Chrissy Gives the Importance of Involvement a New Name

Chrissy Martinez first learned of Can Do Canines in 2011 when a Can Do Canines graduate spoke at a Women of Today event Chrissy was attending. Soon afterward, she saw a news story about the Can Do Canines Prison Program and became further intrigued. She says, “After learning that you needed no experience and Can Do Canines would train me how to raise a puppy, it seemed like the perfect opportunity! My husband, Nick, went along with it and we've been volunteering in some capacity ever since!”

Chrissy and Nick began as Puppy Raisers. “We had no kids and lots of time,” explains Chrissy. “We raised puppies, did prison fosters and medical fosters.” Once their two daughters were born, Chrissy says their family took a break from hosting dogs for a while and volunteered in other ways. “I sent cards to donors, made photobooks for sponsored teams, and volunteered with our girls at the Woofaroo annual fundraiser.”

Their involvement has continued to evolve over the years. Chrissy shares, “I like that no matter what stage of life we're in, there's always a way to volunteer or give back to Can Do Canines.” She adds, “Now that we're a little older, we've been able to donate more financially.” They are currently ordering and funding each of our dog collars that has that dog’s name spelled out on it.  Every year, they also contribute to being able to name a puppy. For a set amount, an individual, family, or a group of people can work with our Training Department to choose a name for a Can Do Canine. Chrissy and her family already have Millie, Kit, Winston, and P.J. to their credit. Understanding that updates—including photos—are important to those who name our dogs, Chrissy is also responsible for covering the cost of the cards that are sent to these donors. 

“I enjoy the fact that my financial donation goes to support my community,” says Chrissy. “My kids and I will occasionally see a graduate pair in the community and I can tell them, ‘We helped create that.’ We can also see the impact with the improvements Can Do Canines consistently makes in the facility, investing in their training and the talented staff they are able to bring in.”

Chrissy and Nick’s daughters are getting the philanthropic message. Last summer, the girls made bracelets and sold them at a lemonade stand, donating the proceeds to their Woofaroo team. Chrissy says, “I have loved raising my kids alongside dogs.” She mentions that someone once asked her daughters if they have any pets. When they replied that they have had “lots of puppies,” Chrissy clarified their status as Can Do Canines Puppy Raisers. Two career-changed dogs became their own, though, when the family adopted Ember in 2012 and Brandy in 2024. 

Chrissy believes that connecting with Can Do Canines is easy and important. She says, “There are so many ways to support Can Do Canines, whether it's giving with your time, your talents, or in person. Find the way that works for you, but stay in touch and stay involved!”