
relationship with the Boston Red Sox and
Eukanuba and a new partnership with
the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts.
To celebrate the 100th Birthday of
Fenway Park this 2012 season, a puppy
was named Fenway. Fenway has the
distinct honor of being the Assistance
Dog in Training of the Boston Red
Sox! You can find out what he is
up to by following on his blog at
www.fenwaythedog.com.
As a way to highlight and support the
important work done by the many
charitable institutions throughout New
England and beyond, the Red Sox are
engaging in “100 Acts of Kindness”. To
help various organizations leading up to
and during the 100th anniversary season
of Fenway Park, these acts take on a
number of different forms including
donations, volunteer efforts and hosting
community events. Each act is designed
to highlight organizations and causes
throughout New England. Fenway the
dog has been busy visiting non-profits in
Boston with some of the Red Sox players
as part of the “100 Acts of Kindness.”
Fenway’s Special Edition Dog Treats!
For the 18th Act of Kindess, the Red
Volunteer Spotlight
At the February graduation we honored an individual who has dedicated her time and
energy in going above and beyond in supporting our organization. Colleen Hayduk
Roberts has been a tireless volunteer of CCI since 2005. Her and her husband, Richard
recently turned in Brandi and are currently raising Toliver, puppy number 7.
She taught CCI puppy classes for many years at the Warrenton, VA site. Colleen brings
her husband, pups and numerous pieces of equipment to each class. She structured
her classes to be appropriate to all ages of pups in training, as well as graduate dogs.
Colleen has used her imagination and years of animal training to adapt the classroom
experience to many different situations. She has acclimated the pups to items and
circumstances that they may encounter as graduates.
In addition to facilitating puppy class, Colleen has done countless awareness events for
CCI, traded pups with other raisers and has been a puppy sitter when needed. Because
of her outside work as a horse trainer, Colleen is able to provide unique experiences for
all of her pups in training. She also offers a firm and loving approach to socialization
and training responsibilities. Colleen couldn’t be more deserving of this award!
Sox and Eukanuba will work together
to support Canine Companions for
Independence and the Girl Scouts of Eastern
Massachusetts. Through the generous
donation of dog treats from Eukanuba,
and with the selling power of the Girl
Scouts (who are also celebrating their
100th Anniversary during 2012), the Red
Sox will work with these organizations
to help market, promote and sell these
dog treats.
A limited amount of dog treats will be
sold in a re-usable, made in America
cotton draw string bag. They will be sold
at Fenway Park during home games and
at Yawkey Way Store – The Souvenier
Store during regular store hours. For
more information and to purchase, please
visit www.fenwaydogtreats.com. The bag
will be a keepsake of the “100 Acts of
Kindness” in celebration of the 100th
Anniversary of Fenway Park. Proceeds
will benefit Canine Companions for
Independence and the Girl Scouts of
Eastern Massachusetts.
Pictured: Puppy In Traing, Fenway at Fenway Park
Pictured: Colleen Hayduk Roberts and Husband, Richard
The Companion Spring 2012 5

Around the Region
6
NJ
The New Jersey Chapter of CCI celebrated Valentine’s
Day by honoring their outstanding youth volunteers
who have devoted countless hours to raising and
training CCI puppies. Pictured are Caryl Swain, NJ
Chapter President giving Awards of Exceptional
Service to Abbey Earle, Olivia Plocinski and Sam Polonsky.
Also honored but not pictured were Brittlyn Dendy,
Christina Montalbano, Janie McGraw, Anna Butler,
Jensen Butler, Jonah Butler and Amelia Whaley.
Carolyn Tassini and Facility Dog Seamus
have been busy visiting local elementary
schools to educate students on brain
injuries and how service dogs help people
with disabilities.
VA
PA
On March 16th and 17th over 1,000 students from Deep Run High
School in Glen Allen, VA came together to raise money for six local
charities at their 6th Annual Dance Marathon. For 27 hours, the
students participated in non-stop dancing, costume parties, games
and fun activities. Over the years, the students have raised more
than $750,000 for charity – raising more than $250,000 this March.
