Read these firsthand accounts of the unconditional love, service and companionship CCI assistance dogs provide to US veterans:
Jeffrey Adams, Iraq War Veteran, and Service Dog Sharif
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In November 2004, Jeffrey was on patrol in Baghdad when a roadside bomb was detonated just 10 feet from him. As a result, 97% of his left leg had to be amputated.
Since then Jeffrey has recovered from his injury and walks with a prosthetic titanium leg. "I didn’t think I needed an assistance dog," said Jeffrey. "Then I saw them in action, helping other people with disabilities. I thought it was pretty amazing. I still didn’t think I needed one though. But my wife says I’m stubborn and told me to follow up. So, I asked around and applied to Canine Companions for Independence." |
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“Having a CCI assistance dog has really changed my life,” shared First Lieutenant Jeffrey Adams as he graduated from CCI Team Training with his new service dog Sharif.
Independence is a part of who Jeffrey is. Katie, his wife, explains, “He’s as independent as his stubborn brain will let him be.” Now, Sharif can help Jeffrey express his independence.
“When I first heard about CCI, I thought I don’t need a canine companion. Now I know how wonderful it will be and there are new possibilities for me that I didn’t expect,” shares Jeffrey.
Additionally, Jeffrey has learned to ski and is a professional ski instructor helping severely wounded veterans learn to ski and experience the thrill of sports post injury, just as they did before their injuries.
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Jay Huston, Army Veteran and Service Dog Timo
Jay has undergone 10 surgeries for spinal injuries after he hit the ground hard from a parachute malfunction eight years ago at Fort Benning, Ga. Jay retired from the Army in 2004 after 20 years of service, but he didn’t stop serving his country. He now works as a Senior CBRNE Analyst at the U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs. (CBRNE stands for Chemical,Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives.) Jay helps prevent terrorists from using Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in the U.S.
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Read how CCI Service Dog Timo helps Jay live more independently and watch the Fox News video.
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Buddy Hayes, Army Veteran, and Service Dog Ellie
 "Ellie is a godsend. She's right here by my side ready to help whenever I need it."
Buddy Hayes was a heavy equipment operator in the United States Army from 1977 to 1979.
In August 2005, she graduated with Ellie, who helps her maintain an independent, busy lifestyle which includes motivational speaking and competitive marathon racing. In 2007, Buddy was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia.
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| Richard Hagan, Vietnam War Veteran, and Service Dog Kovin |
"At meetings, when Kovin is 'released' from active duty, he bounds towards each man in our group, stopping for a head rub or giving kisses, after which he returns to my feet. People are happier to see him than me!"
In November of 2005, Rich graduated with Kovin, a CCI Service Dog who assists Rich by opening doors, picking up dropped items, and even giving credit cards to cashiers.
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Jack Carroll, Korean War Veteran, and Hearing Dog Stella III
"Stella's presence has improved my quality of life in ways I hadn't even imagined. Every morning I awake to Stella nudging my shoulder and wagging her tail...so I can't help but start the day with a smile."
Jack is a veteran of the Korean War. In 2006, he graduated with Stella, his CCI Hearing Dog, who alerts him to sounds in his environment. |
 Jim Allan, Vietnam War Veteran, and Hearing Dog Addy
"I highly recommend to fellow veterans to consider getting a service dog. An awful lot of guys and gals are getting prostheses. Having a companion with you can make the adjustment to this new life a little easier. They bring you such hope. They look at you and say 'Hey, want to play?' They appreciate life in the present."
Jim Allan was a Marine in the Artillery division from 1962 to 1970. He sustained severe hearing loss during the war. Addy, his CCI Hearing Dog, serves as Jim's "ears", alerting him to the sounds of human voices, timers, doorbells, and phone rings.
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Questions? Please email us or call 800-572-BARK (2275).
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