Emily Elkins and her mom Kelly arrived from - Canine Companions ...

Northwest Companion 

The Northwest Region of Canine Companions for Independence 

Holiday 2008 issue: From the Director and Board President, Sponsor Tributes, Around the Region, Ways to 

Support CCI This Holiday Season and Volunteer Spotlight 

Canine Companions for Independence 

Places 3,000 th Assistance Dog 

Emily Elkins and her mom Kelly arrived from Portland, 

OR on August 4, 2008 at the Jean and Charles Schulz 

Campus in Santa Rosa, CA. They came to the Northwest 

Regional Training Center and National Headquarters of CCI, 

to begin Team Training in the hopes of receiving an assistance 

dog. 

Emily is a bright and beautiful 13-year-old girl who uses 

a wheelchair. 

“I wanted a dog to help me open the refrigerator and other 

doors,” explains Emily. 

Her mom Kelly expands, “We knew that having an 

assistance dog would increase Emily’s independence and also 

act as a social bridge for her as she enters junior high.” 

Never having been a “dog person”, Kelly wasn’t sure what to 

expect from their experience at CCI, or from assistance dogs. 

“Everything, person and dog at CCI has exceeded my 

expectations,” shares Kelly. 

“The instructors are incredible. Each person here needs 

distinctively different help from their assistance dogs, and the 

instructors have matched each student with the perfect dog for 

them,” says Kelly. 

The perfect assistance dog for Emily was Jacklyn, a 

beautiful black Labrador and Golden retriever cross. Emily, Kelly 

and Jacklyn officially became a graduate team at a graduation 

ceremony on August 16, 2008. As they received their CCI 

diplomas they represented the 3,000th assistance dog graduate 

team. This is a milestone for CCI who has been providing 

highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support, free of 

charge, to adults and children with disabilities since 1975. 

The Northwest Companion Holiday Issue 2008 1 

“This 

represents the 

thousands of lives 

we t o u c h ; by 

making one life 

better we make a 

whole community 

b e t t e r , ” s a y s 

Corey Hudson, 

CEO. “Our dogs, 

puppy raisers and 

graduates touch 

so many lives 

each day – we 

are proud of their 

work and begin 

now to work on 

the next 3,000 

placements.”

Kathy’s Corner 

Each year it seems like the malls put up their holiday 

decorations earlier and earlier. And each year it catches 

me by surprise. I go right into a panic mode….wondering 

how can I possibly get everything done. I fondly remember and 

sometimes long for the simpler days. 

Coming from New York, Thanksgivings for me always 

included holding my dad’s hand and watching Snoopy, Bull- 

winkle and Superman loom over my head. It meant anxiously 

awaiting the last float which for adults signified the end of 

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade but to every kid on Broadway 

it meant the first Santa sighting. 

Holidays of various cultures often provide an opportunity 

to bring loved ones together, to honor traditions or start new 

ones, to appreciate what we have and to reach out to those in 

need. As we enter into this holiday season of reflection and 

appreciation, I want to thank everyone who has helped the 

Northwest region and CCI regions across the United States. 

Those who know me know I love quotations; here is a favorite of 

mine for the holiday season from Eric Hoffer. “Feeling gratitude 

and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving 

it.” At this time I want to thank our dog walkers who walk 

our dogs regardless of whether its 108 degrees out or 38 degrees 

From the Board President 

Greetings from the Northwest Regional Board – as the 

new board president, I am honored to represent the 

board in this first President’s chair update. We have 

made some exciting enhancements to the NW regional board 

this year that lay the foundation for the future. The board plans 

to be more active and present in CCI activities so that you 

know your board members and so that we understand how 

we can best help you in your role as CCI supporter, donor, or 

volunteer. We have embarked on a very energetic agenda for this 

year, which includes the creation and implementation of a new 

strategic plan. This plan is designed to create specific, focused 

action that each board member can take to further our board’s 

overarching goals of fund development and community aware- 

ness. We also have re-chartered our board to ensure that we 

have the resources to help CCI reach its goals. We are increasing 

our board size and diversity in terms of geographic coverage, 

fund-raising networks, and areas of expertise. We have 5 new 

board members this year, and a re-commitment from many 

and pouring. Thank you to 

our voluncheers who prepare 

and serve lunches during team 

teaming thus giving our gradu- 

ates a most welcomed breather 

(not to mention a great meal). 

Thank you to our dog bathers 

who lovingly console each pup 

as they get their first bath and 

our docents who so effectively 

enhance community awareness 

on the virtues of CCI. I thank 

our Heritage Society Members, 

donors and Board Members for 

their generosity of time and finan- 

cial support. I also want to thank 

Kathy Pierson 

Executive Director, 

Northwest Region 

my CCI co-workers for their passion and dedication. And 

last but certainly not least, I want to thank CCI Graduates, 

Breeder Caretakers and Puppy Raisers for they are the heart 

and soul of this wonderful organization. 

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. 

current board members to 

engage fully and ensure that 

we have the bandwidth and 

particular skills to achieve 

our goals. There will surely 

be more details in future 

updates- in the meantime, do 

not hesitate to contact me or 

a fellow board member if you 

have questions, ideas or just 

want to know more about 

the CCI Northwest Regional 

Board and our work. Call 

1-800-572-BARK. 

