WASATCH CHAMPIONS

Announcing the 2012 Utah CCI Puppy Raiser Workshop!

2012-01-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

All Day Saturday, June 9th

Hosted by

Charlene and Alan

For all CCI Puppy Raisers and Volunteer Puppy Sitters in Utah as well as anyone interested in becoming a CCI Puppy Raiser.

Additional details will be posted when they become available.

$2297 Raised for CCI in December!

2012-01-08T13:48:00.001-07:00

Wasatch Champions gift wrappers raised $1225 in Layton and almost $400 in Orem!

Sales of Stephanie Saint-Thomas art and Terry Okada's Dog Cookies raised $682 at the Holiday Open House.

In Memory of Handsome Hal, the Gentle Giant

2011-12-29T14:40:00.001-07:00

The Hamilton family and the CCI community, have lost an amazing member. Hal II, a Lab/Golden cross and beloved companion of Sawyer, passed away suddenly on November 16th.

Sawyer, Kandace and Hal II (LGX) graduated as a skilled companion team in November, 2005. The extended family quickly immersed themselves into the local CCI family. Sawyer, Kandace and Hal quickly became favorite speakers at events. They were present at many functions: potlucks, holiday gift-wrapping, and CCI seminars. Either Kandace or Sawyer’s sister Erica organized the CCI presence each year at Autism Walks, an annual fundraiser for autism. Sawyer, initially a shy boy with autism, blossomed with Hal by his side. Sawyer quickly learned all the facts there were to know about CCI, about service dogs, and Hal’s specific skill set. Sawyer developed the speaking skills to stand in front of a room full of people, and tell them about CCI and about “Handsome Hal”. Previously unable to sleep through the night in his own bed, visit the doctor or dentist, and struggling in crowded groups of people, Sawyer and Hal took on the world. With the gentle Hal by his side, Sawyer learned to tolerate doctors, visit stores, and enjoy family vacations. The family took a trip together to Disney and Rand (Sawyer’s dad) built a special platform on the back of an ATV so that Hal could safely accompany them on outdoor family adventures. Sawyer and Hal, in matching bowties, greeted over 500 guests at sister Erica’s wedding to Charlie.

Meanwhile, the supportive and extended family of Sawyer’s started to give back to CCI. Erica & Charlie became puppy raisers for CCI and are currently raising their 4th pup Niobe. Karen, their first pup, wasn’t cut out for service dog work, but instead found her place as a police search and rescue dog in Los Angeles. Vecca graduated as a skilled companion in 2009, and Nacho graduated just a few weeks ago as a facility dog. Niobe is actually being co-raised by Josie, younger sister of Sawyer & Erica.

Hal II was the perfect dog for Sawyer. Large, calm, gentle and well behaved no matter the occasion. Hal was equally comfortable cuddling with Sawyer as he was in the center of a crowd of people at a fundraiser. He interacted politely and calmly with adults or the unruly toddler. He was an ambassador for our local CCI community and his presence will be greatly missed by all.

The slogan of CCI is “Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People”… Hal was truly exceptional dog who served an exceptional young man.
Written by Amy Kernan

WONKA GRADUATES WITH FLYING COLORS!

2011-10-20T17:33:00.002-06:00

Ogden’s very own Canine Companions for Independence

pup Wonka graduated from advanced service training Aug. 12

and was partnered with a 22-year-old marine Gabriel Martinez. Martinez was wounded in November 2010 during an improvised explosive device attack inside Afghanistan. Martinez’s right leg was amputated above the knee. His left leg was amputated below the hip. Months of rehab at places like Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, on a pair of prosthetic legs, have him now convinced that running is in his immediate future. “Gabe is an amazing young man, and Wonka will be very happy with him,” Wonka’s puppy raiser, Lily Jones said. “He carries Gabe’s legs to him and assists him climbing stairs.” Lily says Gabe is very active and has plans to run the Boston and New York marathons this year, which Wonka will love. Lily thanks everyone from the bottom of her heart for the support that has been shown for Wonka and the CCI program. “It’s truly amazing how these dogs help people,” Lily said. Visit http://www.9news.com/herocentral/194628/570/ Marine-honored-at-the-Capitol-for-heroism to read about Wonka’s new partner being honored at the Capitol in Denver.
W&I offline, October 2011, News for IRS employees, Ogden Campus. W&I offline is published monthly by W&I Communications & Liaison for campus employees.