CCI is grateful to have been chosen this year by the student
committee. Special thanks to the Old Dominion Chapter of CCI
and the students, volunteers and faculty at Deep Run High School.
New Jersey Feels the Love
ME/NH
Special thanks to the
Fabulous Find Thrift Shop
in Kittery, Maine. They
donate all of their profits
each month to different
local, worthy non-profits.
CCI was lucky enough to
be the recipient of the
January fundraiser and
received a check for $4,500!
Thanks to Scott & Mary
Mace with puppy-in-training,
Louie for FINDing this
FABULOUS opportunity.

NY
Thanks California Pizza Kitchen. Many friends of the Long Island Chapter
came out to enjoy the pizza while socializing with puppies and raising
money for CCI. Three California Pizza Kitchen locations hosted CCI
for a FUNraiser like no other. The food was delicious and the dough
was rising! More than $800 was raised to support our efforts
MD
CT
A Call For Paddlers!
If you love to kayak
and love CCI, join
our friends at Kayak
for a Cause (www.
kayakforacause.com)
this July 21st. Paddlers
are needed to join
together to cross the
Long Island sound to
help raise funds and
awareness for CCI.
Join us for the 4th annual Sails & Tails Sunday, April 22nd at the
Annapolis Marriott Waterfront. Festivities begin at 1:00 pm.
Visit www.cci.org/sailsandtails2012 for more information on
purchasing tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
MA
Canine Companions was
represented at the First
Annual Pinehills Landowner’s
Association Volunteer Fair in
Plymouth, MA on Friday,
February 24th. Approx. 125
people attended the fair
to learn about volunteer
opportunities in the Greater
Plymouth community.
Puppy Raisers Robin Fiore
(with 4-month old Hoku),
Donna Martin and John
Clinton, and Graduate Team
Lauren Sanford and Service
Dog Sylvette were on hand
to shake paws and answer
questions about CCI and
the Puppy Raising Program.
7

Team Training Graduates
November 2011 Graduates
Christy Andrews
Whit
Facilitator: Leslie
Puppy Raisers: McDaniel
College CCI Puppy Club
Laurie Myers
Wena
Puppy Raiser:
Beth Scheuerlein
Alexandra Wegman
Bright II
Puppy Raisers: Lauren &
May Sikora
Sara Jean Hammel
Tivie
Facilitator: Tracy Lowery
Puppy Raisers:
The Spear Family
Noah
Happy III
Facilitator: Linda
Puppy Raisers: Dr. Frances &
Mr. Willard Mason, Jr.
February 2012 Graduates
Katie Astorga
Fermer
Facilitator: Kathleen Astorga
Puppy Raiser: Jan Gurtner
Jacob
Kenji II
Facilitator: Kim
Puppy Raiser:
Kathy Mandsager
SrA Ret. David Rogers
II USAF
Jersey IV
Facilitator: Lauri Rogers
Puppy Raisers: Bert &
Christi Roling
Adrienne Blizzard
Yuba III
Puppy Raisers:
The Hayes Family
Nancy P. Jones
Junior II
Puppy Raiser: Linda Donnelly
Michele Thames
Pecos
Puppy Raisers:
The Underwood Family
Donna Cencer
Dutton III
Puppy Raisers: Jane Nagy,
Mary Waldron & Tom McKay
Tiffany Moccia
Norah
Facilitators: Don &
Donna Moccia
Puppy Raisers: Skip &
Davi Fonner
Liz Treston
Finney
Puppy Raisers:
The Zilka Family
Evan
Kerstie
Facilitator: Elena
Puppy Raisers: Addie, Grace,
Mary, Phil & Tracy Heifetz
8 Canine Companions for Independence

Juanita Maley
Kahn
Puppy Raiser: Bonnie Stinson
