Irvine Man Receives Free Service Dog

Mike, of Irvine, recently received a successor service dog, provided free of charge, from Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Service Dog Celie is trained in about 40 commands to help make everyday life easier for Mike, just like her predecessor.

Mike was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) 20 years ago. PLS is a neuromuscular disease involving the progressive weakening of voluntary muscles. His future was uncertain. Mike would gradually lose mobility, but he wouldn’t know exactly what that would entail or when.

Ten years later, Mike learned about an organization that provided a unique tool to help people with disabilities like Mike’s. Not only could it offer practical help, but the program provided great emotional benefits. It was Canine Companions.

Mike eventually applied for an assistance dog, and in 2007 he received Service Dog Mager III. Mager, a black Labrador Retriever, helped Mike by retrieving dropped or out of reach items, opening doors and activating light switches. He was also by Mike’s side as he transitioned from predominantly using a walker to a wheelchair. He was a great friend.

Service Dog Celie, a sweet, yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross, is picking up where Mager left off. “The comradery of being with a dog is a great thing,” says Mike. “I felt a connection with Celie right away. I think she felt it with me, too! She’s very affectionate and very responsive to me.”

Mike lives alone, except for when his college-aged son is visiting. He works part-time and telecommutes. It’s nice to have Celie to keep him company. “Celie encourages me to get outside more,” Mike says.

No one knows what the future holds but a good dog will remind you of the importance of enjoying the present, no matter what.

Mike and Celie graduated together after completing an intense, residential, two-week Team Training course at Canine Companions’ Southwest Regional Center in Oceanside, California. During Team Training, students are strategically matched with assistance dogs and learn how to work with them safely and effectively. The dogs are trained in about 40 commands to help with everyday practical tasks before they are ready to graduate as 24/7 helpers. Thanks to Canine Companions’ generous supporters, the dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up support are provided free of charge.

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About Canine Companions for Independence®:

Canine Companions for Independence® is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country, including CA, FL, OH, NY and TX, and has placed nearly 5,000 assistance dogs. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between people and dogs. There is no charge for the dog, its training and a lifetime of ongoing follow-up services. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.