By Jessica Kellogg -
For years, Jon struggled. Phone calls were missed; smoke detectors and doorbells were unnoticed; the voices of his wife and son were unheard. Jon and his family were living with the daily stress of a part of his world being inaccessible. Until Calla came into his life.
“My wife drove by the Can Do Canines sign countless times before thinking that an assistance dog might be able to help me,” he says. Jon had been aware of guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs but did not realize the extensive capabilities of assistance dogs or that one might change his life. Jon explains, “Growing up on a farm, we always had dogs around, but I never pictured having a dog in the house.”
After being matched, Jon and Calla, a 3-year-old black Lab, began the intensive process of coming together as a team. “Calla is a sweetheart. We bonded really quickly,” Jon recalls. “The first time I met her was just awesome. She was so affectionate and loving. As we were leaving that first meeting, I remember my wife saying she had never seen me smile so much.”
Following that first meeting, Jon and Calla trained together for about two months before being certified as a team. Jon admits, “It’s been a big transition with a lot of new responsibilities like keeping up on her training and skills. But there is also just the fun of taking her for a walk every day. We know each other so well now and it warms my heart that she is always here for me.”
Calla is task trained to alert Jon to sounds he may have missed. “It’s so cool that she nudges me when a phone or doorbell rings, but if someone calls my name, she will even take me directly to them.” Having Calla’s assistance has made Jon feel safer and more confident. He no longer worries about missing his wife and son trying to get his attention. “Calla took such a huge weight off my shoulders. I never pictured this level of independence would be an option.”
Having Calla has had a profound benefit on the entire family. Jon shares, “She’s brought a great sense of relief to my wife too. She doesn’t worry about me as much. And my son absolutely adores her. She has really helped keep us all a little more positive and happier. It’s amazing how much laughter and love she has brought to my family.”
Jon bubbles with pride and gratitude for Calla, saying, “Sometimes I just look at her and think, ‘Yep, that’s my dog.’”
Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Puppy Raiser — Stanley Correctional Institution
Great Start Home — Colleen Etzbach
Whelping Home — The Nervick Family
Special Thanks — Sharon and Ivan Fong, Melissa Kieffer, Jim and Carol Wacek
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