Enhancing Independence
Canine Companions enhances the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost. Our dogs are trained to assist with daily tasks to provide independence and confidence. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night's sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.
Jazmin Tinsley and Service Dog Bonus
Jazmin Tinsley always dreamed of being a teacher. But what once seemed out of reach for the Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 23-year-old — who was born with cerebral palsy, has autism and is nonverbal — is now closer than her family ever imagined. All thanks to Bonus, her Canine Companions service dog! Having a service dog helps Jazmin with daily tasks and physical demands that are difficult to perform and, according to her father Kevin, improves her social skills. Going out in public can be a challenge for someone as shy and introverted as Jazmin, he says.
Jazmin uses a walker, and that can feel ostracizing as it may be the first thing people notice about her, her dad said, but having Bonus with her provides more opportunities for socialization and helps to inspire a more comfortable environment. When people approach the family while they’re out, Bonus presents an opportunity to teach others about Canine Companions – with Jazmin handing out one of the many brochures she always carries – while also letting Jazmin meet and interact with new people as she proudly shows off her dog.
Coming from a family of teachers, Jazmin dreams of becoming one. Her social skills have increased so much since having a service dog that she has a job at Ann Taylor Factory Store and recently applied for an assisted employment position that would allow her to help with pre-K students, a first step toward reaching her goal. These things offer opportunities for young people to engage with a person with disabilities, and such efforts may help society become more inclusive, says Kevin. Seeing his daughter’s happiness and newfound independence, Kevin says he hopes more people in need apply to receive a highly trained service dog!
Nancy Lagasse and Service Dog Samantha
Nancy Lagasse goes everywhere with her service dog Samantha. The yellow lab was matched with Nancy last November, helping her lead an active life as she lives with multiple sclerosis. Samantha is Nancy’s third Canine Companions service dog. Trained to help Nancy with over 40 professional commands, Samantha is always by her side!
Nancy is a former registered nurse who spent her days helping others. Living with a disability, she continues to give back with the help of her highly-skilled four-legged companion. Nancy serves on the Culpeper Disability Services Board and is a member of the Sunrise Lions Club in Fauquier. She does regular presentations for community groups about Canine Companions, and volunteers at a local hospital with Samantha. She has started therapeutic horseback riding, and is involved with the local suicide prevention task force.
Nancy recalls the time her second Canine Companions service dog Writer helped save her life. “I fell down in the garage and my phone was in the house and so was my emergency call button. Writer was the hero of the day. He went and retrieved my phone and I was able to call for help. My biggest life lesson is to see MS as an inconvenience rather than a roadblock. With Samantha’s help I can do anything anyone else can—I just have to figure out how to do it differently, and, yes, I live life to the fullest every day.”
Annettia Huff with Service Dog Flint
Annettia Huff of Woodbine, Maryland was introduced to Canine Companions in 2010 when her husband Brandon, a United States Army veteran, received service dog Ressa after being severely wounded in Iraq in 2005. After a long working life, Ressa passed away in 2019. But instead of applying for another service dog for himself, Brandon told Annettia that it was her turn to have a service dog!
Annettia has her doctorate in Social Work, and is a consultant for a transportation ADA paratransit in Maryland. She applied to Canine Companions, and in November, 2023, she graduated with her much-loved service dog Flint. Annettia says having a service dog makes her life safer and more enjoyable. “I strongly believe in the dog-human bond, and the benefits that come from interaction with dogs. Having a service dog allows me to have increased independence in my life. Flint assists me with the “pull” command to help with the propulsion of my wheelchair. He also helps me by handing my ID and/or boarding pass while in the airport, and even with my credit card while shopping. I am passionate about removing societal barriers to employment, education & skills development to empower everyone, especially individuals with disabilities and women, to achieve their full potential. Flint is there every day to help me reach my goals!"
Canine Companions has placed more than 7,600 service dogs, but hundreds of people with disabilities are still waiting for their match. Your DogFest fundraising efforts support this important mission – get started today!
Learn more about Canine Companions at canine.org.
About Service Dogs
DogFest is a day to celebrate the joy that all dogs bring to our lives, whether working dogs or loving pets. But did you know that service dogs have different access rights and roles than pets do?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally allowed to go almost anywhere with their handler, even where pets cannot. This means you may see them out and about in your community. Remember that they have a job to do. Often, handlers welcome questions and enjoy interacting with the public, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Click here to learn more about Service Dog etiquette.
We encourage you to meet some of our Canine Companions clients and their service dogs at DogFest, and remember these important tips!
Register yourself and your pups for DogFest to receive your free bandana and join the fun!