Meg-Monique Roe 

President, 

Northwest Region 

Board of Directors 

2 Canine Companions for Independence

Promotions 

Andrea Woodcock 

Apprentice II to Apprentice III 

Chuck Dickinson 

Apprentice III to Instructor 

New Faces on Campus 

Krista Hardcastle-Utarid 

Volunteer Coordinator 

Meaghan Donahue 

Kennel Technician 

Lindsay Janelle 

Kennel Technician 

Neena Gleeson 

Puppy Program Assistant 

Erin Powers 

Apprentice I to Apprentice II 

Linda Kwitchoff 

Instructor Assistant 

James Dern 

Apprentice II to Apprentice III 

Meagan Avants 

Kennel Supervisor 

February 21st May 23rd August 

To Be Announced 

November 

To Be Announced 

Location: 

Center for Spiritual Living, 

Santa Rosa, CA 

Visit www.cci.org/northwest 

and click on “Graduation” for: 

• Directions to a Ceremony 

• Hearing Team Training Dates 

• Updates and Announcements 

GRADUATION 2009 

The Northwest Companion Holiday Issue 2008 3

Tribute to Our Sponsors 

On behalf of the staff and volunteers of CCI and the 

people that we serve, I would like to take this oppor- 

tunity to graciously thank our sponsors for their truly 

inspired giving. Celebrity Chef 2008, “A Tail of Two Cities” in 

Santa Rosa CA., with its title sponsor, Merial LTD., the makers 

of Frontline Plus and Heartgard Plus, was the most successful 

Northwest annual event in our history, breaking both attendance 

and revenue records. The 6th annual “A Gift of Miracles” dinner 

and auction, in Renton WA., with its title sponsor KSC Freight, 

was the most financially successful annual event in the history of 

the Puget Sound Chapter. The 7th annual “Dawgs in the Ruff,” 

golf tournament held at the Granite Bay Golf Club, in Granite 

Bay CA. with its title sponsor Bank of the West, maintained 

the excellence that we have come to expect from the Gold 

Rush Champions Chapter. Thank you for making 2008 a banner 

year.—Daniel Y. Harris, Northwest Director of Development 

Celebrity Chef, “A Tail of Two Cities” 

Held at the Jean and Charles Schulz Campus in Santa 

Rosa California, “A Tail of Two Cities” honored the 

opening of the Miller Family Campus in New York and 

the Jean and Charles Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa with New 

York Style Street Fair. Five hundred and seventy-five people were 

in attendance. The event raised a net of $165,000. 

EVENT CHAIR: 

Bonnie McMellon, Northwest Development Associate 

COMMITTEE: Daniel Y. Harris, Northwest Director of Development, 

Sharon Beckman, Northwest Board Member, Carol Weldin, 

Northwest Board Member, Noni Beldin, Maureen Butler, John 

Consedine, Emily Elder, Suzanne, Howell, Linda Jackson, Joan 

Papathakis and Phyllis Thomas 

COMMITTEE ADVISORS: Kathi Noe, Northwest Board 

Member, M-L Reinking, “Bobbie’s Mom” and Bonnie Willette 

Celebrity Chef Sponsors and Participants 

BARK AVENUE: 

$15,000 

Frontline • Heartgard 

SNIffTH AVENUE: 

$10,000 

S.D. Deacon • 

Allison R. Levy 

BALL STREET: 

$5,000 

Jerry & Jan Alexander • Betty 

Freeman • Liberty Mutual 

• Wayne & Anne Gittinger • 

Charlie & Margie Krystofiak 

CENTRAL BARK: 

$2,500 

Exchange Bank • Glenn 

& Maureen Foley • Kevin 

Krystofiak • Drs. Graham 

& Pauline Parry • PG&E • 

Bruce & Ruth Schomaker • 

Carol Weldin • Wells Fargo 

Bank 

THE BoWERy: 

$1,000 

ABD Insurance Services • 

Resa Allison • David & Sharon 

Beckman • Comcast • Dal 

Poggetto & Company • First 

Republic Bank • Oak Grove 

Construction • Anthony Gaas 

• John Giacomazzi • Jetronics 

Company • Russ Gurevitch & 

Terry Van Horn • Jackson & 

Hertogs, LLP • Jenny Kerry 

& Vern Tyerman • Steve 

& Debbie Kiddoo • John 

McKinney & Sue Campbell • 

McDevitt & McDevitt • Mutual 

of America • One to One 

Learning Center • Sausalito 

Lions Club • Summit Bank 

• Tawny & Norene • Jack & 

Judy Warnock 

CHEfS 

Barking Dog Coffee • Rick 

Bruno ~ Bruno’s on Fourth 

• Chad Carlstedt ~ Classic 

Culinaire • Cold Stone 

Creamery • East Bay Miracles 

Chapter Group • KZST Radio 

Personalities Brent Farris 

and Debbie Abrams • Melissa 

Teaff Catering • Roger Gafner 

~ Pizzio’s Cucina Italiana • 

Preferred Sonoma Caterers 

CATERERS 

Rocker Oysterfeller’s 

Kitchen and Saloon • Ruth 

Lefkowitz ~ Ruthy’s Real 

Meals • San Francisco 

Baking Institute • Troy 

Anker ~ Sam’s 4 Play 

Café • Sebastopol Cookie 

Company • Skyhawk Village 

Market ~ The Kitchen at 

Skyhawk • Sonoma Cake 

Creations • Trader Joe’s • 

Julie and Riccardo Cattaneo 

~ Trattoria Annadeli • The 

Tides Wharf Restaurant • 

Didier Hevin ~ White Toque 

WINERIES 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 

• BR Cohn Winery • Carol 

Shelton Wines • Charles 

Creek Winery • Cru Vin 

Dogs Wine Group • Don 

Sebastiani and Sons • Enzo 

Wines Oakville • Foppiano 

Vineyards • Harvest 

Moon Estate and Winery 

• Kenwood Vineyards • 

Korbel Champagne Cellars 

• Lake Sonoma Winery 

• Mahoney Vineyards 

• Martin Ray Winery • 

Michel-Schulmberger • Mill 

Creek Vineyard and Winery 

• Moondance Cellars ~ The 

Friendly Dog Winery • Mutt 

Lynch Winery • Pedroncelli 

Winery • Peterson Winery 

• Ravenswood Winery • 

Sausal Winery • Valley of 

the Moon • VC Cellars • 

Wattle Creek Winery 

PARTICIPATING 

BREWERy 

Sierra Nevada Brewing 

Company 


“A Gift of Miracles” 

