CLIENT STORIES

Tonko & Mark

My wife, Cindy, discovered CST at a time when I had basically lost all hope of receiving a service dog due to a bad experience with another service dog organization. I had been invited for an initial evaluation and brief session with a group of service dogs in training, but to my surprise, during the training choke collars were used as behavior corrections. There also was a minimum four year waiting list if accepted, so I was quite resigned. My prospects of getting a service dog simply did not look good. Not only was four years a long wait, but I was extremely uncomfortable with the use of choke collars. Thankfully, once I became aware of Canine Support Teams with its training philosophy and practices, my service dog prospects turned from hope to reality rather quickly with exceptional results.

I submitted an application to CST and we discussed my abilities with a C5-C6 spinal cord injury. In less than a year I received word that a possible match was available, and shortly thereafter Tonko entered my life. In addition to the basic obedience and public access skills, I worked on training requirements with Beverly Sigafoos from CST such as how to secure him safely in my van while I drove, and how to integrate Tonko into my work environment since I worked full-time as a software engineer. Canine Support Teams worked closely with my employer and the individuals on my programming team to educate them on interacting with a service dog in a workplace environment. Tonko and I were rewarded with our first public certification the next to last day of training at my place of employment. Initially, I had thought we were performing a practice run for our final certification test the following day, but we performed so well, Beverly rewarded Tonko with his official maroon CST working vest in a brief ceremony that very day in front of my peers. Honestly, that is just typical Tonko. He proves each and every day that he’s at the top of the class and is at the point in his career where he anticipates my needs before I even ask. Together, we have conquered every obstacle in our path, both as a team and best friends.

For over eight years Tonko has been there for me. That is a long period and over time the faces at CST have changed but the mission remains the same. Matching a client’s abilities to service dogs is something other organizations do. However, CST went a step further. Not only did they match my abilities, they matched my personality and temperament to Tonko. Together we are a perfect match like peanut butter and jelly. Time after time he has picked up items out of my reach. As most people with a service dog would agree, if an item is dropped it may as well be in New York City! However, that's not the case with Tonko nearby! He even operates a quick release handle that disconnects my laptop computer from its base on my wheelchair. In fact, the manufacturer named the quick release the “Tonko Tug” in his honor! In the community, Tonko is the ultimate ice-breaker. Members of the public have commented on what a conduit for conversation he is with his smile, swagger, and inviting disposition. Truly, Tonko is an Ambassador for the community at large, but throughout maintains a balance with work and play. Without his jacket, he is off-duty. He swims in our pool, enjoys watching Animal Planet, and he is a sailor. On numerous occasions he has been First Mate on my Martin 16 sailboat, which is modified so that I can operate the sails and rudder with a joystick. At times, wisps of his flowing Golden Retriever hair can even be used as a telltale to gauge the direction of the wind! No task is too great for Tonko and he is there whenever I need him. I often joke I am very high maintenance, but as long as the treat bag is full Tonko just says “Bring it on”.

Whether it is play, work, or an emergency, the superior training Tonko received at CST is always evident. One morning, my wheelchair was stuck in the reclined position with no power. I had not taken my daily medication, but Tonko fetched a cordless telephone from a different room so I could call for help. My wife would not have been home from work until the evening, so without his help I would have been in a dire situation. That life-saving command is “Get the Phone”. Tonko was trained by Shara Kaiser Butterworth at CST with one hundred percent positive reinforcement using praise and treats as rewards for good behavior. Today, as a veteran, I can also appreciate how CST has expanded their reach to meet a critical need with their Wounded Veterans Program. As our soldiers return from combat zones, I can only pray that the resources are available to match remarkable service dogs like Tonko with the wounded heroes who have fought for our liberty and safety.

None of this would have been possible without the vision of Carol Roquemore, the founder of CST. As I said, I can’t imagine even having a service dog had it not been for CST and Carol’s spirit and dedication. I don’t think any client story would be complete without acknowledging Donna “DJ” Willis who answers my many questions – and I know for a fact she is an event coordinator extraordinaire. I know this is one client who appreciates the heart and energy she devotes to the organization. To all the CST people past and present that have had a role in placing these magnificent dogs, including their many supportors and sponsors, it is so inadequate to simply say thank you. On the other hand, one look at our photo is worth a thousand words of appreciation as you can see the joy in each of our faces. Most of all, however, I’m very grateful for Tonko. He’s part of my family, my life – and is my best friend!

Blessed & Annette

If you have visited the Inland Regional Center lately, you may have seen a new staff member that doesn't quite look like she belongs. Her name is Blessed. She is a very small golden retriever, and the newest member of Clinic Team. Providing animal-assisted therapy at IRC was the brainchild of IRC's occupational therapist, Annette Richardson. The idea met with enthusiastic approval from our Director. Annette had been pursuing a therapy dog for several months when she chanced upon the Canine Support Team facility during field visits. It took persistence, but Annette finally contacted the CEO of Canine Support Team, Inc., and an application was submitted. She met with the head trainer in March, and was scheduled to receive a dog in July. Then, four days before an April training, Annette was called to participate. She was told that a dog was waiting for her!

