I think most of you know how important Canine Companions is to me and to my family. For 23 years, I have been a part of the Canine Companions family, thanks to service dogs, Sajen (deceased), Shelly (retired) and now Gabe.

These dogs, provided totally free to me, thanks to volunteers and donors, fill my heart with joy and happiness. They are a constant friend, so I am never alone, and they help provide independence. Gabe loves to "get" things that I drop and give them to me. As my mother says, the dogs used to pick up her Barbies, now they get the TV remote or cell phone!

Canine Companions does one major fundraising event each year: DogFest. It is a super fun day of activities, speeches, vendors and catching up with our Canine Companions family! The National Capital Region DogFest is again in Reston, Virginia and is coming up soon: Saturday, October 5.

I have created a team called the Middleburg Labradorables to help raise money. Our team is made up of graduates like me and my friend, Forrest Allen, and our beloved local volunteer puppy raisers, who represent all the dedicated angels on earth who pour their love and energy into these specially bred puppies, so that they may go on to help someone like me.

Please consider donating right now! There little time left, and even $10 would be so appreciated. Don't close this page until you've made a donation. It means so much to me and to all the other people with disabilities who have received the miracle of a Canine Companions service  dog, and the many who wait patiently on waiting lists. Thank you!

DogFest - Grab a leash and have fun!