Stories of Independence
Lyena with Grant:
Lyena lives in Granada Hills, CA with her second Canine Companions service dog, Grant. She has been a part of the Canine Companions family since 2010 when she was matched with her first service dog, Reba. Lyena is paralyzed from a spinal cord injury following a hiking accident 20 years ago and relies on Grant to help with everyday tasks such as picking up dropped items, bringing the laundry basket to her, carrying items and so much more. Grant allows Lyena to live more independently and confidently out in the world improves her quality of life.
Lyena has toured the US performing her autobiographical, one-woman show, written about “the fall that caused her paralysis and the surprising wisdom that emerged from it.” After retiring from performing, she continued to speak nation wide with her first service dog, Reba, by her side.
After Reba passed away, Lyena became a certified spiritual counselor and runs a private practice today, accompanying people through some of the most challenging times of their lives. Lyena now facilitates a grief support group that offers support to anyone in the Canine Companions community that is grieving the loss or retirement of a service dog.
Jason and facilitators Tim and Nancy with Oasis:
The Gackstetter family has been involved with Canine Companions for over 20 years. It all started when Jason, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, was six years old and matched with his first service dog, Marisa, in 2004. Marisa provided a calming presence for Jason when out in public and a social bridge as Jason loved to tell people about his awesome service dog. Jason was then matched with Service Dog Taran in 2014 and most recently with Service Dog Oasis in 2023. All of his service dogs have provided key tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items as well as providing a social bridge.
The Gackstetters have also been active volunteers for Canine Companions giving presentations and helping with outreach at events and in the community. They also served on the Southwest Region Regional Board for 17 years.