Blessed has trained for this position for almost 2 years under the supervision of Canine Support Teams, Inc. First, she lived 6 months with a puppy trainer who took her every place imaginable. After all, service dogs have to be very worldly canines. She then spent the next 12 months in the California Institution for Women in Chino where she was trained by a specially chosen inmate under CST's supervision. Her training concluded at the Canine Support Team facility in Menifee where her skills were refined. Blessed then 'team trained' with her new owner, Annette. Dogs need a leader, and if they don't have one, they attempt to assume that position. With great skill, the trainers at Canine Support Team, Inc. transfer leadership of the dogs to their new owners, and teams are formed. The team must be competent enough to pass the public access test, and then they are on their way.

Blessed is a very smart dog. She knows 40 commands. She can turn on lights, open and close doors, pick up and retrieve items, and even place them where you ask her to. But what makes her special, as far as the people who work with her are concerned, is her personality. Although she is a crazy puppy at home - running figure eights in the backyard, throwing toys over her head, and barking - at work she is all business. Blessed is gentle and very intuitive. When asked to approach a child or adult, she knows whether she should proceed calmly, playfully, or coyly.

In the short time that Blessed has been working at the agency, she has touched many families. She visited the home of a little boy who had never had the opportunity to see, much less pet a dog, as his medical condition had confined him to home and the hospital. She has helped decrease the fear of a child having her blood drawn. She has motivated a little boy to use his first sign, "dog". She has made wheelchairs seem less scary to clients by jumping up on them herself. She has helped parents to identify their children's strengths and deficits. She has made clinic feel less like a doctor's office. She has relaxed anxious parents who have visited too many doctors' offices over too short a period of time. She has been a distraction for those waiting for intake or evaluation. Even when walking in the parking lot, she has taken it upon herself to be the agency greeter. She has become an invaluable part of therapy staff. Blessed does not see disability, only a new friendly face - an opportunity for a pet and maybe even a game of fetch. She defines what it means to be "man's best friend."

Danial & Stanley

From 1967 through 1969 I attended college on a 2S draft deferment. In March 1969 I lost my 2S deferment and was drafted into the US Army. September 1, 1969 I was assigned to a Special Forces Unit in the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, ECHO RECON. Beyond the numerous missions to gather field intelligence, I was in approximately fifty Fire Fights. I was hit in the head from motor shrapnel. My knees were damaged jumping out of HUEY Choppers with up to eighty pounds on my back. I witnessed comrades being shot, killed and blown apart. I killed V.C. and NVA enemy and helped carry dead bodies off the battlefield. At one point my arms and legs were completely covered with jungle rot. Five months later I enlisted to change my MOS and spent my second tour as a door gunner on an assault helicopter in the 1st Aviation.   Immediately returning from Viet Nam, I was a nervous wreck, in constant battlefield mode with nightmares consisting of events I experienced during combat, never to have a full night of sleep again. As a result of my combat PTSD if I speak to an audience my mind goes blank, my speech gets stuck and I start stuttering and shaking. Within five years of returning from Viet Nam I started having problems with my knees and legs. Every year afterwards I started having more and more health issues, some caused from Agent Orange. My VA social worker told me that Canine Support Teams has a program for disabled veterans and explained the benefits of a service dog. After much thought, I applied for an assistance dog through Canine Support Team’s PAWZ for Wounded Veterans Program.   Stanley, my assistance dog has helped me tremendously. When I drop things, he picks them up for me. When I am in severe pain or having shaking episodes, he will go get someone to help me and then put his head in my lap to comfort me. I always avoid going out in public. Stanley somehow helps me forget about all the people around me. My focus is on him and now, actually enjoy going out in public with him. I forget about my fears and everyone else…it’s just me and him. At home, Stanley sits beside me non stop, giving me constant ease. Stanley also helps me in getting up out of a sitting position. I needed him 35 years ago. I can’t thank CST enough for my service dog Stanley. I had no idea Stanley would give me so much assistance and love.   Daniel Copeland - Hemet, CA

