First of all I want to thank Mara Shepard Designer Jewelry for donating the beautiful Hearts on Fire necklace to Canine Companions for the Benefit raffle. It is because of companies like yours that Canine Companions is able to continue to provide life changing service dogs to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. I was so thrilled to hear my number read out during the raffle announcement. I can't remember ever winning anything during a raffle, especially nothing as wonderful as this diamond necklace. It is truly the most exquisite piece of jewelry I have. I don't think I will be taking it off my neck anytime soon. Thank you!
Here is a little background about my son and his Canine Companion dog Euclid . My son Rhys is 10 years old and has autism. Rhys has always had an obsession with dogs and when I read about Canine Companions I knew that we needed to sign up for a dog. We were on the waiting list for about a year and then were called to the two week team training up in Santa Rosa . Canine Companions matched my son with his service dog Euclid . Canine Companions puts a great deal of time and effort into making sure they correctly match the dog to the recipient. We have had Euclid for over 3 years now and he has made a tremendous difference in my son's life. Rhys is much more outgoing and happier since we received Euclid . Going to restaurants and malls were very hard for him before we received Euclid . Now my son holds on to him and feels safe and comfortable in crowded environments. The children at my sons school no longer think he is the kid who sometimes behaves strange, but he is now the kid who has the cool dog. Euclid is my son's best friend. He reads to him every night and then falls asleep next to him. Canine Companions is a wonderful organization that continues to support us with follow up training seminars and personal contact if needed. Our family will be forever grateful to the benefit that my son Rhys has received from Euclid and Canine Companions for Independence .
Michelle Gray
