Watching Heartley Grow

After an exciting naming contest with over 15,000 votes, Build-A-Bear’s special puppy Heartley was named. True to his name, Heartley is a bundle full of heart and joy. “We can’t wait to follow Heartley’s journey as he grows up and trains to become an assistance dog,” says Emily Fuhrman, senior manager of cause marketing and foundation at Build-A-Bear. 

Assistance dogs often become best friends to their human partners, and Build-A-Bear Foundation has joined this ongoing mission of providing quality partnerships and forever friendships. “At Build-A-Bear, the love for furry friends is central to our mission of adding a little more heart to life—which is why we decided to partner with Canine Companions this year to help raise an assistance dog,” says Emily Fuhrman, senior manager of cause marketing and foundation.

After an exciting naming contest with over 15,000 votes, Build-A-Bear’s special puppy Heartley was named. True to his name, Heartley is a bundle full of heart and joy. “We can’t wait to follow Heartley’s journey as he grows up and trains to become an assistance dog,” remarks Emily.

Heartley will spend approximately 18 months with his volunteer puppy raiser, Cathy Reed, who will provide him basic obedience training, socialization and care. Cathy is no stranger to Canine Companions. In 2017, Cathy’s daughter Shruthi graduated with Skilled Companion Gambit who will no doubt be a great big brother and teacher to Heartley.

“Miracles happen when you watch one little girl with her service dog being independent and doing things we all take for granted,” says Cathy of her daughter Shruthi. “I am excited that these two organizations are partnering together to enhance the lives of many more children, adults and veterans with disabilities. And I am honored to be raising Heartley because it all starts with one tiny puppy.”

In addition to following Heartley and his adventures, Build-A-Bear is also running a special promotion at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores across the country and online. In honor of International Assistance Dog Week, you can support Canine Companions from August 1 – September 4 by adding $1, $3, or $5 to any Build-A-Bear purchase.

Follow along on Heartley’s journey to become a Canine Companions assistance dog at buildabear.com/puppy and learn more about our partnerships visit our corporate partners page.