Clifford & Kyle

Clifford came into our family in April of 2010. My son Kyle and I (Kyle is 6 years old) went to training at Canine Support Teams, it was work but very well worth it.   Clifford walks to and from school with Kyle and his twin brother Brett every day and it is a wonderful experience. I think almost all the student body knows Clifford! Kids come up to Clifford and ask his name if the can pet him, how old is he, etc.. Sometimes I have to prompt Kyle to answer but as each day goes by, Kyle is answering these questions more and more on his own.   Clifford also helps during Kyle’s therapies – if something is challenging for Kyle and he starts to get upset – Clifford usually goes to Kyle and we can redirect Kyle to Clifford and he usually calms down much quicker than if we did not have him with us. Kyle also sometimes helps me get Clifford ready, feed him, brush him and put on his gear. This is showing responsibility to another being in the household.   Lastly, in the beginning, I had to facilitate all play with Clifford with Kyle – now Kyle will take Clifford’s ball outside and play chase/throw with the ball. Kyle is using the simple commands and LOVES it when Clifford listens to him. Kyle is getting better at giving the reward when Clifford listens – at least it mostly stay’s in Kyle’s hand when Clifford gently takes the treat.   Clifford goes almost everywhere with us. He is a wonderful addition to our family and everyone that meets him falls in love – almost as much as our family has.   Trina, Gary, Kyle & Brett Aurin

Vanessa & Booker

Post-traumatic stress disorder was making life hard for Vanessa Lerma, a 27-year-old veteran from Murrieta, CA.   Then she met Booker. Booker is a black Labrador specially trained to help Vanessa. Since she got Booker, her stress has been more manageable. “He’s my companion. He makes me smile. He’s like non-stop therapy,” she says.   Vanessa Lerma joined the Navy in 2001 as a hospital corpsman and since finished four tours of duty. In 2003, she went to Bahrain with Casualty Receiving Treatment Ship 6. In 2004, she went to Fallujah with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. In 2006, she went to Al Asab with the Alpha Surgical Company and in 2008 she returned to Al Asab with Marine Aircraft Control Group 39. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder began appearing in 2007, she recalled. “For me, it was the nightmares,” she said. In her sleep, she relived the horrors of war, she saw people in distress on the battlefield. They kept her up at night, so she barely slept, she said. During the day, she was tired and cranky, and when she was in a crowd, she got nervous. She was always “watching for people to attack” her, she says.   A counselor recommended she apply for a service dog through the Canine Support Team’s PAWZ for Wounded Veterans Program. She decided it would be a good alternative to taking medication. Now, Booker goes to school, to work and everyplace with Lerma. Booker helps her deal with the stresses of everyday life. “He’s something consistent that I have,” she says.   Vanassa Lerma

Rodney & Marsha

I have always been an avid animal lover. I was raised with dogs and cats always being a part of my childhood family and carried that tradition to my family as an adult. Even so, I never understood the devotion and care these wonderful creatures were capable of giving their human companions. Six years after meeting Rodney, I cannot remember what it was like to be without him. He is such a part of me that it is second nature for both of us to be by each other’s side 24/7. My family always says we are literally connected at the hip! And, that is exactly where he needs to be… to guide me and protect me from everything I cannot see in the left half of my world, as well as help with my balance and spatial issues. I was becoming a hermit before Rodney…afraid to go anywhere by myself. Even though I still have my limitations, I am now able to be far more independent that I ever dreamed.   It is hard for me to imagine where my life would be without him the past 6 years. We have taken trips together by plane and boat, ridden on streetcars, ferries, buses, and golf carts. He is a dream to shop with…he has so much patience with me trying on clothes in dressing rooms and maneuvering through crowded department stores. Much better than my husband! He loves grocery shopping. I think it reminds him of his training with those in wheelchairs to be trotting alongside the shopping cart. Even though I do not need him to put his paws up on counters to deliver credit cards or payments to cashiers, he loves jumping up to the counter just to greet those on the other side. He also takes great pride in carrying his own leash, in fact often insists on it, but only when I am holding onto his harness handle. We live very close to the beach and he enjoys the ocean sounds and smells while walking in the sand…but he knows his job is to keep me stable at all times. His ability to “brace“ at command has kept me safe from many potential falls. When he is being a service dog, he is totally committed to his duties. And, when he is off duty, he is a hilarious clown and member of our family.   I have to be honest with myself that Rodney is beginning to show some signs of aging. He will be 9 this summer. His tendency to be somewhat reserved and shy in loud hectic environments is becoming more evident. He still manages to shake it off, bless his heart, but I can tell it is harder for him now. We work on overcoming issues like this that come up and he always so willing and happy to do his very best. I hope and pray that we have several more years working together, but he will always be a treasured part of our family…regardless.   I lived for seven years after the brain aneurysm I suffered in 1998 left me disabled without Rodney, and the last six years with him. The difference is impossible to describe. I am forever grateful to Canine Support Teams for pairing us up, and for the wonderful training and support since. He has passed his public access test every year with flying colors. We were knocked down a point last year --- actually I was --- because the trainer/tester said I never once praised Rodney during the test. My husband and I were sitting after the test going over the results with the trainer and when he said that, my husband and I looked at each other in disbelief. If anything, both my husband and I probably go overboard in praising Rodney. It crushed me to hear that, but I knew it was an anomaly… and the only reason I could come up with was perhaps me being nervous about the test! I am never nervous about Rodney passing, just me doing something wrong. Believe me, that will never happen again! And, I know with all certainty that it is not a problem between us. We both get all the positive reinforcement from each other that we could ask for.   I may not have known how to begin, but now I have to find a way to end. Rodney has been an absolute dream service dog! We love each other dearly and I will forever treasure my time with him in my life.

