Canine Helpers was very honored to be selected from among the many deserving organizations to receive a much needed 2001 Ford passenger van. It was donated to us by the Ford Dealers of Western New York through their "Ford Friendship Express Program". THANK YOU Ford Dealers!

We also received our first New York State grant, thanks to Assemblyman David Seaman. This made it possible to convert the van into a wheelchair van by raising the roof, adding a wheelchair lift and tie downs. Then to finish it off, we received a grant from IBM, enabling us to add cruise control and the special floor.

The completed van is exactly what Canine Helpers needed. It will allow us to train the dogs with the wheelchair lift and haul them to various training sites, as well as transport the clients in training with their dogs, do follow-up work, and go on interviewing trips. We spend at least 25% of the time on the road in the wheelchair van, so it definitely plays a vital role in our Service Dog program and our success.

THANK YOU ALL for making it happen! (Including Austin Park and Doreen Kish for getting the ball rolling.)

Days beginning bright and early,

Sometimes I get a bit squirrelly.

I’ll try hard to do my best,

But you’ll be responsible for the rest.

Help you transfer out of bed,

Do morning routines so we get fed.

Fetching objects off the floor,

Turning lights on, opening doors.

Answering commands a little faster,

Giving much freedom to my master.

Signaling sounds and answering phones,

All of this for just some bones.

Shaking hands and giving kisses,

My affection never misses.

Pulling wheelchairs left and right,

Trying to please with all my might.

A loving scratch behind my ears

Keeps us going for many years.

The day’s soon over, a pleasant end,

Because I spent it with my best friend!!!

We at Canine Helpers for the Handicapped would like to thank our many loyal supporters who have helped us over the years. Thanks to our Tops and Quality tape savers and to those who send us their Campbell’s labels. Thanks to those who donate items on our wish lists and contribute to our Open Houses in June and December each year. Thanks to our staff and volunteers for the wonderful job they do, and to our officers and Board of Directors. We’ve come a long way since I first became a Board member.

The Lions Clubs of W.N.Y. built our original training building, which now is used as our kennel building. And thanks to the generosity of Moser family, we were able to build our new training facility, which gives us much more room to train our clients and dogs. We’d also like to thank the Ford Dealers of W.N.Y for our new van.

And a very special thanks to all of you who may never hear your name mentioned or see your name in print, but continue to support us in your own special way. We couldn’t do it without you.

Thanks again,

Don Clark, President

"Tobey makes my life so much fun!"

I lived in Dayspring II in Corning NY with "Glisten", my Mini Longhair Dachshund. One nigh he was very uncomfortable so I called my counselor who came and took us to the vet. After talking with the vet, I made my decision to have him put down.

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Please remember Heartworm check-ups and preventative for your pet!

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Yes, we’re still turning in Tops and Quality register tapes for cash. Tops - $1.00 for 600, Quality - $1.00 for 400 in tape total.