Newsletter 47
February 2006
Meet The
Graduating Class of 2006!
Isn’t this a grand group of canine
students? As part of the hopeful Class of 2006, all of these ambitious canines
have chosen careers as Assistance Dogs. They will soon be joining their human
partners with disabilities, becoming confident Assistance Dog Teams ready to
conquer any situation they may encounter.
Although the year has only begun, we are receiving more applications
than ever, and have already accepted clients from Akwesashe, Barker, Blasdell,
Cheektowaga, Derby, Elma, E. Syracuse, Lakeville, New York City, Savona,
Stanley, Syosset, San Antonio TX and Zephyrhills FL. We have also received
applications from Arcade, Batavia and Lancaster, and are processing others as
well. Well… here comes the tricky part: we need lots of generous people
to help sponsor the actual training of these dogs.
We realize many of you have already contributed financial support to help
others in need, such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina and other major
disasters around the world. You already know that when everyone pulls together,
much can be accomplished.
By comparison, the work of Canine Helpers for the Handicapped may seem
small or insignificant, when in fact the very opposite is true! Our Canine
Helpers provide ten years of LIFE ALTERING ASSISTANCE, not only to their
deserving partners, but to their family members, friends, caregivers and
communities as well. In addition to building independence, security, safety and
freedom, our Assistance Dogs also serve as loving, non-judgmental companions for
their partners, not just for now, but for years and years to come. Whether
you are a brand new sponsor or one of our long-time faithful supporters, your
financial support is desperately needed, and will be appreciated more than ever.
YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE !
Generous Grant Awarded
Canine Helpers for the Handicapped is fortunate to have been awarded a very
generous grant from the William F. Long Philanthropic Fund at the
Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo, through the Designated Fund program.
This grant will fund the cost of our three- week intensive client/dog training
program for five lucky applicants in western New York. It will also cover the
meals, lodging and travel expenses incurred by the client and trainer during
this training period. The impact an Assistance Dog has on its partner with
disabilities is far reaching; not only effecting the lives of our clients, but
their families, friends and communities as well. The new Assistance Dogs teams
will be able to overcome physical, emotional and psychological barriers that
they never before dreamed possible. Thank you to the William F. Long
Philanthropic Fund at the Community Foundation For Greater Buffalo, for
believing in Canine Helpers and our on-going mission to provide greater
independence, safety, companionship and opportunity for our clients with
disabilities through their partnership with Assistance Dogs. The impact of your
support will be felt for many years to come.
Featured Pet: Regis
Regis
is a six year old Golden Retriever. He is a handsome, energetic, lovable
fellow. As an abused stray, he has come a long way. Although he has
somewhat of an independent streak, he remains sensitive from being abused.
Regis needs an understanding partner who is firm enough to follow through with
his obedience and manners, yet caring enough to take the time to work through
any side affects of his abuse. He is very strong and a bit of a tester, but
responds well when he knows you really care and you are the leader. If you have
a big heart and have ever wanted to learn to communicate with a dog on many
levels, Regis is an excellent candidate for you!
*Regis has been placed in a new home*
Mary Lou Manfredi
and “Cary”
Service Dog - Labrador Retreiver
Syosset, NY
I have
been blessed. After I found out that I had Parkinson’s Disease, I took on the
challenge to raise a puppy for someone with a disability. Little did I realize
I would be the beneficiary of the fruits of my labor. Cary came to me at
eight weeks of age. It was such a wonderful time in our lives, and luckily
still is. It’s amazing how you can integrate work into your daily life and have
it turn into fun. Cary brought out the kid in me that I didn’t realize I had
tucked so far away. Cary is now 2-1/2 years old. I taught him all of his
obedience commands and introduced how to “brace” for when I lose balance or
need help getting up. He learned to check
on me with a slight turn of his head when walking on a leash.
A trainer from Canine Helpers came to my home for a week to help
expand
Cary’s training so he could do more
for me.
Cary now knows how to guide me
through tight spaces. Part of my
Parkinson’s symptoms is freezing up while trying to walk through narrow spaces;
for example, between parked cars or tables in a restaurant, etc.
If I need to find my family, I can tell
Cary to “go get help”.
He will find them and bring them back to me.
I tend to overestimate my capabilities at times… Thankfully
Cary is there to save the day.
Cary is unquestioning, patient with
my hesitations in speech, and connecting thoughts to words.
He just looks at me and waits kindly until what needs to be said can be
vocalized.
Cary is not only a great helper, but
emotionally he has a calming effect on me.