Kassidy & Chase

My name is Kassidy Brewer and I am 16 years old, I had a massive ruptured brain aneurysm 2 1/2 years ago. It has been a very difficult journey but I held strength, patience and faith. Thankfully we came across CST one day and it changed my life.   When my mom and I were submitting the application, I was literally shaking because I was so excited and nervous! When they called 9 months later, I knew that my life would be changed from then on. CST is a wonderful non- profit facility that is out there to help people with disabilities become more independent.   They paired me up with an awesome yellow Lab named Chase. He has helped me to be more involved in social activities, being myself in front of others, be way more self motivated, ect. No longer do I have to care for me but I have to take care of him also. It's like watching a well behaved toddler!   While I was at CST, I met some pretty ambitious people. They all were very interesting people. The ladies that put CST together everyday, have a passion for dogs and are willing to help us. They work so hard and I appreciate every effort that they put put into this.   Thank you and I love Chase!

Ruth & Ross

It was a cold, foggy Friday night in December and it was the end of a typical day. Ross had not been entirely well over the past week, and tonight he seemed particularly tired. I placed his food in his bowl as was my habit and began to let it soak in a little warm water. I had been told that doing this may help prevent the dog from getting a condition called gastric contortion, more commonly called “bloat”. Ross ate his food slowly, but I noticed that he didn’t seem to feel well. Within moments of finishing his dinner he began to pace. As time went on he began to whine a little. This I knew signaled a real problem. Ross never cries. He is always quite stoic, and he rarely makes a sound. But I know him and I knew how much he hurt. I tried to remain calm, but as I watched I knew that we had to get to the animal hospital immediately.   My husband and I lifted Ross into the car and I drove through the thick fog and cold to the nearest emergency vet hospital. Ross was still crying in the back seat. He just couldn’t get comfortable. I thought of all the times that Ross had lain next to me while I was in pain. I thought of the ways that he gives me strength. Now it was my turn to give to him.   I pulled into the nearest parking spot and opened the car door to let Ross out. He jumped out, and for a moment I thought all was well. He wanted to go sniff at the grass and he seemed to walk normally.   The vet on duty was expecting our arrival, and she met us in the lobby. She took Ross to the back immediately, and the assistant led my husband and I to a small exam room. I could hear the bustle of activity in the back and I could hear Ross crying loudly. I prayed.   It was no surprise when the vet came out and told me that Ross needed immediate surgery to save his life. In spite of all my precautions, Ross had developed bloat. My mind was racing. The vet told me that if we started working immediately, Ross’ chances of survival were good. I had caught the problem early. She seemed amazed in fact that I had been able to catch the problem that early. I told her that Ross was my service dog, and that I knew him better than any other creature on earth, and that he also knew me in much the same way.   I thought about letting Ross go, but then I thought about what life would be like without him. I knew that if roles were reversed and it was Ross making a decision about my life, he would choose to fight for me. So I signed the permission papers. The vet told me to come into the surgery room and say goodbye to my dog.   Ross was standing on the floor next to the exam table. I knew he needed me to be calm and stable. I leaned on my husband and got down on my knees. I stared into Ross’ eyes and I asked him to fight hard. I told him not to worry about me, and to put all of his strength and effort into healing. I kissed his beautiful velvety snout, and then I kissed each beautiful black fluffy ear. Ross sat down and seemed to bask for a moment in my love. Then it was time for me to stand up and leave. Sick as he was, Ross straightened his body and got ready to brace so that I could use his body to stand up. The doctor gasped and the nurses cried. Even in his worst moment Ross was completely focused on me and what it was that I needed. I told Ross that I would brace on someone else tonight. Then I watched as they lifted him onto the table and began to place the IV. I gazed into his eyes until he fell asleep.   I have had cerebral palsy for my whole life, and I pride myself in my independence, and my ability to do things on my own. I tell myself every day, that although Ross makes my life much easier, I don’t really NEED a service dog. But that night I went home and began to realize that I am largely independent because of Ross.   During the six- week recovery period, I was not allowed to use Ross for his normal duties. I discovered that I reached out for him countless times each day. I would call for him each time I got up from a chair; I would call him to pick up a piece of mail that I had dropped on the floor. My friends teased me because I walked around with my right hand holding onto what they affectionately called my “air harness”. How I missed Ross’ physical and emotional support! I discovered that there were numerous little tasks throughout my day that I have been able to do only because Ross is always there and available to me.   For a few weeks I faced life without the help of my Ross, and let me tell you, it made me appreciate him even more than I had before. Ross finally recovered fully.   Now every night when I go to bed and say my prayers, I thank God for Ross. I thank God for CST. Then I turn to Ross and I thank him for the great job he does. I thank him for his love and his dedication to me, and I thank him for serving me even when it’s not fun for him. In a world that grows incredibly more difficult each day, Ross is like a large dose of mercy wrapped up in soft black fur, and I thank all of you at CST for making such a miraculous dog a reality in my life. I am no longer ashamed to say it: I need a service dog, and my service dog makes me proud. He is a champion.

