Who doesn’t enjoy being around man’s best friend, especially with the joy and unconditional love they bring into our lives? We can all agree on how therapeutic pets are, but nothing prepared me for the non-profit Canine Companions in 2015.
A former teammate at Fidelity Investments came to work with his skilled companion/service dog, and I was intrigued by what transpired before my eyes. I became acquainted with his service dog, Sorley, an exceptionally trained companion, understands more than 50 commands. He was proud to carry my teammate’s lunch bag and trot alongside him while gripping documents/files in his mouth, and when he wasn’t working, he stayed hidden under my teammate’s desk, not making a sound. The only time anyone would hear him was when he would shake, his collar sounding like jingle bells. Over time, I saw genuine love, trust, and respect between owner and skilled companion, a priceless partnership.
By witnessing these interactions daily, I fell in love with the mission and everything the organization represented to our communities and wanted to help however I could. I filled out a volunteer application, underwent a background check, and attended an onboarding session, during which CC would lead us through their history, areas we can help, and how we could support their signature event of the year, DogFest.
You could say I was in doggy heaven because one of the first things I signed up for was doggy bathing. If you spoil your dog, you have nothing over the love that is shown to these special dogs! Not only do they get the whole spa treatment: shampoo, conditioner, and tearless shampoo around their face and ears, but if they get nervous in the tub, treats are always nearby! Some would get towel-dried over the hand dryer, but they would all end up in their beauty incubators heated at a comfortable 70 degrees for 45 minutes.
One of my passions is marketing. Combining it with dogs gives you a heart-happy feeling. I had a blast promoting pre-approved marketing content to all my connections on LinkedIn and Instagram, encouraging them to donate as individuals, create teams, become sponsors, or attend the positively fabulous DogFest!
By October 2021, I had created a unique cybersecurity campaign at my work called Paws for a Cause. By encouraging employees to report suspicious communications as part of their monthly test, we donated $1 per employee to Canine Companions. There was genuine excitement, knowing how much they would impact the community with one click. We raised over $500 that month.
In December 2023, my husband and I sponsored puppy Scarlett through her 16-month puppy-raising journey. She will eventually enter a rigorous program with constant testing and training as she prepares for a career with her “forever family.” This deep connection between dogs and humans is explored in Netflix’s “Inside the Mind of a Dog”, where Canine Companions are featured throughout this insightful and heartfelt documentary.
Canine Companions is a remarkable non-profit organization that welcomes volunteers from all walks of life. We transform the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs at no cost and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Visit the South-Central Canine Companions website at https://canine.org/location/south-central to learn more about their mission and volunteer opportunities.
Join us for a doggone good time at DogFest!
Grab a leash and bring your friends, family, and fur babies to enjoy a day full of festivities. This free event is open to the public, so don’t miss out on the fun!
DogFest DFW
Where: Community Beer Co. | 3110 Commonwealth Dr., Dallas
When: September 14 | 4 PM – 7 PM
DogFest Houston
Where: The Boardwalk at Towne Lake | 9555 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress
When: October 5 | 10 AM – 1 PM