The Gift of Miracles Auction was held at The Spirit of Washington Event Center in Renton, Washington. The Seattle 

Mariners, Mariner’s Wives and Mariner’s Care were recognized for their generous time, energy and support in making 

the 2001, 2002, and 2007 Mariners/CCI calendars a success. Masters of Ceremonies: JP Patches and Patti Payne. Auctioneer: 

Chuck Whitman. Guests included Terry and Raul Ibanez. The event raised a net of $90,000. 

EVENT CHAIRS: 

Tanya Carter and Angie Jennen 

COMMITTEE: Irene King: Treasurer, Northwest Board, Jeanie 

Johnston: President, Puget Sound Chapter, Ann Beebe, Glennda 

Cartner, Gene Clark, Tammie Devore, John and Karen Elliott, 

Taylor Hasson, Kathi and Jerry Reilly, Kevin and Cindy Swett, 

Andrew Walker, Patti Whitmarsh and Kyle and Debra Young 

TITLE SPoNSoR: $10,000 

KSC Freight 

PLATINUM SPoNSoR: $5,000 

Kevin Swett Photography 

Robert Auguston 

SILVER SPoNSoR: $1,000 

TransGroup Worldwide Logistics 

BRoNzE SPoNSoR: $500 

Dr. Richard Jennen 

“Dawgs in the Ruff.” 

Dawgs in the Ruff was held at the Granite Bay Golf Club, 

in Granite Bay California. 100 golfers participated. The 

highlight of the event was an inspiring speech by Lisa 

Waterman facilitator for Bryce II, a.k.a. Bryce the Wonder Dog. 

The event raised a net of $40,000. 

A Wonderful Day on the Green 

Photo by Jim Buntin 

Irene King, Daniel y. Harris, Kathy Pierson, Kevin Swett 

and puppy-in-training Lilly and Debbie Kiddoo 

EVENT CHAIRS: 

Jill Quan, Cindy Lawton, 

COMMITTEE: Joan Buntin Amy Bush, Patty Daniel, Pam 

Flanagan, Mo Nard, Bev Pimentel, Kathy Ulm, Lisa Waterman, 

Suzzanne Wharton, Steff Wilson, Carol Wymore and Stephanie 

Yun 

SIGNATURE SPoNSoR: $10,000 • Bank Of The West 

GoLD LEVEL: $3,000 • CALSTAR • Med Center Medical 

Clinic • The Setzer Foundation 

PIN fLAG SPoNSoR: $2,000 • VSP 

CENTER LUNCH SPoNSoR: $1,500 401 Diagnostic 

GoLf CART SPoNSoR: $1,500 • PacifiCare/United 

Healthcare 

BLUE LEVEL: $1,000 • BBA • Clo Puppy • Hanson 

McClain, Inc. • The Golden 1 Credit Union 

CCI APPRECIATIoN SPoNSoR: $1,000 • Cindy 

Lawton 

TEE Box SPoNSoR: $250 • A Tribute to PRESLEY • 

Eberle Remodeling • Friends of REISIG • Goodblackdogs • 

H.H Engineering Construction, Inc. • In Honor of ADIT 

Thyme III • In Honor of Sable’s Retirement From CCI Service 

• In Memory of MAIZIE • Johnsen Construction • Keller 

Williams Realty • Marcia Hager • Margaret Keefe • Primal 

Needs Behavioral Solutions • Rowina’s Pups • Carly & Laurie 

- Downtown Puppy Raisers • The Bunko Babes • The Shuttle 

Lady • University Medical Imaging 


Around the Region 

South Bay 

Reading to Dogs continues to be a “pupular” event in the 

South Bay. We have made appearances at many libraries 

in San Jose this year and expanded to Milpitas and 

Palo Alto. This is a literacy program targeting young reluctant 

readers. South Bay 

CCI dogs have 

helped open the 

world of books 

to many children. 

Breeders Calla, 

Suzy, Jennifer, 

and Angel were 

even recognized 

by the West Val- 

ley Library with Breeder Caretakers Linda Smith and Herb 

and Pauline Lewis for their volunteer service to the literacy 

program. 

On May 17 th CCI dogs helped Build a Bear launch their 

Assistance Dog campaign. New public events on our calendar 

this year were the “Zoofari” with Hope Services, Take Flight 

for Kids with the VMC Foundation, and a Disability Awareness 

Fair with the City of San Jose. The Concours d’Elegance with 

the Palo Alto Lions Club, the Autism Conference at Santa Clara 

University with the Morgan Center, and Bark in the Park in 

San Jose continue to put CCI in touch with large numbers of 

people. New corporate events this year were at Net App in 

Sunnyvale and Microsoft in Mt. View. IBM’s Silicon Valley Lab 

in San Jose continues to invite us to help kick off their charitable 

giving campaign. The last event of the year for us is the Los 

Gatos Holiday Parade on December 6 th . Come and meet our 

CCI breeders, puppies in training and graduate teams. We’re 

there for two hours before the parade begins. 