He seems to know just when a nudge is needed to sooth me.
A while ago
Cary had a severe reaction to his
booster shot. Shortly after, he climbed
into his kennel, put his head down, closed his eyes and didn’t move.
I yelled in such a panic, “Cary,
let’s go!” A second later he picked
himself up and wobbled out. God gave him
back to me. He had a higher purpose to
attain before his time was up: to be my
helper and to spread the word about how important dogs can be for Parkinson’s
people and others with disabilities.
They’re READY TO
RIDE !
Our friends at “Niagara Falls HOG (Harley Owners Group)” are long-time
supporters of Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, and have donated proceeds from
their Dice Run to our organization for the past several years.
This year they will be riding for
Canine Helpers once again, along with the City Mission of Niagara Falls. They
are inviting all bikers to join them at their functions to help raise
more money for these worthy causes. This year’s schedule includes:
Bike Blessing April 30:
NF HOG’s premier event that kicks off
the riding season.
Poker Run May 28:
Benefits the Niagara Falls City Mission.
Benefit Run August 6:
Benefits Canine Helpers for the Handicapped in Lockport.
Registration for all motorcycle runs will be at:
American Harley Davidson
1149 Erie Avenue
North Tonawanda, NY
For more information, call 692-7200
ext. 14
ALL
BIKES ARE WELCOME !
Thanks to Blackwinds !
Our special thanks to Angie and
Tanya House and the dedicated staff at Blackwinds Pet Supplies on Military Road
in Niagara Falls for hosting December’s
“Photos with Santa” fundraiser which benefited Canine Helpers for the
Handicapped. We appreciate Blackwinds’ dedication and on-going support, and look
forward to next year’s special event. We’ll keep you posted on the time and
date. And of course, none of this would be possible without the help of jolly
Old St. Nick, so Thanks to Santa too! December was a bit busier than usual
for Angie, as she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Heidi Marie, right
before the fundraiser….
Our CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes
to Angie on her adorable little girl.
Niagara Area Foundation Lends Support
A portable
ramp has recently been made possible through an award from Niagara Area
Foundation, fulfilling a very important need. The much needed ramp will be used
with Canine Helpers’ mini van to help us load clients and equipment. It will
also be used to provide access to otherwise inaccessible buildings and public
places. In addition to better accommodating our clients, it will also serve as
a valuable tool in training our dogs to use ramps. Thank you Niagara Area
Foundation for fulfilling this very important need!
Thank You!
To all who
so generously supported Canine Helpers’ 22nd Annual Christmas Open
House! We had a great time and gave away a record number of prizes including
those donated by:
Steve’s Styles – Batavia
Valle Jewelers – Batavia
Gray Dog – Burt
Orazio’s Restaurant – Clarence
Peterson Drugs Love of Pete – Newfane
Linens-N-Things
Starbucks Coffee
Golden Tails
Panera Bread
Judith Ray
Marlene Stallone
Bill & Doreen Kish
William Kish, Jr.
Jon & Ellen Nelson
And a
special thanks to all our friends and sponsors in
Northampton, MA
including:
Chameleons Hair Salon
Copy Cat Print Shop
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Broad Side Book Shop
Lucky Nails
Northampton Veterinary Clinic
Joia
Souvenirs and Stuff
Cold Stone
Dave’s Soda and Pet City
Acme Surplus
Rachel Bliss
Paradise Copies
Rug Store
A Child’s Garden
Bill Brough
…As well as prizes
donated by…
Yes Computer
Guild Art Centre
Ultra Gal
Broad Side Book Shop
Crystal
Ken’s Eyewear
Once More With Love
Exotic Fish & Pet World
Glimpse of Tibet
Village Pedler
Whalen’s
Half Moon
Book End
Collective Copies
Apple Creek Furniture Co.
Dion Tack Gallery
Cordelia’s Florist
Paul’s Shoe Repair
Murduff’s Jewelry
The Curtain Shop
Benjamin Moore Paints
A.J. Hastings Inc.
Northampton Lumber Co.
Serio’s Pharmacy
Web’s
Deals & Steals
Northampton Wools
Collectables & Cards
Eastern Mountain
Sid Vintage
Adams Jewelry
Advance Auto Parts
Al’s Clock Shop
Tail Waggers’ Boutique
Tilly’s Hair Design
Community Feed Store
Nuttelman’s Florist
Friendly’s 7678
Sherwin Williams
New York Shop Exchange
Jonathan Reid, LTD
Ryan Meues
Fancy Nails
Valley Antiques
Nancy Webb
Northampton Running Co.
