The Senior Initiative focuses on extending independent, dignified living for disabled seniors through the placement of highly skilled assistance dogs in Canine Companion’s four placement categories: Service Dogs, Facility Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Skilled Companion Dogs. Featuring senior success stories and reaching out to senior serving organizations will educate potential program applicants about the values of assistance dogs. The responsibilities of caring for a dog, the loving companionship of the dog and the service the dog can provide to help with everyday tasks are all important benefits for seniors with assistance dogs.
New! Watch videos on senior graduate teams on Canine Companions' YouTube channel. Click here to watch a video on Skilled Companion Team Virginia Ward, George Enter and Elsey. Click here to watch a video on Dennis Sproule and Natalie Woods-Sproule, a married couple who both have hearing dogs! Click here to watch a video on Service Team Buddy Wachtstetter and Hillary III.
Music for the videos was generously provided by composers FM WATSON and Rob Gironda.
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Service Team Gary Root
and Evelyn IV
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Gary Root received Service Dog, Evelyn IV, in 2007. This yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross has made an immeasurable impact on Gary's life. Since he is a quadripalegic, Gary relies on Evelyn to retrieve things he can't reach, pull doors closed, open the refrigerator door and many other everyday tasks. She is also his constant companion and best friend. Of his first assistance dog, Gary explains, "She is everything I hoped for and more."
Click here to view a video on a Canine Companions service team.
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Facility Team Val Valentine
and Shirley IV
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Val Valentine knew it was time to retire, but she had the unique dilemma of not wanting to leave her work behind. As the Puppy Program Manager at Canine Companions Southwest, she enjoyed knowing she was making a positive impact on people’s lives. Her answer: apply for a Facility Dog and volunteer at organizations that serve people with disabilities. Now, Val shares her heart and home with Facility Dog, Shirley IV. Together, they volunteer at a local schools, a shelter for abused and abandoned children, and a hospital. As Val affectionately calls her,“Shirley Sunshine” knows approximately 50 commands to help people with physical tasks as well as “bring some… peace, joy, and happiness” to those she visits.
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Hearing Team Connie Gupton
and Homer IV
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Connie Gupton is retired after 20 years of service in the Los Angeles Police Department. She proudly remembers being the first female officer to work on the South end of Los Angeles, and her accomplishments also include working her way up from policewoman to detective. Unfortunately, her career came at a price: hearing loss from the noise at shooting practice. (Ear protection was not provided back when she was being trained.) Recently, Connie received Hearing Dog, Homer IV, and her life “has definitely changed for the better.” Connie relies on Homer to alert her to important sounds like the oven timer, the doorbell, and the phone. He also lets her know when someone calls her name. Best of all, Connie says, “Every morning Homer wakes me up and my spirit is lifted just seeing those big, brown eyes with all the love pouring out of them!”
View a video on Canine Companions hearing teams here.
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Skilled Companion Team Virginia Ward, George Enter, and Elsey
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Virginia Ward has relied on Canine Companions assistance dogs to help her with everyday tasks for more close to 15 years. Her third and current dog is a beautiful Labrador/Golden Retriever cross named Elsey. Skilled Companion Dog Elsey helps Virginia take off her jacket, get the mail, and take out the trash. She is also Virginia’s best friend. “We talk to each other,” Virginia explains. “She wants a lot of attention.” Virginia, of course, is more than happy to provide it! Every night, she rubs Elsey on her head, gives her a treat, and kisses her good night. In return, Elsey checks up on Virginia and George throughout the night and greets them with enthusiasm every morning.
View a video on Virginia, George and Elsey here.
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