If you would like CCI representation at your event 

or to do a presentation to your club, school, or orga- 

nization, please contact our info line at 408-257-6860. 

—Linda Cortez, Chapter President 

Puget Sound 

On September 27 th , the Renton Event Center in WA was 

transformed into a “Pawsitively Priceless” venue for 

the 6th Annual Gift of Miracles Auction. Patti Payne 

and J.P. Patches were Masters of Ceremony. Chuck Whitman 

was the auctioneer. KSC Freight was title sponsor. Among 

the 200 attendees, were Northwest Executive Director, Kathy 

Pierson, Northwest Puppy Program Manager, Lorna O’Connor, 

Northwest Director of Development, Daniel Y. Harris, Contract 

Trainer, Terry Smith and 

Raul and Terry Ibanez. 

Skilled Companion team, 

Dylan and Liz Zeitlin 

with Mary, talked about 

how Mary has changed 

their lives and inspired the 

attendees to donate over 

$31,000 to the Fund a Team 

Training portion of the 

evening. Co-Chairs Tanya 

Carter and Angie Jennen 

did an outstanding job, 

setting a chapter standard 

and netting a chapter record of $90,000. Thank you to all of our 

dedicated CCI puppy raisers and volunteers for their hard work 

in making this a very enjoyable and successful evening. 

Congratulations! —Jeanie Johnstone, Chapter President 

Cascade 

The Cascade Chapter is a small chapter but a very 

dedicated one. The members of our chapter are looking 

forward to a year filled with generating awareness about 

CCI and its mission. We have many events and presentations 

with the Lions Project for CCI, General Federation of Women’s 

Clubs, and other Point of Entry events facilitated by volunteers. 

We will soon be teaming up with Petco over the holiday season 

to raise money and awareness for CCI through Petco’s Tree of 

Hope project. For years several Petco stores in the Portland 

area have supported us through the money raised during this 

project and we are grateful for this avenue to educate people 

about CCI. 

On the volunteer front we have even more volunteers step- 

ping up to the plate to help the local prison puppy raising 

program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. There are 6 

new puppies who arrived in Portland recently. Right now the 

puppies are in the homes of volunteer puppy starters learning 

the basics before they move into the facility in November. 

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association, who connects 

the program with sponsoring veterinarians, has also stepped 

up to the plate again to help make this program a success. The 

Coffee Creek Puppy Program is able to continue because of 

the support of volunteers, the Lions, CCI, CCCF, sponsoring 

vets, and the PVMA. 

We’re a small but visible group. Expect to see flashes of 

yellow or blue capes throughout Oregon and SW Washington 

in the next year. We will be out there letting people know 


about the miracles that happen with CCI. For more information 

and/or to volunteer, please contact Heather Ohmart by phone 

503-281-8878 or by email, heather@gooddogsit.com. 

—Heather Omart, Chapter President 

Gold Rush 

According to the history books the California Gold Rush 

ended in 1855. We have a little secret to share. This 

area has been mighty productive this past year due 

to a revolutionary technique never before used in the mining 

industry…the use of FUR. This is exceptional fur of black and 

gold handled only by those with the biggest of hearts. Our 

generous donors were S.D. Deacon ($10,000) and the Walgreens 

Distribution Center of Woodland ($43,000). Now, we do have 

another mine that we started from just a scratch in the ground 

back in 2001. We call it the “Dawgs in the Ruff ” golf tournament 

and thanks to the annual support of Bank of the West ($10,000) 

and the incredible effort by nearly one hundred of our chapter 

members, this “mine” has yielded over $400,000 in 8 years with 

$40,000 coming in 2008. While the work is not easy, we had 

a fantastic gradu- 

ate speaker who 

reminded us that 

“this is special gold 

that is woven into 

miracles…or in this 

case a super hero” 

Lisa Waterman is 

a teacher in the 

Elk Grove school 

district and facilitator for Bryce II, a.k.a. Bryce the Wonder 

Dog. Lisa shared that Bryce did master a long list of commands, 

but no where on this list did it say “X-ray vision.” His is not 

the type of x-ray vision that would be useful at an airport. It 

is much more special. Bryce’s x-ray vision lets him see through 

a child’s disability to their soul. Enough said. 

For more information visit, goldrushchampions.com or 

contact Jill Quan at president@goldrushcchampions.com 

—Jill Quan, Chapter President 

East Bay Miracles 

As we leave the dog days of summer, we recall the great 

outdoor events with our awesome dogs wowing people 

to come to the CCI booth for a new understanding 

of the power of canines. Hundreds of people visited our booth 

at the Solano Stroll. The puppies, the graduate dogs and even 

the change of career dogs melted the hearts of many, simply 

by lying on their beds. They spread the message of Canine 

Companions for Independence with their big brown eyes or 

a wag of the tail. 

Our chapter celebrated its first anniversary on September 7th 

with a pool party in Danville at the home of Dave and Kristen 

Trisko. Over fifty people and twenty dogs played doggie games, 

swam in the pool and enjoyed a great barbecue dinner provided 

by Dublin Lions Club. It was exciting to see how much our 

chapter has grown over the year. 

Our appearance at Celebrity Chef was a first for a chap- 

ter. East Bay Miracles chefs whipped up some fine chocolate 

bones, goodies and special dipped white chocolate milk bones, 

chocolate dipped strawberries, and treat bags for all the dogs. It 

took countless hours to dip 1200 milkbones in white chocolate. 