Steven
Titan III
Facilitator: Holly
Puppy Raisers: Leslie
Zelamsky, Marc & Ellis Cordaro
Dana Nigro
Tivie
Facilitator: Michael Nigro
Puppy Raisers:
The Spear Family
Richard Sweeny
Ocean V
Puppy Raisers: Mary Ellen,
Tom, Jess & Jackie Fydenkevez
Puppy Raiser Name Dog Name State
Samantha Altholtz ABE III NJ
Margaret Peterson ALPHA IV NY
Maria Boroja- Skorupa BERNARD II MD
Doris Vannorman BLANCHE III NJ
Susanne Lamb BRADLEY II VA
Susan Austin BRYN II VA
Patricia Plunk & Shoemaker Family CANDY VI MD
Erin Wilson CAPITAL DE
Gail Griffith & Gary Begeman CARLO III VA
Jamie Feretic COWBOY II NY
Tracy, Phil, & Addie Heifetz DIXIE VI PA
Patricia Barter DRIVER NY
Patricia Ann Redden DUDE NJ
Nancy Kidwell FERIN II VA
Barbara Hoopes & Stefanie Mutter FRISBEE VA
Wendy Luterek GEODE VA
Lisa George HARPER V VA
Linda & Gary Donnelly & Robin Fiore HOKU II MA
Parker
Pacifica
Facilitator: Susan
Puppy Raisers: Pete &
Diana Adamson
JOIN US at the
Graduation Ceremony
for the
May Team Training Class
on Friday, May 18th
2:00 - 3:30PM
Islandia Marriott
3635 Express Drive North
Islandia, NY 11749
Sean
Belmont
Facilitator: Karen
Puppy Raiser: Liesl Townsend
Recent Puppy Placements
Dr. Nancie Spector
Solar III
Puppy Raisers: Jackie, Nicole
& Victoria Cheshire
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 jmalloy@cci.org
or 631-561-0206
Puppy Raiser Name Dog Name State Puppy Raiser Name Dog Name State
Denise Spina & Mitch Sparrow JALVIN NJ Melissa & Isabella Dwyer PAULIE II NY
Brian & Amy Rickli JONAS IV NY
Liesl Townsend RANGO NJ
Noel Libert JOSIAH III PA
Beverly & Bob Bouse RANSOM VA
Bruce, Jacob & Chris Alt LIPTON V VA
Elizabeth Scott RANSOM VA
Everett & Autumn House LOCKSLEY VA
Kathy Mandsager REEVES III NH
Frances & Mitch Mason LORNA III VA
Leona Ferrara RUSSO III MA
Maggie & Catherine Deely LOTTIE II VA
Suki Chong SANDY VI NY
Kristin & Ted Veazey MAGUIRE II VA
Jane Hayes SARDEE NY
Polly Greenberg MAXWELL III NY
Callan Morrison SCHAFFER VA
Jane & Scott Johnson MILLIE III VA
Lu Petrie SHIPTON VA
Ken & Elaine Rhoda NADA II PA
Kim & Alex Levin SIROCCO MD
Rebecca Boone NAGY VA
Kathleen Landauer STERLING III VA
Gail Kraeuter NEELA II NJ
Kristin & Ryan Tolfree TAVIS II NY
Mike Hartsky NYAK III MD Diana & Pete Adamson THOR IV DE
Regina & David Benjamin OLSON NJ
Kathryn Yudkin TK II MA
Laury Dowd ORIN IV NY Colleen & Richard Roberts TOLIVER VA
Holly Levora ORTEZ MD
Judi D’Achille TRON NY
Janice And Brian Mollet ORZO WV
Cheryl Cardillo TUCKEY MA
Nancy & Bob Grieser OSBOURN IV NY
Emily Bracken VERSAILLES VA
Danielle Drazen PASCAL III CT
Terri Laundon VICTORY II VA
The Companion Autumn Spring 2012 2010 9

Regional News
Special Thanks to Pender Pet Caring Foundation
The Pender Pet Caring Foundation (PPCF) has
been supporting Canine Companions for
Independence since 1999. PPCF was formed
in 1997 to exclusively promote and provide
funding for animal care. Since its founding, PPCF has raised more than
$327,000 and directed the funds toward animal care programs. Through
these donations, PPCF seeks to raise the standards of veterinary medicine
and support advancement in research and veterinary education.