Azure & Joy

Azure Riley is not your typical ten year old. He loves to play but can't always run as fast as the other children. However, Joy, his assistance dog, stays by his side and walks at his pace. Azure Riley has more doctor appointments than other children but his beautiful poodle Joy is by his side even when things hurt.   Other people stop and ask about his service dog everywhere he goes— they both feel important not just different. Azure's companion Joy, the tall gray standard poodle, gives him independence his loving parents can't always help him reach. Joy has touched his entire well-being and changed his life completely.   A boy's best friend is his dog but Joy has also given him meaning, the gift of unconditional love, self respect, and purpose.

Stacey & Sunny

Stacey was born with a very rare chromosome deletion. She is 1 of only about 200 people worldwide. In September of 2006 Stacey was hospitalized for 2 months and had several surgeries with lots of complications. She came out of the hospital a different kid physically but her spirit and personality and mind were the same. She was now wheelchair bound and trying to cope with how things were going to be. She was only 5 years old and had to deal with so much.   I called a service dog company only to find out that they had a several year-long waiting list and they weren't going to be taking any children on their waiting list for a while. So I burned up my computer and hunted the internet and Googled for another service dog company, hopefully one locally. Voila, I found CST and called, submitted our application, had an interview and tried very patiently to wait and see if they were going to have a dog for Stacey. Oh my goodness, they did!! They had a dog that they hand-picked for my sweet girl.   So team training was here and we had a couple different dogs during training until we met Sunny. Oh, he was such a sweet boy to Stacey. He would take treats from her hand so gently. And he loved nothing more than resting his head on her. So we get Sunny and bring him home and the bonding that took place was amazing!! Sunny loves Stacey unconditionally. He walks very proudly next to her wheelchair. He comforts her when she has to have yet another IV or surgery or other procedure. He has learned which of my husband and I is "mommy" and "daddy" and if Stacey calls for us he comes and gets us and doesn't leave us alone until we see what she needs. When she takes a nap, he takes a nap and curls up right next to her on the couch.   Stacey has blossomed so much since she has had her sweet boy Sunny. She has learned to read and loves reading to her dog. Her speech is so much better. It's just amazing what having Sunny has done for Stacey. Some of it is unexplainable. It's just this deep down feeling that Sunny and Stacey's spirits are now intertwined and will be forever.

Erin & Autumn

CST came into my life unexpectedly and has changed my life and my soul forever. It started quietly. A casual conversation at a local CST fundraising event. I learned about the organization, their mission, and a special puppy named Autumn. She was a 16 week old golden retriever puppy who had unfortunately been injured by her mother and had gone thru some extensive medical and surgical care. They showed me a picture and I applied for her that day. I am a nurse, a caregiver and immediately knew that God was changing my life that day. He was allowing me to experience something magical and bringing a family called CST into my life. Two days later I met Autumn. She looked into my eyes and saw my soul. This gentle being wrapped herself in my life quietly, gently, and with great meaning. We were inseparable. CST puppy outings, training, Pilates class, everywhere. She learned quickly and was a joyful bundle of energy. Our friendship turned into a partnership and she was always at my side.   And then I suffered a sudden, debilitating illness that altered my ability to continue to train her. She returned to CST to begin advanced training and I began my recovery. Months passed and despite many courses of treatment it became clear that I had become unable to return to living the life I had and was encouraged to apply for a service dog. Me, needing a dog?? How did this happen? I sent my application in and continued my recovery. I prayed everyday that CST would find a dog for me and secretly hoped it would be Autumn.   And then in early September the call came. I was getting my service dog. I was to begin team training and find the right one for me. Autumn was going to be there but no promises. My first day started and I began learning this side of the program and the afternoon brought the dogs in. There she was. All grown up. I started with another dog but quickly tried again with Autumn. I would like to believe that she knew me right away but I am sure it took her a bit. I returned to training the next day and Autumn walked up and "said hello" with her head on my lap. And I knew she remembered and was ready to help me get my life back. From that magical day I felt complete. I had gone full circle. God had a plan...I just didn't know it.   Autumn just turned two yesterday. We spent the day doing what she loves most. Walking in the morning and then playing ball until I thought I could not lift my arm anymore. She has given me my life back. I went from being unable to leave my house, drive a car, go to a supermarket or any other public place to now doing all those things and more. She is my companion, my best friend, and now is even learning to warn me of an oncoming migraine so that I can take my meds before it gets bad.   She also has become intertwined in my family. She has a best friend named Sydney that plays with her and a whole family that loves her. I will never be able to convey the love and gratitude I have for the CST team and all they have done for me. Each day when Autumn gets dressed to take my son to school with me I say a little prayer for them and will never take for granted what a life changing gift I have received. I will always, as I do now, take time to tell every one who stops to chat with us about this wonderful organization and their mission. They are my champions!