Preparing the chocolate bones for the humans was also a daunt- 

ing task. What a great group of volunteers to help with bone 

making and serving at Celebrity Chef. 

October brought our second annual Halloween Party at 

Lake Chabot, an East Bay Regional Park, in Castro Valley. It 

was a beautiful Sunday in the park. More exciting doggie games, 

another great barbecue provided by Castro Valley Lions Club 

and of course the ever popular costume contest for our four 

legged friends. Prizes galore for the great costumes and ten year 

old Charlie, who was preparing for team training the following 

Sunday, with his mom Kathy, leading the pet parade around the 

park. Charlie and his family received a very warm welcome into 

the world of CCI as we all wished them well for their upcom- 

ing two weeks of 

team training. 

Our holiday 

party in Decem- 

ber will have a 

visit from Santa, 

dogs dressed for 

the season and 

food and games 

for all. For further 

information on 

that event and our 

chapter, please go to ccieastbaymiracles@yahoogroups.com. 

—Marianne Dimick, Chapter President 


Ways To Support CCI 

Three easy ways to make a tribute donation to CCI 

H Fill out and return the envelope found between pages 8 and 

9 of this newsletter to CCI. 

H Make your gift online at www.cci.org/donate. Our website 

gives donors the option to send an instant eCard with a 

customized message. You may also choose to have CCI mail 

the recipient a card for you with your customized message. 

H Call us toll-free at 1-866-CCI-DOGS (1-866-224-3647). CCI 

accepts VISA, MasterCard and American Express. 

Become a CCI Miracle Maker 

CCI Miracle Makers are people who contribute a fixed sum 

every month through their credit cards or checking accounts. 

Miracle Makers provide a steady stream of income to CCI – 

providing important funding for such things as training, puppy 

care, and follow up visits with our graduate teams. Enroll 

today to become a CCI Miracle Maker! 

H For as little as $10 a month, you 

can partner with Canine Compan- 

ions for Independence and truly 

make a difference for adults and 

children living with disabilities. 

H Visit www.cci.org/donate and 

Workplace Giving 

H Many employers have programs that support charitable 

giving. Please check with your employer to find out about 

workplace giving or matching gift opportunities that can 

support CCI. 

Federal Employees 

H Did you know you can contribute to Canine Companions 

through your combined Federal Campaign (CFC)? Simply 

designate Canine Companions for Independence as your 

“Charity of Choice” on your pledge form. The 2008 CFC 

number for Canine Companions for Independence is 

11647. 

Join eScrip 

H Help Canine Companions for Independence while you 

shop! eScrip is easy and free to join. Contribute to CCI 

by registering your credit, debit, and grocery/retail cards. 

Shop at select eScrip merchant partners and CCI receives 

a percentage of purchases. There is no fee to join and 

registration is easy. 

H Visit escrip.com and select “sign-up” 

H Search for “Canine Companions” as the group name 

H Fill in your information 

H Start shopping! 

Donate Stock 

H Another way to help CCI is by making a gift of appreciated 

stock. There may be a tax savings to you and your 

gift will help Canine Companions for Independence continue 

to provide exceptional dogs for exceptional people. 

Please contact. Alan Feinne at 707-577-1799 or via email at 

afeinne@cci.org for more information. 

select “Monthly Gifts” or call 

1-866-224-3647 today. Making a Difference 

One Gift at a Time 

8 Canine Companions for Independence 

:

The Season Of Giving Is Upon Us 

As the holidays draw near and you start 

making a list of people to shop for, don’t 

forget to stop by the CCI gift shop. 

H Holiday cards and 2009 Calendars are available now 

H Pick up the latest in CCI apparel for men, women and 

children 

H Soft cuddly plush puppies make excellent stockingstuffers 

Visit any time online at: www.cci.org/giftshop Or in 

person on at the Schulz Campus 

Gift Shop Monday 9am-4:30pm and 

Tuesday - Friday 10am to 4pm. 

Shop at Corrick’s on 4th Street in Downtown Santa Rosa and 

Support CCI 

Corrick’s will donate $5 to CCI, for each dog ornament that is purchased throughout 

2009. CCI thanks Corrick’s for their generosity and support of our mission to provide 

Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People®. 

Visit Corrick’s today at 637 Fourth Street, Downtown Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Or visit 

them on the web at www.corricks.com 


TeAm TRAININg YeARbook 

Spring & Summer Graduates 

May 2008 Service Class 

L to R: Heidi and Mitchell Ball with Lynelle; Lou-Jean and Taylor Buxton 

with Barina; Libby, Ricky and Rory Swift with Cookie II and John and 

Lynne Schueman with Brody. 

. 

June 2008 Hearing Class 

from L to R: Arthur and Marie Hareden with Aiobe; Gregory Awalt and 

Brook Myers-Awalt with Thionie; Kathy and Brad Taylor with Janet III. 

Join CCI Online 

May 2008 Skilled Companion Class 

L to R: Emma, Tracey and Maddie Kucer with Kenneth; Cameron, Dan 

and Jamie Cardle with Mellis; Kiley, Steve and Rozie McClay with Billy 

III; Walter, Kevin and Tina Underwood and with Loken; Sara, Claire, 

Julie, Ron and Jack Gambassi with Zane. 

Hearing Class 

L to R: Deborah Adels with 

Angelina and Connie Gupton with 

Homer IV. 

Connect with Canine Companions supporters online by joining our official groups 

at facebook.com, myspace.com and YouTube.com. 