Dolores Samms
The Taxi
Northampton Community - Chiropractic Center
Shear Xtreme
Salon Hardis
Ktwo Noho
Hair Phanatix
Everything Optical
Tooth Pix
Family Veterinary Center
Skera Contemporary Crafts
Vision Associates
Collector Galleries
The Collector’s Corner
Creative Space - Shower Doors & More
Country Comfort
Northampton Party World
Ta Yu Gallery
Cornucopia Foods
Beaders’ Paradise
Don Muller Gallery
Western Village Ski & Sports, Inc.
The Artisan Gallery
R. Michelson Galleries
Hampshire Frame & Art
Halloween Extravaganza
Big Logs
Honey Bear Hollow Flowers - & Gifts
Robin C. Harris
~ In Honor of ~
Richard Godfrey Phyllis & Sandy
Kravetz’s Birthday
By: Mary Ann Giertz By: Ellen Garfinkel
Anne Marie Call Anne
Korenstein
By: Richard & Marie Call Jessica C.
Green
Edna Gaske & Buddy
Susan McKee Linda Kendall & Doc
By: Mrs. Ruth A. Hope By: Betty
McKee By: Jane Kendall
~ In Memory of Loved Ones ~
Donna M. McDonald
Gloria
Greenman
By: Niagara Wheatfield School Phyllis J. Hall
By: Antonia Greenman-
- Related Personnel Assoc.
By: The Parish Cousin’s Club
Chambers
Women of the Moose Chapter 17
& Morgan
Greenman
Paul & Lorraine Aswad Mr. Al Kasprzak
- Aswad Insurance Agency
By: Buffalo Police Traffic Division
Patricia Forbes
Linda Haseley
By: Sharon
Forbes
Debbie Syruws Dr. Lucius Tripp
Marianne Helwig By: Tillio & Irene LaVanche
Lucia Laporte
Sue Baillie
By: Richard &
Ann Jasinski
Josephine Tokarchick Jack & Kay
Bosseler
Robert & Candice Kane By: Margaret Bosseler
Horace Chrymko
Denis Mocniak
By:
Elizabeth Chrymko
William & Ann Bishara
Mrs. Francis Chateauneuf
Paul & Amy Incorvaia
By: Rosemary Van Auker Donna L. Group
Donald & Delee Croisdale By:
John Group
Rose & Joachim Heer
Ray Rosbrook
By: Mr. & Mrs. J. Frank Heer
By:
Finger Lakes - Good Sams
. . . Planned Giving . . .
DID
YOU KNOW that you can
give the gift of hope, independence and
security to someone in need through the use of a custom-trained Assistance
Dog, even beyond this lifetime? If you would like to leave a living legacy
by
donating to the future work of Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc.,
it is very easy to do so. Just ask your attorney to help you provide for
this
in your Will. Your thoughtful gift will make future dreams come true.
~ In Honor
of Pets ~
Buddy Flynn-Seba-Nickey
By: Sharon
Forbes By: Ed & Alice Gasiecki
Rubey
Eddie & Sky Service Dog Kenji
By: Bill & Elaine Schreiber
Alix & Lucky By: Lorna Peterson
By: Eugene & Priscilla
Smith Sybil Peterson
Duchess
By: Joan Doefler
Stetson Maiman Alexis
By:
Elizabeth Sinnigen
By: Mr. & Mrs. Allan Monaco
~ In Memory
of Pets ~
Miles
Sheba Ben
By: Jane & Jon Olstad By: Noreen
Reese By: Ester Myers
Patches Sue, Lucy &
Molly
Maxwell Smart Lee
By: David & Carol Weidman By: Mr. & Mrs.
Dale Johnston By: Anonymous
Friend
Clance
Tabby
Taffy & Misty
By: Patricia Walker By: Karen & Mark
Badger By: Mr. & Mrs.
Edward Grus
Maggie
Trooper
Rachel
By: Chuck & Betsy Oliphant By: Carol & Alfonso
DiFrancesco By: Debra Brown
Chance TJ
Stripes
By: Donna McDonald By: Karen Dunn
By: Mrs. Edgar Muth
Reo Von Frau Haus Molly &
Penny
Jeff & BJ
By: Mr. & Mrs. Milton Keim By: Kathy DuBois
By: Dale & Carol Milsom
Pumpkin, Marigold & Fennel
T.C. Lucy
By: Diane Calabrese By: Elena Martin
By: Rosemary Van Auker
& Peter Tallerico
Tori, Tianna
Killian Guardi & Harley
By: Jim & Chris Hoffman By: Beverly Underwood
Outstanding Support
The Lions Club of Niagara Falls, NY, Inc.