Renata & Maurice

I was happy and excited when I received the call from CST saying that they had three stability/bracing dogs they wanted to see work with me, prior to making their selection for me. I knew that all of their dogs were wonderful, so I privately thought "no big deal" to myself. The other service dogs I had worked had been trained specifically for my husband's wheelchair-pulling needs, so the only difference would be that the dog I would get would be taller and trained specifically for my own needs. Ha!—I just had no clue that this small difference would make such a tremendous impact on my life with rheumatoid arthritis as I knew it then!   My connection to Maurice, an apricot colored Standard Poodle, immediately clicked into place when he walked into our CST Boot Camp with his other canine classmates and their trainers—my heart just tripped and I KNEW that he had to be my dog. I couldn't help myself—I prayed fervently that CST would match us up when their final determinations were made. I continued on through the Boot Camp process, taking turns working with several dogs (I kept tabs on Maurice like a hawk) and practicing some of the simple commands with each of them. Every time I was able to work with Maurice, I felt myself melting more toward his loving gaze and gentle demeanor. However, the surprise of "The Moment" was yet to come.   At one point, CST asked me to alternately walk with first a handsome black lab, then a beautiful golden retriever, and then with Maurice. All three had been trained for stability and bracing, so I was instructed to hold onto a handle that was built into the top of a special harness they were wearing. As I walked with the first two dogs, I was thinking that it was pretty nifty and amazing to walk with a dog that wasn't trying to drag me down the street at top speed. The Moment snuck up on me when it was Maurice's turn to walk with me. As with the other two dogs, he was fitted with the harness. I grabbed the handle, and we started walking down the length of the long driveway in the enclosed training area. Maurice kept looking forward or up at me to check for commands, and didn't try to sniff around at all. I then realized that despite his ridiculously long legs, he was absolutely keeping pace with me. His side was lightly brushing my leg as we walked, and I found that curiously comforting. So I became braver and decided to walk over ground that was unpaved and uneven. That's when The Moment hit me. I realized that any time I wobbled, Maurice pressed his side against me more firmly and matched my uneven gait. In conjunction, I found myself automatically using the handle on the harness for stability rather than as another form of a leash. Every time we came to a stop, he planted his feet widely and securely while patiently waiting for my next command. Luckily, this all happened while we were still walking away from everyone, because I started bawling like a baby.   The immense relief and lightness that washed over me at The Moment is indescribable. Through my tears, I literally saw the world and endless possibilities open up to me in my mind—I understood that I was being given the priceless gift of renewed independence and mobility. I now no longer fear walking alone, because I know I can get back up with Maurice's bracing ability. I no longer worry about walking in jostling crowds at the mall, over uneven ground at the park, or even going up/down stairs because he is right at my side stabilizing me like a steadying handrail. He is able to pick almost anything up off the ground for me (from a paper clip, to a paperback book—even a sloshing water bottle), is an ideal icebreaker for starting conversations with shy people (myself definitely included), and he is the perfect and loyal companion whether studying or on my hour-long work commutes. Additionally, he is my best choir member because he never hits a wrong note, doesn't complain about my wrong notes, and doesn't chit-chat during rehearsals.   Until now, I have not fessed up to CST about this deeply personal and embarrassingly teary experience. As Maurice is so infinitely special to me, I know that all of the dogs at CST are incredible. CST's vision and commitment has enabled this feeling of The Moment for hundreds of other people lucky enough to receive one of their dogs. This renewed independence and mobility has made a tremendously positive impact on my self-esteem and productivity, and all of this greatly promotes a sense of peace and balance within me. I just cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for all that Carol and her CST team has done for me, and I know that I am not alone in this appreciation of their hard work. Thank you, CST!!!