August 2008 Service and facility Class 

from L to R: Fraser Sime with Savana II; Ike Wesley with Sonoma 

II; Tom Laythe with Odie IV; Edward Barker with Riva; Caren Hill with 

Lacey III and Donald Ryker, Andrea Bowers with Leora. 

TeAm TRAININg YeARbook 

August 2008 Skilled Companion Class 

L to R: Larry, Colin and Maureen Kiely with Tamra II; Amy Cody and 

Shauna Gumbel with Tim V; Amy Van den Boom, Thomas and Mark 

Wermiel with Lady V; Liz and Tyler McKinnon with Bet and Kelly and 

Emily Elkins with Jacklyn. 

Hearing Dogs Continue Providing Independence 

in Northern California 

Spring & Summer Graduates 

Canine Companions for Independence Announces Partnership with The San Francisco SPCA 

Canine Companions for Independence® (CCI) and The San Francisco SPCA (The SF/SPCA) have formed a partnership 

to transfer SPCA Hearing Dog applicants to CCI. The San Francisco SPCA has provided Hearing Dogs for many years, 

however will no longer be placing Hearing Dogs with new partners in order to focus its resources on the core mission of 

saving and protecting animal’s lives. Canine Companions will work with The SF/SPCA to provide 

support for applicants currently on The SF/SPCA Hearing Dog wait list. This partnership will 

help fill the need for those waiting for a Hearing Dog. 

Canine Companions CEO Corey Hudson said, “Providing Hearing Dogs is at the core of 

our mission, and we look forward to being able to serve more individuals with highly 

trained dogs to enhance their independence.” 

Canine Companions for Independence Hearing Dogs recognize and 

respond to sounds, such as a doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, smoke 

alarm or someone calling a name. The dogs alert their partners, for 

example, to these key sounds by making physical contact with them 

such as nudging the leg or arm. 

“We are very pleased to have formed a working 

relationship with CCI and are confident that the 

agency will successfully meet the needs of former 

SF/SPCA Hearing Dog Program applicants,” said Jan 

McHugh-Smith, president of The SF/SPCA. 

To learn more about Hearing Dogs or learn how 

you can support the work of trained assistance dogs, 

visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK. 


Ask Dr. Ruth 

What is hip dysplasia and how has CCI been able 

to reduce the number of dogs that develop hip 

dysphasia in CCI’s breeding colony? 

—Daniel Y. Harris 

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a congenital disease that mainly 

affects large breed dogs. The word “dysplasia” means improper 

growth. Hip dysplasia can be described as a faulty or abnormal 

development of the hip. In CHD, the hip becomes loose and 

wobbly, eventually leading to a form of arthritis, which is 

commonly referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD). 

For the first time at Canine Companions 

for Independence, you can purchase 

wallet-sized gift cards to make a donation 

in someone’s honor – family, friends or 

dog! 

The gift cards are available in two designs, 

holiday snow and general gift, and can be 

purchased in any denomination (minimum 

$10). 

The cards make perfect gifts for the person 

who has everything or for a party host. You 

can easily place them in a greeting card or 

attach them to a package to let your friend 

or loved one know that you made a gift that 

changed a life in their honor. 

Environmental 

conditions 

such as amount 

of physic al 

exercise and 

weight gain 

contribute to 

the disease, 

and bring out 

symptoms. 

CCI has 

reduced the 

number of dogs that develop hip 

dysplasia by 18% in the past 17 

years. This reduction has been 

accomplished by careful selection 

of breeding stock. One of the 

ways CCI has accomplished this 

reduction is by selecting dogs 

with tight Penn HIP scores. 

A Penn HIP score is deter- 

mined by a Penn HIP x-ray, 

which is one set of x-rays that 

Stocking Stuffers — Holiday Gift Cards 

Get them while they last at www.cci.org/donate 

or at the Schulz Campus Gift Shop. 

CCI dogs receive when they enter Advanced Training. This 

score determines how much potential movement there is in the 

hip, which leads to CHD. See photo to the left for the difference 

between a dog with CHD and one without CHD. 

Do you have a question for Dr. Ruth? 

Please send it to: Canine Companions for Independence 

Attn: Ask Dr. Ruth 

2965 Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95407. 

Email: rdaniels@cci.org 

If your question is selected, you will be named and 

responded to in upcoming editions of the Northwest 

Companion. 

Front of Gift Card Back of Gift Card 


It’s In the Genes 

The story of a CCI release dog 

Ten years ago our family raised Walden (aka Wally) a 

beautiful black Labrador-Golden Retriever Cross, our 

5th CCI puppy. We sent him off to Advanced Training 

with high hopes that he would be a successful CCI Service Dog 

graduate. Wally’s monthly training reports were good, but some 

of the trainer’s comments were that he was enthusiastic, full 

of life and environmentally alert which are not always positive 

for a potential Service Dog. 

Well into the second semester we got the dreaded call that he 

was not suitable to be placed with a disabled person. We were 

upset for we felt he was meant to be a working dog and not just 

a pet. The trainers also agreed with us so we started looking for 

alternative placement for him. We connected with the National 

Disaster Search Dog Foundation, another nonprofit organiza- 

tion. A representative went to the Northwest campus and tested 

5 dogs. Wally and another dog, Val were accepted into their 

program. After about 3 months, I was able to speak with Wally’s 

trainer and was invited to visit their training facility to see his 

progress. The trainer put him through a very advanced agility 

course. I was impressed by what they had trained him to do 

and he was noticeably proud to show me what he had learned. 

