- CaPR Team Profiles
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. I love her. She is my best friend.
-- Zack Kissel
Arleen Foster and Gryphon
Life has not turned out like I wished for as a young girl growing up in Los Angeles. I was to be a dancer! Later, my dreams turned to film direction. Instead, I’d lived like a hermit from about 1985; my health had taken a dramatic downturn after becoming infected with a nasty virus. It was startling to realize after being placed on disability, that I had no life no friends outside of my work ones. Shamefully, I closeted myself even further in my house. It took me another 15 years to decide to live, really live. I knew that if I had no external reason or push to get up and moving I never would. The physical pain was just too intense, too constant. I worried that my two cats, Sweet Pea and Taylor, would be given to someone who didn’t love them enough. But the pain...
Then, while watching The Dog Whisperer one evening it hit me; I knew the answer was to get a service dog. I knew that if I had a "reason" to fight through the pain as I did while raising my daughter that I could change my life. It made complete sense to me and I started to search. I was so fortunate to hear of CaPR and had remarkable luck in being offered a dog within just a few months of applying; this was surely karma.
I met and became partners with Gryphon in July 2006. Nowadays, I don’t have much time to think about my pain or feel sorry for myself. I have someone who depends on me and trusts that I will care for him every day. In an amazing twist, I find myself taking long walks with Gryphon several times a day, and the more I walk, the easier it is on my bones. Some of the problems caused by the nerve damage are relieved due to what seems to be a boost to my immune system. But, most of all, I have found a friend who is devoted to me. He is a social animal that breaks down the barriers to my own social fears and encourages me to meet new people. (I mean, come on, look at him who wouldn’t want to talk about my little prince!)
I am learning new and more effective ways to communicate with humans. Quite honestly, even on the days when he is like all dogs the slightest bit whiny and opportunistic, he is the most tremendous thing to have happened in my life he is my greatest champion, my knight in shining armor. My love for Gryphon is overwhelming.
-- Arleen Foster
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
Mary Kirkham and Mesa
When I first became ill I felt isolated from the rest of the world. In fact the ten months after I initially went down I was bed-ridden, because I didn’t know or think about a wheelchair even. I lost my friends during this period, because their lives were continuing on. Then once I received my first power chair my world became a little larger. Yet, this was not the same world I remembered. People were not as kind to me and often were unable to look at me, because I believe they did not know how to act around someone with a disability.
My family found out about service dogs and thought it may be a good idea to get one. I wasn’t sure at first that was the answer for me, because my fatigue was so bad and I didn’t think I would be able to take proper care of a dog. Then I received my first dog Reubyn and my life became magical and full of meaning again. People would stop me everywhere I went and talk to me about this beautiful dog. I became able to spend the majority of my days out of bed since my dog did those things for me that use to exhaust me. Unfortunately, a short year and a half after I had him he died due to a brain tumor and I lost a literal working part of me.
After a year of going back to depending on others I knew the only answer was a new dog. I got in touch with CaPR and they partnered me with a dog named Granite. It became apparent early on that this was not the proper job for Granite and he retired with his puppy raisers Sandy Braning and Frank Faqua. Then within a week I received Mesa. Mesa has been a great match for me. That does not say we haven’t had our bumps along the way as we have went through all our firsts together within the past year.
Mesa though has made my world colorful once again. She helps retrieve items I drop, turn my lights on and off, braces so I can transfer from one seat to another, bridges the gap between me and the outside world, and many other things. Mesa also alerts and responds to seizures. Although it is not something she could be taught but a skill that came from us bonding this has been a huge relief on myself and my family. I no longer wonder during the post-ictal period of my seizures but simply enjoy being with Mesa.
With the help of Mesa I have had the energy to write a book about our relationship and have it published this past September. I have also became a volunteer Volunteer Coordinator for CaPR and have enjoyed it very much. With Mesa by my side I am back being a useful member of society and am happy for that. More then anything else I am truly honored to have Mesa as a part of my life and a working part of me.
-- Mary Kirkham
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.
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.
Rich organized the inaugural edition of le Tour among his friends to express his gratitude for the amazing difference Monte has made in his life. CaPR plans to make le Tour de Pooch an annual event, so get those cycling muscles in shape and plan to participate in le Tour de Pooch 2007. This 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.
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.
-- Rich Dixon
Note: On September 23, ten hardy cyclists joined Rich Dixon and his hand cycle on a fifty kilometer ride called le Tour de Pooch. This fun event raised nearly $1,900 for CaPR.
Rich received Monte, his wonderful yellow lab service dog, in June. Monte greeted the riders at rest stops and provided encouragement for the riders on a chilly, windy day.
