- Canine Partners of the Rockies Graduates
Read their inspirational stories below
Zach Kissel and Genesee (Jenny)
One day two people came to my house (from Make-A-Wish) and they asked me what I wished for and my first wish was a dog and a house. My second wish was a two week trip to Disneyland. I waited for a really long time then they came back and they told me I get a dog only. I met a different dog; she was cute but she was not my dog. I waited a long time until the person named Janet who trained service dogs brought Jenny. Then I had to learn 60-70 commands before she was fully mine. Then as the days went by somebody said that Jenny was really mine. That is how I got Jenny.
Kids at school say Jenny is beautiful. Jenny helps me a lot when she picks up things I drop, like socks, the remote, and lots of other stuff.
Jenny is a very good, nice dog, and very funny and makes me laugh. We have fun together everyday and she helps me be able to be less shy.
I love her more and more everyday. She is my best friend.
-- Zack Kissel
Darryl Williams and Rio
If I weep, it will not matter. And if you laugh, I shall not care. Foolish of me to think about it but it is good to feel you here. God, in my sleep I dream of walking. I walked before and my heart is breaking in little ways. I was mad at you, but he said to me, what’s to come is still unsure, wait my son. God has one face but the world has two. So do not let this bring you more distress. But I said to him, I have no life but this one. I hide it from the world’s wide eyes the hurt inside. I never lost as much but once on September 2, 1991.
At the door of God I would not dare to leave my friend to be because if I should die, I would not reach the heart that loves me. A magic moment I remember, I raised my eyes and he was there. I saw him coming up the street and he stopped for a minute to tell me his story. Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well. Rescue me not out of pity but out of love. I will love you back. Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life. Rescue me not because of my past, but because of my future. I will stand by your side.
Once I was a lonely dog just looking for a home. I had no place to go, no one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets in rain, in heat, and snow. I ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go. My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain. And no one stopped to give me a pat, or to gently say my name. I was afraid, I must admit, I’ve lived so long in fear. I can’t remember when I let a human come so near. And as I tended to his wounds and bathed and brushed him, he told me about the rescue group and what it meant to him. He talked about having a future as a service dog. I said to him I have been waiting for a special dog like you. He then asked me what is your story, and I said: On September 2, 1991 at the age of 19, I was on my way to work and was involved in a car accident. At which point the driver of the other car got out and shot me in the neck, paralyzing me.
My life will never be the same. But this new found freedom that I would get from having a service dog like yourself is the type of freedom most people take for granted. So I agreed to put him in school.
That night I prayed to God, he said, My son, I hear the sadness in the voices. I’m the father of all things. This dog will walk for you, he is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
My friend Rio, my service dog.
--Darryl Williams
Justin Moninger and Rocky
I really can't imagine what my life would be like without Rocky. I mean I'm sure I wouldn't have nearly as many plush toys that look like they've seen combat, but my kitchen floor would not be nearly as clean either. In truth, Rocky makes a difference in nearly every aspect of my life.
He helps me with my physical limitations; picking up keys, my cell phone, credit cards, women (only for my friends, but still don't tell my wife). Any of you who are at all familiar with Canine Partners know all of the amazing physical and athletic feats these dogs can perform. What you don't see is how a service dog can alter everyday social interactions, brighten a workplace, and bring a smile to even the hardest of Scrooges. You don't see how a lick to the face and a wagging tail can cure even the most intense bouts of self-pity. And let me tell you what a good listener he is (he never interrupts unless he is hungry or has to go to the bathroom).
Before I had Rocky people didn't know quite what to say when I first met them. They just didn't know how to approach the elephant in the room. I wanted to scream, "Yes I can't walk, yes I'm in a wheelchair, no you don't have to talk loud so I can hear you. Get over it, I have." With Rocky people always know what to say. "What a great dog." "I had one that looked just like him." "What a cute puppy, what does he do for you?" There is the occasional person who feels the need to describe things to me if I happen to be wearing sunglasses (before I explain to them that I am not blind). It is always good for a laugh.
Rocky knows when I'm sad, or glad, or excited, or tired. And he kept me company in bed for a week when I was sick. Could I make it through life without Rocky, sure, but it wouldn't be anything like it is, and it wouldn't be nearly as much fun!
--Justin Moninger
Rich Dixon and Monte
I wasn't certain what to expect from a service dog. I've always loved and
had dogs in my life, but after my injury I was reluctant to accept the
responsibility of training and caring for a dog. After reading about these
amazing animals and meeting a couple of them, I could see how they enriched
the lives of their partners. But I still wasn't certain what to expect. My
wife loves dogs as well and thought a service dog was a great idea. It took
some "convincing" by CaPR folks. They told us about this incredible yellow
lab named Monte and how he was perfectly suited to my situation. After some
thinking I
decided to commit to a partnership. I did some reading and training in
preparation for Monte's arrival. But I still wasn't certain what to expect
as the big day approached. Monte arrived at our door, and it was clear that
he didn't know what to expect either. He spent a couple of hours hiding in a
corner, trying to figure out this strange environment and new people. Then a
simple, magical moment changed everything. A tennis ball appeared. Monte
forgot that he was unsure about this new place. I forgot that I was unsure
about caring for a dog. He bounded happily after the ball, brought it back,
and
dropped it in my lap. Monte and I smiled at each other. Monte helps me with
some small tasks, but mostly he makes my life calmer and healthier. My
classroom is the most popular place in school. He draws others into my life.
He's a great partner. I didn't know what to expect from a service dog. Now I
can't imagine what life would be like without Monte.
On September 23, 2006 ten hardy cyclists joined Rich Dixon and his hand
cycle on a fifty kilometer ride called le Tour de Pooch. Rich organized the
ride among his friends to express his gratitude for the amazing difference
Monte has made in his life. The event raised nearly $1,900 for CaPR. You
could tell from his smile that Monte appreciated the efforts of the cyclists
and those who pledged in support of the ride. The post-ride party included
all of the riders along with several CaPR supporters. The second annual
"skipping a year" le Tour de Pooch took place in August 2008.
This year's le Tour de Pooch is scheduled for September 5, 2009, so get
those cycling
muscles in shape and plan to participate. It promises to be a fun way to
get together, have a lot of fun, increase awareness about service dogs
within the community, and raise
funds to support CaPR's marvelous mission. For more information about le
Tour de Pooch contact Rich at Dixon.Richard@comcast.net.