Bliss to You —Trixie 

Trixie 

Koontz, 

Dean 

Koontz’s dog, 

lived a life of 

bliss. From her 

early days as a 

CCI assistance 

dog to her 

retirement years 

with best selling 

author Dean 

Koontz and his 

wife Gerda, to 

her own success 

as an author—life 

was good for Trixie. This beautiful Golden Retriever, with the 

heart of an angel, passed away in 2007 but her wisdom lives on 

in a warm, funny and inspiring new book. Bliss to You—Trixie’s 

Guide to a Happy Life was released on September 16, 2008 and 

is available now at www.cci.org/giftshop. 

By Kathy Zastrow, Northwest Board Member and 17- time Puppy Raiser 

Wally was successful 

and graduated as a 

search dog. He was 

teamed with a fire- 

man from Anaheim. 

They are now retired 

but during Wally’s 

working career, he 

went every day to 

the fire station with 

his partner where 

they practiced his 

skills - always ready 

for deployment. When their shift was over they went home 

where Wally was a pet to the entire family. Now, he is enjoying 

his retirement. 

Photo by Bonnie McMellon 

Wally with his partner went on to do many great things. 

He even holds the title of IRON DOG. As the puppy raisers 

of Wally, we are very proud that he was a successful graduate 

doing the right job that he was suited for. You can read more 

about Wally by going to www.searchdogfoundation.org. 

Good News About IRA’s 

If you know anyone who is 70 or older, they can support 

CCI by making a distribution directly from their IRA to 

CCI. Congress has extended this popular gift provision to 

include 2008 and 2009. For more information, please contact 

Dave Bonfilio, National Planned Giving Officer, at dbonfilio@ 

cci.org or at 1-866-224-3647. Make the promise of independence 

a reality for a person with a disability. 


Volunteer Spotlight 

Marcee Pfaff learned about CCI when her daughter 

Kaity was very young. It was then that Marcee 

decided, “someday I would like to volunteer at CCI, 

perhaps in the kennels.” 

One day shortly after losing Jack, the family hound of 11 

years, Marcee saw an ad in Fetch the Paper expressing CCI’s 

need for breeder caretakers. Her husband Terry thought it 

sounded ideal for her, so with his support she gave CCI a call. 

That was in November 2005. Now Marcee, her daughter Kaity 

who is now 18, and Terry are very much a part of CCI. 

While Marcee and her family waited for her first breeder 

dog, she fulfilled her long time wish to volunteer in the kennels 

and that was just the beginning. In addition to volunteer- 

ing in the kennels, Marcee also started 

volunteering in the grooming room, at 

presentation booths and serving lunch 

to our Graduates during Team Training. 

“There are volunteer opportunities for 

every lifestyle at CCI. Even if you are not 

able to raise a puppy or keep a breeder, 

there are many other ways to help out. 

You can walk dogs, give them baths or 

help out at fundraisers and booths. Being 

even a small part of what goes on at CCI 

is amazing and rewarding.” 

In June 2006 Kora became a part of 

Marcee’s family. In February of 2007 Kora delivered her first litter 

of three puppies named Lilo, Lanica and Lanelle. In March of 

2008 Kora delivered her second litter of three puppies named 

Tanika, Taryn and Taya. With two litters of three puppies under 

her belt, Marcee thought she would have the time and energy 

for another breeder, so she brought Thistle II home this last 

summer. The family is hopeful that Thistle will have her first 

litter in early 2009. 

“Being even a small 

part of what goes on 

at CCI is amazing 

and rewarding.” 

When asked what a typical day is like for her as a breeder 

caretaker, Marcee says, “it always starts with Kora and Thistle 

sitting patiently next to her bed staring at her until the “feed us 

now” vibe wakes her up. After the dogs, donkey and chickens 

are all fed, it is nap time for the dogs. Waiting for someone 

to wake up and feed you breakfast is very tiring! If there is 

a litter of pups here, the chores start, but I have found no 

matter how many puppies there are in the puppy pen, all it 

takes is for all those faces to turn towards you and the tails 

to start wagging, then the chores 

don’t seem bad.” In addition to 

caring for the basic needs of the 

puppies Marcee also continues to 

foster puppies and breeder dogs of 

her fellow breeder caretakers on a 

regular basis. It is not uncommon 

for her husband Terry to come 

home to find another dog or two 

in the house, much to his gentle 

chagrin. 

In addition to fulfilling her 

desire to give back to CCI, Marcee 

has made several close friends along the way including her best 

friend fellow breeder caretaker of Dara II, Ann Akers. “The 

support and friendship I receive from fellow breeder caretakers 

is amazing. The team is always available to work out kinks, 

concerns or just to be there. The members of the Breeder 

Council and the other Breeder Caretakers have been amazing 

resources and friends.” 

Article and photo by 

Bonnie McMellon, CCI Development Associate 

At some point amid all her volunteer activities Marcee 

started to change, a change that was noticeable to her friends 

and family. A self described wallflower, Marcee says; “I have 

always been extremely bashful when talking to new people. 

Volunteering has enabled me to get out in public and talk to 

people. Now, if I am at a CCI booth, I can talk your ear off.” 

CCI is honored to have Marcee as a dedicated volunteer. It is 

volunteers like her that are the very heart of CCI. 

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a 

breeder caretaker or the numerous other volunteer opportunities 

at CCI, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Krista 

Hardcastle-Utarid at khardcastle-utarid@cci.org or call 1-800- 

572-BARK. 


