Meet the PROS
September is National Service Dog Month! Service dogs are incredible working dogs who help people with disabilities live more independently.
They’re trained as PROS to complete a variety of tasks – like picking up a dropped cell phone at the park or handing a credit card to the cashier at the grocery store.
Learn about each PRO and how they help their handlers with their specialized tasks below!
Kaliyah and
Service Dog Falen
“If you were to ask me what the most life-changing aspect of getting a service dog was for me, I’d give you one simple answer; the feeling of freedom.”
Kaliyah has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects her skin, joints and blood vessel walls and greatly hinders her day-to-day activities. In 2023, a Canine Companions service dog named Falen expanded Kaliyah’s possibilities for the future, thanks to the more than 40 tasks she was taught to help Kaliyah live her life more freely.
Falen can turn on and off lights, open and close doors, retrieve water bottles and get Kaliyah’s shoes in the morning and close the cabinets. These tasks are almost impossible for Kaliyah to do on her own because of her disabilities.
“Falen has changed my life dramatically by decreasing my pain levels and symptoms,” says Kaliyah. “I have been able to completely eliminate most of my pain because Falen is working with me,” she added.
With Falen’s help, Kaliyah has started the journey to higher education, accomplished many firsts, including traveling independently for the first time and immersing herself in disability advocacy.
“Falen has allowed me to dream about what my life could be that I never thought possible before.”
Michael and
Service Dog Noodle
Michael has a determined and very fluffy sidekick to help manage the symptoms of his disability – particularly picking up dropped items Michael is unable to get himself. In 2020, Michael received Service Dog Noodle, a black Labrador / Golden Retriever, from Canine Companions.
Noodle is Michael’s second expertly trained PRO service dog. Noodle excels at taking Michael’s socks off and turning out the lights at the end of each day before romping and playing.
“My favorite thing about Noodle is how smart he is,” Michael says. “He doesn’t give up.”
Brian and
Service Dog Radcliff
Brian leads a busy life as a program manager for the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research. He also manages research programs for the Department of Health and Human Services. Brian’s busy days are made easier thanks to a Canine Companions PRO service dog named Radcliff.
Radcliff is Brian’s third service dog from Canine Companions, assisting with daily tasks that are difficult for Brian to do independently due to quadriplegia. Brian and Radcliff work from home, reducing the number of people who are around at any given time to assist with picking up dropped items and opening doors. Fortunately, Radcliff loves his job and retrieving items is his favorite task of all.
“Radcliff is real chill, he’s a very mellow dog.” Brian says, “He’s happy to be with me and he’s happy to work.”
Brian has benefited socially and emotionally from having service dogs as well.
“When I got a service dog, it changed completely. Having a beautiful service dog by your side diverts that attention to the dog, they’re not even looking at the dude in the wheelchair.”
Zander and
Service Dog Zanna
Zander, and his service dog Zanna make up the “Z Team.” With her long, majestic fur and loving personality, Zanna supports Zander every day as he navigates his life. Zander was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that has affected his speech and mobility. But, with Zanna by his side, his world has transformed, allowing him greater independence.
Each morning, Zanna assists Zander in getting ready for school and boarding the bus, sending him off into the day. Whether they are out in the neighborhood, where Zanna taps the elevator button with her nose, or at home, where she opens the refrigerator doors to grab his drink, her presence grants him newfound independence.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. Zanna’s unwavering support accompanies Zander to his medical appointments, where her presence keeps him grounded and motivated. These are just a few of the many ways in which Zanna has been a true life-changer.
Megan and
Service Dog Sir
Megan was already a PRO service dog handler when she was matched with Service Dog Sir, who is trained to alert her to important sounds Megan can’t hear. Megan had many happy years with her first service dog, Ras, who allowed her to live more independently. Sir gladly picked up where Megan’s first dog left off, providing confidence and peace of mind, never missing a beat.
Living with deafness, Megan relies on Sir to nudge her and lead her to important sounds at home and in public places. Megan doesn’t miss the notifications from her phone, trucks backing up in parking lots or even smoke alarms.
“Sir is excellent at his job, which requires him to be listening – pretty much all the time – for important sounds and nudge me until I acknowledge him. He even let me know when I left croissants in the toaster oven and prevented a fire!”
Always ready and excited to work, Sir’s favorite moment is when Megan grabs his service dog vest off the hook by the door. However, Sir is by no means “all work and no play,” and loves snuggling and being goofy at home – always with one ear out, listening for Megan.
Kya and
Service Dog Sprinkle
Kya is a junior at Wright State University in Ohio, where she is studying psychology and criminal justice with a big goal – to work as a forensic psychologist or civil rights attorney. Kya’s enthusiasm is contagious, especially when she’s talking about advocacy.
Kya was born with a rare physical condition called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, that impacts her mobility. Since 2020, she’s been partnered with Canine Companions Service Dog Sprinkle, who enhances independence and helps Kya experience college more independently.
Sprinkle helps Kya pick up dropped items, like her pencils, and open doors. Kya calls her a “homework helper” because Sprinkle’s expertise at retrieving a variety of items makes doing her assignments – independently – possible.
Future PROS
Pilot
Andy
Andy is a loveable puppy with a big goal – to become a Canine Companions service dog for a person with a disability. Every day, he’s busy exploring his world, learning about the fun and not-so-fun adventures to be had.
When Andy learns he comes from a special family of Canine Companions service dogs, he’s determined to follow their journey – whatever it takes. With practice, trial and error and a whole bunch of enthusiasm, Andy heads to professional training to see if he can make the cut.
Andy: A Dog’s Tale, follows this loving, goofy adorable pup’s journey from day one to a new future. Check out the trailer for the sweetest puppy film around and register to join our virtual premiere watch party on September 20!