The Northeast Region of Canine Companions would like to thank PPCF
for donating more than $30,000 over the past 13 years to support our work
in making great strides towards improving the lives of companion animals
and their owners. PPCF’s continued support of our program will help us
to continue enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
Looking for a guaranteed return on your investment?
Consider an investment in Canine Companions
‘Not-So-Common’ stock
Canine Companions has unleashed
a new and unique opportunity to
get involved. CCI’s IPO - Initial
Puppy Offering - hopes to raise
5 million dollars, which will add
resources to help provide trained
assistance dogs to children and
adult with disabilities. National
Board Vice Chair and Northeast
Regional Board President, John
Miller kicked off the sale of
‘not-so-common’ stock at the
Hearts & Heroes Gala at the
New York Stock Exchange. “We
guarantee returns with the IPO.
What we’re guaranteeing is you’ll
get a tax deduction, and you’ll get
a good feeling knowing you’ve
helped someone who really needs
it. When you purchase shares
of ‘Not-So-Common’ stock, you
make a sound social investment
that will create meaningful and
perpetual returns for people with
disabilities, for you and your
family, for your business
and for your community,”
says Miller.
Read the Prospectus at
cci.org/ipo
to learn how to purchase
your stocks today!
NEW
Northeast Regional Board Member
Yvonne Dagger
Yvonne is a
professional artist
and Long Island
native, currently
residing in
Massapequa, NY.
Her oil and
acrylic paintings
and drawings can be found in many
personal collections nationally and have
been featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show
and Martha Stewart.com. Recently inducted
into the Massapequa Hall of Fame for her
Artistic and Community achievements
Yvonne continues to follow her passions
every day. In addition to her passion for
the arts, Yvonne and her husband Denis
have been volunteer puppy raisers. Yvonne
is currently the President of the Long Island
Chapter of CCI and has recently been
elected to the Northeast Regional Board
of Directors.
NEW
Apprentice Instructor
Sarah Birman
Sarah joined the
CCI family in August
of 2010 when she
began her Apprentice
Instructor
program in
Santa Rosa, CA.
After completing
her Apprentice course, Sarah moved to
Long Island in Nov. 2011. Originally from
Ithaca, NY Sarah studied Neurobiology and
Animal Behavior at Cornell University. It
was her love of dogs and desire to work
with people that brought Sarah to CCI.
Sarah loves to snowboard and spend time
with her pet Golden Retriever, Biscuit. Her
favorite part of working for CCI is being
able to help the students and their new
companions get to know each other and
learn to work together during team training.
10 Canine Companions for Independence

In honor of Veterans Day 2011,
during November graduations across
the country, Canine Companions for
Independence celebrated its Wounded
Veterans Initiative. Joining us for the
special occasion was Congressman
Timothy H. Bishop. Emily Costanza
shared her singing talents with us
by performing the National Anthem,
with Service Dog Carmel, by her side.
Canine Companions for Independence
honored and acknowledged its
growing Veteran family by presenting
CCI military challenge coins.(For
those unfamiliar with the history
of the coin, it extends back some
200 years in American history).
At all five regions, the coins were
presented to veterans who were
graduating from Team Training and
to those who have dedicated great
effort in supporting and promoting
the CCI Wounded Veterans Initiative.
Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (ret.) with Service
Dog Gillian, the first Northeast veteran
recipient under the auspices of the
Pictured: Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. USA (ret.);
Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (ret.) with Service Dog Gillian;
Frank DeMarco - Board member of LI State Veterans
Home at SUNY Stony Brook & an officer of the NYS
AMVETS Foundation
Wounded Veterans Initiative
Pictured: Congressman Timothy H. Bishop; Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. USA (ret.); Sgt. Sam Cila,
USA (ret.) with Service Dog Gillian; Peter Pergolis - 1st Vice President of Lions Project for CCI(LPCCI);
SrA David Rogers II, USAF (ret.) with Skilled Companion Dog Jersey IV & Facilitator Laurie
Wounded Veteran Initiative spoke
about the history of the challenge
coin. Cila then presented the first
coin to John Miller, Vice Chair,
National Board and Northeast Board
President. Several years ago, John
generously funded the start up of
the Initiative.
Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. USA
(ret.) was the next recipient. David is
a Northeast Board member who has
embraced the Initiative and actively
promotes it through his military and
business colleagues. On Veterans
Day 2010, David generously
named the last remaining
dormitory room and dedicated it
in honor of all those who serve—
especially the wounded.
Colonel Woycik spoke about the
meaning of Veterans Day and he then
presented coins to: Sgt. Sam Cila and SD
Gillian; SrA David Rogers II, USAF
(ret.) who was graduating as a Skilled
Companion Team with Jersey IV
and facilitator Lauri; Frank DeMarco,
Board member of Long Island State
Veterans Home at SUNY Stony Brook
and an officer of the NYS AMVETS
Foundation; Peter Pergolis, 1st Vice
President of Lions Project for Canine
Companions for Independence
(LPCCI); June Feinstein with Facility
Dog Oksana for their work in the
LI State Veterans Home at SUNY
Stony Brook; Scott & Mary Mace,
CCI puppy raisers and Pease
Greeters who send off and greet
all troops being deployed and
returning to the Middle East at
Pease Air Force Base; and
Congressman Timothy Bishop
for all his efforts on behalf of
active duty military personnel
and veterans.
Pictured: Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. USA (ret.);
Sgt. Sam Cila, USA (ret.) with Service Dog Gillian;
John Miller - Vice Chair, National Board & Northeast
Board President
The Companion Autumn Spring 2012 2010 11

Corey Hudson, CEO
Regional Board
John Miller, President
Nancy McGraw, Vice President
Joanne Berghold
Yvonne Dagger
Thomas Doyle
Patricia Griesmeyer
Stacey Johnson-Lucchino
Javier Robles
Jeffrey M. Schlossberg
Bari Taylor
Susan Winters, Past President
Marc Wortsman
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
John Bentzinger, Public Relations
Jamie Malloy, Development Associate
Beth Pokriefke, Development Assistant
Debbie Knatz, Office Manager
Laura Ann Dubecky, Graduate Program
Manager / Instructor
Katrina Winsor, Puppy Program Manager
Jessica Reiss, Applicant Coordinator
Flora Baird, Instructor
Sarah Birman, Apprentice Instructor
Lisa Moran, Instructor
Stacey Szpyt, Instructor
Lauren Makria, Instructor
Jennifer Krill, Kennel Supervisor
Christina Bendetto, Kennel Technician
Katy O’Loughlin, Kennel Technician
Brendan Stokes, Kennel Technician
Dona Dixon, Kennel Technician
Kyle White, Kennel Technician
Margaret Peterson, Caretaker
Newsletter
Editors: Debra Dougherty, Debra
MacKenzie, Jamie Malloy and
John Bentzinger
Graphic Designer: Beth Pokriefke
Canine Companions for Independence
Northeast Regional Center
286 Middle Island Rd. Medford, NY 11763
631-561-0200 Voice/TTY
Email: info@cci.org
Web Site: www.cci.org/northeast
Are You A Fan of CCI?
Connect with CCI and join Facebook, Twitter and
YouTube groups to be part of our incredible community
of CCI graduates, volunteers and supporters.
Mark Your
2012
Calendars
Sails & Tails • April 22nd
May Graduation • May 18th
Wag N’ Wheels • June 9th
August Graduation • August 17th
DogFest • September 22nd
November Graduation • November 9th
of the special members of the CCI family we have lost
Benton - Service Dog
Carlisle - Service Dog
Isaac III - Service Dog
Janney - Service Dog
In Memoriam
The Companion is published twice annually for distribution to CCI supporters,
volunteers and graduates. Copyright 2012 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.
Loredo - Retired Dog
Macan - Facility Dog
Royce - Retired Dog
Tenney - Service Dog
The Envelope Please
Your gifts to Canine Companions
help change lives forever. Use
the enclosed envelope to send
your donation to CCI or visit our
website: www.cci.org
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