Volunteers of the Month 

This past winter 

I was having 

dinner over at 

the house of a recently 

retired friend and he 

was telling us about how 

he started to volunteer 

at an organization that 

raised service dogs. I 

thought to myself that 

this sounded like some- 

thing that I would be 

interested in doing in 

my free time. The next 

morning I did an internet 

search and found CCI. In March, I took a tour of the campus 

with the other new volunteers and I was very impressed with 

how clean the kennel facilities were and how happy the dogs 

were in the kennels. That is why I decided that working in 

the kennels was where I would like to volunteer. I have since 

expanded my volunteer duties to include helping with mailings 

and graduations. Most recently, I acted as the Facilities Chair 

for the benefit Celebrity Chef, “A Tail of Two Cities” that was 

held this past September. I have found the staff at CCI to be 

the most caring, friendly, fun and professional people that I have 

ever had the privilege to work with. My duties have challenged 

Welcome Aboard Krista 

Krista Hardcastle-Utarid comes to CCI from the 

Volunteer Center of Sonoma County where she 

helped coordinate the Human Race, Sweet- 

hearts Ball and the Giving Tree. Prior to that she spent 

5 years as a teacher and algebra tutor, and 15 years in 

the hospitality industry. Born and raised in Santa Rosa, 

Krista has lived all over California and in Maui. She is 

also an aspiring writer of children’s novels. 

Krista says, “In my work at CCI, I am privileged 

to support so many volunteers in their dedication to a 

mission of an organization that means so much to them 

and to me. I am lucky to be here!” 

John Consedine 

me in ways that I never thought possible for a volunteer posi- 

tion. A couple of months after starting at CCI, I ran into my 

friend and told him I was volunteering at CCI and how much 

I enjoyed the work. Well, low and behold, it turned out he was 

not a volunteer at CCI but at a different organization. It was 

by accident that I ended up at CCI and it is one mistake that 

I am sure glad that I made! 

I’ve been involved 

with CCI for over 

3 years. I started 

out fostering puppies 

which lead to becoming 

a puppy raiser, which 

lead to becoming a 

breeder caretaker, which 

lead to helping out when 

needed. I really enjoy 

being a “Voluncheer” for 

Team Training and get- 

ting to meet the people 

receiving a CCI dog. All 

of the recipients of CCI 

dogs that I have met, are 

the most amazing and 

courageous people. 

Maureen foley and 

breeder Delhi 


Northwest Regional Board 

Officers 

Meg-Monique Roe, President 

Oakland, CA 

Debra L. Kiddoo, Vice President 


Sharon K. Beckman, Secretary 


Irene King, Treasurer 

Issaquah, WA 

Members 

Linda Cortez 

San Jose, CA 

Jane Hennessey 

San Francisco, CA 

Charles Krystofiak 

Redwood City, CA 

Jill Wright Leverton 

Napa, CA 

John S. McKinney 

Healdsburg, CA 

Lin Nelson 

Sparks, NV 

Kathi Noe 


Offices 

National Headquarters 

Northwest Regional Center 

2965 Dutton Avenue, PO Box 446 

Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446 

(707) 577-1700 Voice (707) 577-1756 TTY 

Northeast Regional Center 

PO Box 205, Farmingdale, NY 11735-0205 

(631) 694-6938 Voice/TTY 

Southeast Regional Center 

PO Box 680388, Orlando, FL 32868-0388 

(407) 522-3300 Voice 

North Central Regional Center 

4989 State Route 37 East, Delaware, OH 43015-9682 

(740) 548-4447 Voice/TTY 

Chicago Satellite Office 

PO Box 41, Woodstock, IL 60098 

(847) 816-7360 Voice 

Southwest Regional Center 

PO Box 4568, Oceanside, CA 92052-4568 

(760) 901-4300 Voice (760) 901-4326 TTY 

Colorado Satellite Office 

1045-P Garden of the Gods Rd, 

Colorado Springs, CO 80907 

(719) 260-6151 Voice 

Email: info@cci.org 

Jon Provost 


Sally Simcoe 

Roseville, CA 

Marlene Siminow 


Jack Warnock 


Carol C. Weldin 

Alamo, CA 

Betsy Wendt 

Issaquah, WA 

Kathy A. Zastrow 

El Dorado Hills, CA 

Credits 

The Northwest Companion is published two times a year for 

distribution to supporters, volunteers and graduates. ©2008 

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. 

NEWSLETTER COORDINATORS: Bonnie McMellon 

and Daniel Y. Harris 

PRODUCTION: Amy Koman and Bonnie McMellon 

PRINTER: GPM 

Northwe st regioNal CeNter 

P.O. Box. 446 Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446 

Address Service Requested 

Dated Material - Please Expedite 

Santa Paws Comes to Town 

Non-Profit Org. 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

by Canine Companions for 

Independence 

The holiday season 

is here and 

it is time for you 

and your pets to scurry 

and scamper on down 

to Western Farm Center 

to have a color photo of 

you and your pet taken! 

Well-behaved animals 

ranging from horses, 

snakes, chickens, cats 

and of course dogs are 

welcome to come and 

have their picture taken 

on Saturday, December 6 th and Saturday, December 13 th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Last year’s event raised over $5,000 in three days. CCI would like to thank Larry 

and Rosie Bertolini, owners of Western Farm Center for opening their hearts and 

their business to CCI again this year. 

Western Farm Center is located at 21 West 7 th Street, in Railroad Square in Santa 

Rosa. We look forward to seeing you and your furry friend there! 

www.westernfarmcenter.com 707-545-0721

Emily Elkins and her mom Kelly arrived from - Canine Companions ...

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