Trisha & Joseph

On November 3, 2008 my life would change forever. I started the process to get me a service dog to help me out with daily living. The next twelve days would be the hardest days of my life but the most rewarding. I brought my father and my boyfriend to begin the process. After two weeks of team training and testing my determination and risk my relationship with my boyfriend all for a service dog. I met Joseph and really liked how he was with me. I went through two other dogs before I would work with Joseph. I tried a black standard poodle and a golden retriever. Both of those dogs didn’t work for me. The poodle didn’t want to listen to me and the golden retriever was to rough for me.   Immediately after I met Joseph I knew he was a dog I wanted to try to work with. He put his head lightly on my leg and looked into my eyes. After two or so days of working with Joseph the CST staff brought me into their office and tried to see if I would wait for a different dog that was smaller. They were concerned because I have Osteogensis Imperfecta which is brittle bones. This means I break my bones very easy. I am a more severe type so it can be concerning if the dog were to jump on me or anything like that. I have had over 600 broken bones in my life. I also suffer from respiratory problems which means anytime I break a bone I have to wear oxygen and at night. I am only 3 feet tall and weigh 60 pounds. Since I am so stubborn and determined I opted against their advice and told them "I can break anyway even without Joseph my risks are the same". I will never blame anyone if he does break me. It is just a part of me, so we continued on the training.   The other thing they recommended was for him not to be able to get on my bed but that wasn’t going to happen. They also suggested to not allow him to jump onto my chair to be at my level. During the training in the hotel I taught him to jump on the side of my chair, but never in front of me. Joseph is the one of the gentlest dogs I have ever seen. Joseph does sleep on my bed too. When I fracture a bone I spend all my time in bed so it was important for him to be able to lay with me. He never is rough with me. He is the sweetest too. He loves to play with sticks and empty water bottles and milk jugs. He prefers them over toys from the stores. Joseph was trained to open and close doors for me, pick up items I drop, reach items that I can’t. He was trained to do light switches and pull manual chairs. He also can take off my socks and jackets. I use him mainly for social support, picking items up, retrieving items I can’t reach. He also helps me get my socks off and open some doors. I am trying to teach him how to bring me my phone by teaching him to look all over for the phone and know what item it is.   The best thing about Joseph is that he is my best friend and has helped me make friends. I am 21 and getting married and graduating college with my Bachelors in Social Work. Without Joseph I would not be as happy as I am. He is always there for me and knows when I am upset and need him. I want to thank CST from the bottom of my heart for giving him to me and all the hard work it took to train him. I want to also thank the people at the prisons who help train the dogs and all their hard work.

Cristy & Virtue

Hmm...the beauty in having Virtue can't be conveyed in a single story. It's the day to day things that mean so much to me. Being total engrossed in something at work that's not so fun, and looking across the room to find her completely upside down, asleep, with a toy in her mouth. Or hearing her having doggie dreams under my desk; she grunts, mini-barks and her feet pretend-run in her sleep. Or having her follow me into every room of the house, no matter where I go or how long I'm there. Or having her pick something up that I drop with pure joy, simply because she loves picking things up. She has exuberant joy just to be alive; she wags her tail when I speak; she wakes up happy and brings me toys; she wags her butt so much she almost falls down when she greets people she knows; she may even fall on their feet and show them her belly and grunt like a pig. So many little, simple things that bring me such extreme joy and keep me laughing constantly.

Best of everything, though, is her constant companionship. Living alone can be great; it can also be lonely. Virtue is my ever-present, loyal friend who is always with me, and comes with me everywhere I go. And wherever we go, I feel like a movie star, because everyone is so taken and amazed with her beauty, loyalty and intelligence. There's nothing like having a service dog! And mine is the best (of course, I'm a bit biased)!

Jennifer & Ike

I have had "Ike" for three years now and he has changed my life so completely that I don't want to remember what life was like without him. I received "Ike" after about 65 surgeries and when the Dr.'s messed up and I lost two muscles in my leg. I was told that I would not be able to move my foot up and down or sideways, that I could not walk without a walker, cane or be in a wheelchair. This was the first time that I considered other options than the ones the Dr.'s put in front of me. Now, 65 surgeries takes a huge toll not only on your physical well being but mentally I was just about to give up. I do have three pet dogs and in my darkest hours they came to me and made me see that I could not give up. It was like they knew that something, a miracle, was about to happen and I just had to keep going. I got home from the hospital and stayed on a couch for three moths. I had a very bad case of MRSA that would not go away, my leg was still open and the Dr.'s did not want me to even walk to the bathroom for fear of the leg splitting open more than it already was. I had nurses come in daily for very painful dressing changes. All the while I just kept thinking that there has to be something out there, a reason not to give up, to keep going. Three months into my ordeal I went to see my Dr. He again told me that I would not be able to walk on my own, that I would be confined to a wheelchair, or at least a walker for the rest of my life. They fitted me with a leg brace that was so uncomfortable and I hated it!. I went home that day so sad. Now, I was starting to feel a little better. My head was clearing and I could think about the options laid out before me. None seemed ideal to me and none would give me the freedom and the overall help that I really needed.   I had a laptop computer which I started doing research on. I wanted to see what others with my limitations were doing. I came across one story of a woman with a service dog that she got from Canine Companions in Oceanside. I live in Oceanside wow, I can too get a dog! Not so fast! I very quickly learned that Canine Companions not only did not do stability dogs at this time, but they had about a five year waiting list. A five year waiting list, and I can't get a dog that will help me walk, only one that can help me when I am in my chair. That just won't do!. I started researching more and more. I contacted my Dr and he thought it was a great idea!. Then one day, up comes Canine Support teams in my Google Search. I had no idea where Temecula, California was but I didn't care right then. I called them and asked if they did dogs for stability, they said "yes we do", I asked if they had a five year waiting list?, they said "No we don't". Now, it was as easy as that but it was close. They next thing I had to do was fill out an application, get my Dr to fill out his portion and then convince my husband that I was not getting a "pet", that this dog would save my life. I think he was very skeptical but was willing to try for me.   Now, I had three dogs already so Canine Support Teams needed to make sure that my dogs would get along with others. They came down to my house in Oceanside with someone's pet dog and did a very thorough evaluation on my dogs and how they behaved with a new dog. They checked me yard to make sure it was large enough for four dogs, they checked me out to make sure we could handle another dog. After that happened and everything went great I was told that I would have to wait at least six months until I could be considered for a dog. They did not have one right then that fit my needs. I could wait six months! I went from thinking I would never get a dog, to having to wait only six months, whoohoooo!!!. Then I got the call that changed my life, they had a dog, and I only had to wait a month! I went to Team Training about a month later and I was paired with Ike the Labradoodle.   Fast forward three years. Just this past week Ike and I went on a journey to Sedona, Arizona. It is the most beautiful place. I have been there several times in the past but in the past three years I have not been able to get around very good so I staid in town most of the time. Not this time, no way! I accomplished something I NEVER thought possible...HIKING. Ike made it all possible. I never thought or dreamed I would be able to hike again and it was something in the past that I loved to do. Ike made sure that every step I took that he was right by my side. I would send him ahead of me to scout out the trail. When he came back he just knew how to guide me on this treacherous terrain. He steadied himself and braced hard when I needed him too and relaxed and had some fun on the easier paths. He has changed my life 120% and I can't begin to tell you without crying how much he means to me. Thank you to Canine Support Teams for making my dreams come true!

