Winter Garden Residents
Training Potential Service Dogs
Perhaps you’ve seen a couple of dogs around Winter Garden
donned with special yellow capes? Two yellow labs have been
in the homes of area residents Robin Sanchez and Erika Dold as
they began their training to become trustworthy assistance dogs.
Robin and Erika train Kermit and Glow, helping them to master
30 commands, learn basic obedience instruction, and become
socialized for further training and develop confidence.
Robin and Erika work with the Southeast Region of Canine
Companions for Independence (CCI), who will take the dogs
back after their initial rearing for additional professional training.
As volunteer puppy raisers for CCI, Sanchez and Dold must take
Kermit and Glow many places, allowing them to socialize with
strangers, walk amid crowds and traffic, and otherwise become
familiar with the world around them. They also provide a safe
home and give lots of love.
Sanchez, who has been a volunteer puppy raiser for the
organization since 2010, says, “Giving back to CCI, has become
the highlight of my life and has shaped me in so many ways.” She
has been working with Kermit, who will return to CCI in midMay to begin his advanced training.
CCI has its own breeding program in Santa Rosa, California and
the volunteer puppy raising program offers a unique opportunity
for volunteers to assist CCI with its mission. CCI assistance dogs
are provided free of charge, though costs to CCI exceed $50,000
to breed, raise, train and provide ongoing support. Charitable
contributions, grants, special events and corporate support fund
the substantial costs involved with this process.
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained
assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established
in 1975, CCI has six regional training centers across the country.
CCI is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and
the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs
and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training and
ongoing follow-up services. For more information visit www.cci.
org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
Trainer Erika Dold with Glow.
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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APRIL 2015