Ford Motor Co. Buffalo Stamping Plant
Welfare Fund
Community Relations Committee
Evans-Devereux Memorial Fund
The Lions Den Challenge
W. J. Cox Associates
Citigroup Foundation
Employee Charity Fund
Matching Gifts Program &
Robert Cohen Matching Gifts
Volunteer Incentive
Program
Bank of Akron
Jean S. Crosby
Anne G. Catt Intervivos Trust
Joan P. McLean
Patty & Ted Richards
Niagara Area
Foundation
William F. Long Philanthropic Fund at the Community Foundation For Greater
Buffalo
Puppy Sponsors
Bruce Hornung
Linda Covell
Members and
Contributors
from September 14, 2005
Antonia Greenman Chambers Elwyn VanEtten
Jane & Jon Olstad
- & Morgan Greenman Gowanda Lions
Club Debbie Welch
Livingston-Wyoming ARC David & Carol
Weidman Anonymous Friend
Make-A-Wish
Foundation
Noreen Reese
October 2005
W. J. Cox Associates, Inc. Maple City Lions Club
Inc. Sharon Forbes
- Employee Charity Fund Hands &
Paws Bath Lions Club
Sigma Phi Gamma Int’l Sorority, Inc. United Way of
Buffalo Salem Golden Agers
- Beta Beta Chapter - & Erie Co. Donor
Choice Rosemary Van Auker
Buffalo Police Traffic Division Finger Lakes Good
Sams Ester Myers
Premier Group Prime Wines Corp. Washington
Mutual Kendall Lion’s Club
West Herr Automobile Group, Inc. - Matching Gift Program
Nancy Koczaja
Randy Shepard & Associates, Inc. Lions Club of Buffalo,
Inc. Sandra Kravetz
Make-a-Wish Foundation of WNY Lions Club of
Corning Phyllis Kravetz
David & Dorothy Underwood Lions Club of
Kenmore Lawrence Ligarzewski
Lions Club of Niagara Falls, NY, Inc. Mary Ann Giertz
William & Doreen Kish
- Welfare Fund Mr. & Mrs. Dale
Johnston Reta
Hanson
Local Union No. 2603 Tonawanda Single Sr’s
Club Elizabeth Vitko
- United Steel Workers of America Melvin Reinheimer &
Assoc. Barbara Ween-Visage
Niagara Frontier CFC Darlene
Neff Anonymous Friend
- Donor Choice Program
Tina Dillon Niagara Frontier SEFA
Janice Salley Kohler Awning,
Inc. - Donor Choice Program
November 2005
The Youngstown Seniors Mary Jean
Lytle Diane Horvath
Ford Motor Company Insurance Women of
Buffalo Josephine Cerrone
- Buffalo Stamping Plant
Bowmansville United Patricia Walker
- Community Relations Committee -
Methodist Church Dance Spectrum, Inc.
Pendleton Center Church of the
Nativity Bloomfield Lions Club
- United Methodist Woman - Women’s
Guild Karen & mark Badger
Citigroup Foundation Parish Cousin’s
Club Jennifer Pokorski
- Matching Gifts Program Robert & Judith
Cohen Jesse Walczak
- and Volunteer Incentive Program WJ
Cox Associates Amy Tyrpa
PBA of the NYS Troopers, Inc. - Matching Gifts
Plan Anonymous Friend
- Police Benevolent Association
Michael & Michelle Walsh Ed & Wanda Padlo
Siberian Husky Club of Niag Frontier
Ernest Benedict Martha Greene
Hands & Paws Cookies & Treats
Sherman & Eve Parker Vivian Granger
Elizabeth Winters Bank of
Akron Jo Lerotic
Garry & Margaret Lomas Susan & Jack Besio
Andrew Fortin
Evans-Devereux Memorial Audrey
Hans Mr. & Mrs. Robert Karp
W. J. Cox Associates Ed & Alice Gasiecki John
Group
- Employee Charity Fund Niagara Frontier
CFC Gary Dissottle
Judy Beauchamp - Donor Choice
Program
Linda McDonald
Karl Greenhagle Sally Benchik
Elaine Sieredzinski
Patricia Weber Joan Doerfler
Mary Ann Giertz
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Grus Bill & Elaine
Schreiber Barbara Salvatore
Chuck & Betsy Oliphant Bonita Tarajos
Margaret Hoff
Ronald & Mary DiBartolomeis Liz
Bruce Debra Brown
Carol & Alfonso DiFrancesco Frewsburg Lions
Club Kathleen Boone
Kathleen Mueller Franklin & Dorothy
Merrill Robert & Fern Hickman
Manchester Shortsville Lions Club Mary
Skiba K & J Rogers
December 2005
S. Buffalo-Lackawanna Lioness
Club Ellen Garfinkel Daniel McGovern
Michael & Sharon Behun
Judith Ray David Roth
Julia
Stone Donna
McDonald Dan & Joan Majchrzak
Anne Korenstein
Mary Claire Flanagan Dr. Maureen Daye
Judith
Carlin Monika Ten
Eyck Jane & Howard Ross
Campbell Lions
Club Karen
Dunn Buffalo Gear Inc.
