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

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