Nancy & Gracie

Gracie is awesome. I taught her a close command to close cabinets and doors with her nose instead of her paws. This allows her to work a lot more and she enjoys the additional work. I know that she misses the full body slam on doors, so periodically I do allow her to nudge a door that looks solid enough out in public.   She has mastered long down stays with distance, duration and distractions. We practice in the morning on the front porch. She gets to be on the porch watching all the activity and can manage the down / stay for as long as I allow her to stay out there. She can do movies, plays and concerts without getting up. Great job Gracie. Gracie makes all my bank deposits and the girls at the bank love her to pieces. Unfortunately she never kicks in any extra cash but we love her any way. She works hard and does a wonderful job with clients. She seems to be able to know what folks need and offers it freely.

I know there is a delicate balance between allowing her to make doggie decisions and waiting for me to ask but here are some examples of her taking the lead:   • She takes a Kleenex out of the box and gives it to the client. Sometimes she brings the box. I did not teach her this but she sees folks reach for that all of the time in the office so I think she just put it all together. Needless to say the clients are greatly touched by this and it seems so authentic I actually hate to put it on queue.   • A mom was in telling me about a loss of her son. The room was full of grief and loss. Gracie started pacing which is very unusual for her with depressed clients. Usually with depressed clients she nuzzles into their feet. She went behind the sofa and brought the mom a baby doll. I was so shocked. She had never EVER pulled one of the dolls out. To the best of my knowledge she did not even know where they were. This was so moving to the mom and I am still shocked. That was weeks ago and she has never touched the doll basket again. Maybe it was accidental? I just cannot really buy that.   • Working with a child that is afraid of dogs. She gets on her bed and stays. Thank God I can 100% trust her long down stays these days. The boy was telling me stories of sad times and I was sharing sad times about my life and then I would tell of sad times from Gracie's life. After several rounds of this I asked him what he needed from me and he said he would like a hug and a game of Uno. He asked me what I wanted and I said a glass of water and a hug. He said what about Gracie? I said maybe a dog biscuit. He came and got a dog cookie and told Gracie to leave it and placed it to the side of her bed. He loves telling her ok. Then he said he thought he needed to give her a hug so she was not left out. He cuddled with her for the rest of the session.

Allison & Trixie

Trixie is my best friend. When I got her my world opened up. She goes everywhere with me; we are inseparable. When I came to CST I just wanted a dog to be with me to repress anxiety and help me go out into the world that so far had been lost to me. She has given me that and so much more. Not only has she done what I initially asked her to do for me, but she has given me SO much more!   Within the last month she has begun alerting me to my migraines. I don't know how she does it, but when she senses one coming on, there she is, in my lap, licking my face and whining. I taught her to bring me the Advil bottle and sometimes she will bring it on her own now! She has helped me make new friends on an psychiatric service dog website and, in August, we are flying ALONE to a PSD gathering in Colorado! This never would have been possible without Trixie.   Because of her I am getting a job. Also, because of my Team Training experience I am now going to study being a dog trainer. She helped me meet my best friend Sandi because without her I never would have gone back to school.

Trixie has changed my life in ways I never would have thought possible. Because of her I can be a normal person, living a normal life. She make me smile when I'm sad and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. She loves me no matter what. Trixie is more that my best friend, she is my lifesaver.