Dr. Richard & Jean
Davis Earl & Debby Zeeb
Robert & Tracey Day
Mary & Conrad Toepfer
Bruce Hornung Dona Mae Sweet
Wendy McDonell
Mrs. Edgar Muth Anonymous Friend
Gretchen Weig
Ford Diane
Drew Janice & Henry Salley
Marza & Megdilen Kelly-Delange
George & Hildegard Henricks Mary & Conrad Toepfer
Frank Lis
Linda Rumble Linda Covell
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Keim
Jessica C. Green Kathy DuBois
Robert & Mary
Boyer M. Patricia
Creighton Carol Shevlin
Mary Bucciarelli
Tillio & Irene LaVanche Josephine Cerrone
Hamburg Lions Health &
Community Towpath Optimist Club Colleen Wendel
St. Anthony’s R.C.
Church Earl & Judith Richards
Betty McKee
American Legion
Post UW of Buffalo & Erie Co.
Rebecca Bork
- Special Games of Chance Account
- Donor Choice Program Nancy Failinger
Uniland Development
Corp. Mr. & Mrs. J. Frank Heer Jean Crosby
Rita Eichenger
Ethel Erb Jane Titterson
Richard & Marie
Call Patrick Idzik
Jan Grayson
Dale & Carol Milsom
Laura Strauss Rosemary Van Auker
James
Eckert Blackwinds Pet
Supplies Timothy Gensheimer
Diane Calabrese & Peter Tallerico
Tn of Wheatfield Lions Club Margaret Bosseler
Richard & Ann Jasinski
Elizabeth Chrymko Jeanne Huth
Budd & Irna
Kraft Jane
Kendall Betty Carr
Jim & Chris
Hoffman Arthur & Janet Jocoy
Darlene Soltess
Town of Niagara Lions
Club Eugene & Priscilla Smith Michael
Hoplight
Cambria United Church of
Christ Karen & Frank Licker Cheryl
Suszczynski
Eugene
Robinson John & Carol Kipczynski
Elena Martin
Buffalo P.B.A.,
Inc. Church of the
Nativity Bank of Akron
CFC - Donor Choice
Program - Women’s Guild
Elizabeth Sinnigen
Hartland Vol. Fire Co.
Auxiliary Lorna Peterson
Sally Gilson
United Methodist Women
of Thomas & Donna O’Leary Joan McLeon
- Emmanuel United Methodist
Church James & Elizabeth Williams John Heibel
Donaldson Funeral Home,
Inc. Paul & Lorraine Aswad Linda Haseley
Niagara Wheatfield School
Related - Aswad Insurance Agency Debbie Syruws
- Personnel
Assoc. Mr. & Mrs. Allan
Monaco Marianne Helwig
Josephine Tokarchick
Sue Baillie Jennifer Sills
Lance Fertig
Jean Posa John Curtis, Jr.
Circle II – First Presbyterian
Church Beth Munson Sybil Peterson
Self Help for Hard of Hearing
People Vincent & Ellen Pierino Robert & Janet Dyer
Women of the Moose Chapter 17 Donald
Portolese Maxine & Karl Grow
Robert & Candice
Kane Denis Mocniak
William & Ann Bishara
Brenda Souter, Coor,
Corp Paul & Amy Incorvaia
Charles Forzano
& Comm Affairs
Donald & Delee Croisdale Ruth A.
Hope
- Pioneer Credit Recovery,
Inc. Anne G. Catt Intervivios Trust Patty & Ted
Richards
Thanks to all of
you who donate through the Donor Choice Program
Of the United
Way, SEFA and CFC !