I'm participating in DogFest OKC 2026 because I love dogs and know the joy they bring to our lives each and every day. I also believe in Canine Companions and their mission to provide expertly trained service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities free of charge.
I have watched my sister volunteer for this organization for the last 6 years, including when she was a puppy raiser for current service dog Comet. After seeing the amazing work of the volunteers and the organization, I joined as a volunteer in 2025 and received my first puppy as a puppy raiser June 24th, 2026. I had the honor of raising Jafar II. Devastatingly in the early morning hours of August 7th Jafar had a medical emergency and passed away. This loss was sudden and unexpected for all involved. The medical findings show that Jafar’s passing was an isolated, chance incident and there are no indications of a genetic component. He was loved by everyone surrounding him, especially me as his mom/ puppy raiser. I was with him when he passed while being transported to an emergency veterinary hospital.
His life was much too short at 14 weeks but in that time he was so so loved by so many people. There are so many things he didn’t get to experience, and so much potential he didn’t get the chance to fulfill, but I find comfort knowing that the life he did experience was wonderful. I want to say thank you to his amazing breeder caretaker Lois who helped him thrive through the first 8 weeks of his life. During the 6 weeks he was in my care he was happy, seemingly healthy, and dearly loved. He was also doing very well with his training and had just had his first outing in a public establishment (local ice cream shop) the evening before his passing. He did very well and didn’t vocalize at all while in the establishment. I was so proud and encouraged by this. I know he would have made a great service dog to someone in need.
Thank you to the Canine Companions Red Earth Chapter who are all so kind, supportive, and helpful. Learning in our weekly training classes was an amazing experience and I know Jafar loved seeing the local Canine Companion dogs and puppy raisers.
Leading up to DogFest OKC 2026, I am raising money to honor Jafar's memory and support the Canine Companions mission. Canine Companions has been wonderful to work with and I know they too are deeply saddened by the loss of Jafar and have done their best to offer any support which may be helpful in this time. The impact these dogs have on the lives of people with disabilities is incredible. Help me get to my fundraising goal by donating online so we can get more of these amazing Canine Companions service dogs into the lives of those who need them. Every little bit will help me reach my goal. Thank you!
DogFest - Grab a leash and have fun!
In loving memory of Jafar II