5699 Ridge Road (Rt. 104) Lockport, New York 14094 716-433-4035 (Voice or TDD) Beverly D. Underwood, Executive Director CUSTOM-TRAINED ASSISTANCE DOGS HEARING ~ SERVICE ~ MOBILITY (MULTI-SERVICE) ~ SEIZURE ALERT ~ THERAPY e-mail us at: CHHDogs@aol.com - or - visit us online at CanineHelpers.orgNEWSLETTER 62:a Published & Edited by Doreen & Beverly APRIL 2010

“EARS WITH A HEART” Canine Helpers is happy to announce that our reading to dogs program, “Ears with a Heart” is in full swing! Many of our dogs are now enjoying their time at school listening to kids read to them. This is a fantastic program offered by some schools and libraries, designed to help improve reading skills while making reading fun. Reading is often less about intellectual limitations than overcoming fears. Dogs encourage the children to relax and read out loud.

Dogs are ideal reading companions They allow the child to read at their own

pace They do not judge or criticize They are always attentive listeners They are forgiving and accept everyone

When a child reads to a Canine Helper, their dread of reading is replaced with eager anticipation and a fun learning process occurs.

If you would like to reach out to children in your community who would benefit from our “Ears With A Heart” reading program, we welcome your sponsorship and ask that you help spread the word to schools and libraries in your community. God Bless, Beverly

~ Wish List ~ Annuals & Perennials Video Projector Lawn Sweeper Paper Towels Nylabone Wishbones “Free” Detergent Smoke Alarms Toilet Paper Dog Toys Bleach Fire Extinguishers Tissues Printer Paper Towels & Blankets Baskets to Raffle Garbage Bags Legal Envelopes Folding Chairs & Tables Gift Cards C-Fold Paper Towels HP Ink Cartridges 88, 95, 96, 97 Gas Grill Cash

Canine Helpers for the Handicapped invites you to attend its

Saturday, June 5, 2010 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet our GRADUATES, dogs in training & our special working teams, plus Graduation Ceremony Huge Basket Raffle Homemade Bake Goods Assistance Dog Demos Tours of our Facilities Kid’s Corner Door Prizes and More

5699 Ridge Rd. Lockport, NY 14094 716-433-4035 (voice or TD)

Rt. 104: 2.4 miles west of Wrights Corners (Rt. 78) or 1.5 miles east of Rt. 93 (Campbell Blvd.)

Lions Club of Niagara Falls, NY Virginia Evans Devereux Gasport Welding & Fab DelMar Farms, Inc. Mentholatum Dress Down DaysDiane BielinskiJoan McLean Marjorie Butler Jean CrosbyTed & Patty Richards Susan McCarthyAmerican Legion S.E.F.A. Donor ChoiceOvid-Willard Lions ClubA.E.S. Somerset LLC Elizabeth Crofton Holly Ann Batal James Vallee St. James United Church of ChristSharon MillerLeonard Wiltberger Margaret WiltbergerKeith MarkusMarguerite A. RossTripifoodsUnited Way of Bflo & Erie Co. - Donor Choice

Dorothy Shaw “Pearl Grey”By: Risa & David Paonessa By: Ellen Noonan

Peggy & Richard Ross “Candy Cane”By: Elizabeth Winters By: Barbara Bobby

Scott Erdley “Riley & Lady Girl”By: Heather & Eric Ohmit By: Maria Walczak

Jonah Kathleen CollinsBy: Todd & Amy Murray By: Henry Collins

James Knox “Maggie, Lizzy, Ryan” Scott Franklin “Cougar & Millie” By: Franklin Traffic Service By: Connie & Richard Heselberger “Baby Boy Sami” “Pete & Alice”By: Barbara Wrobel By: Linda & Scott Franklin

John Fitzgerald & His Mr. & Mrs. Rhodes’ “Great-Grand Dog Mya Rose” 50th Wedding AnniversaryBy: Constance Whitcomb By: Carolyn Marion

Robert & Kay Lane John Eden & “Cohen” By: Sue NeumeisterBy: Chris Barstow By: Timothy McCarthy

David Sprout & “Levi” “Ollie”By: Wendy Sprout By: Paul Palumbo

Ms. E. Chrymko Mike BehunBy: Edith Mahoney By: Elaine Bialecki

Scott Franklin Sam Gelfand By: Sharon & Philip Durick By: Pamela Anderson

“Scout” By: Joanne Quinlan

In Honor of Loved Ones & Pets

Hi. My name is Jonathan Lesniowski. I have a very supportive family, with a lovely wife and three great children. In 2002 I became permanently disabled and had to retire from being a Locomotive Engineer. Since then I had six major surgeries, mostly fusions to my spine. Most recently I had a spinal stimulator implanted in 2009. I have also been diagnosed with a nerve injury called RSD/CRPS, along with a host of other problems and complications. One of the darkest periods was in 2008 when I had to have a major revision surgery to my lower back. It left me in a walker, scooter or wheelchair as my only way of getting around. My wife and I had some serious decisions to make concerning my physical and emotional state.

In the Spring of 2009 we decided to contact Canine Helpers for advice and direction. We then chose an Akita puppy, or as we like to think of it, she chose us, and we named her “Snuggy.” Beverly Underwood soon put us into the CHH training program. It has now been over a year and Snuggy and I are partners in this journey called life. Snuggy has been a huge emotional boost for me and has brought my family even closer. My wife will even say, “You need Snuggy time” because she sees the close bond between Snuggy and me. When I get depressed and cry, she will lick my tears away. Very soon after we will just be playing and I forget all about my worries. Today, I can walk with just Snuggy, a cane, and left leg brace. Snuggy helps me get out to do things that I never thought would be possible again. She is being trained to get help in case of an emergency, carry a back pack with essentials, pick up my cane and other items, get my stimulator control unit, pull me up when needed, and help stabilize me when I walk.

My oldest daughter, Delia, loves Canine Helpers so much that she volunteers every time she gets a chance. She has been inspired to become a veterinarian later in life and is now fostering a puppy for CHH. It will be

trained for a person like me, in need of the help and love of a devoted assistance dog.

I became a Canine Helpers’ board member a few months ago and I am actively volunteering when my body allows. I bring a unique perspective as a client, but I am also blessed to see how many lives Canine Helpers is touching through their non-profit organization. I can say it has made a difference in my family’s and my own personal life. We can use your support through financial donations and volunteering at Canine Helpers. I can tell you personally that every bit counts and it is being put towards changing a life in need of hope and help.

In conclusion, my personal goal is to eventually volunteer at Hospice and Children’s Hospital as a Canine Therapy Team so Snuggy and I can be a light to those in need.

Thank you Canine Helpers for believing in us. I also want to give a special thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “Through him and in him all things are possible (who believe)” Mark 9:23.

Jonathan Lesniowski & “Snuggy”Akita - Service Dog

Getzville, NY

Please send us your DASH MARKETS tapes ~ We redeem them for cash!

Did you know that a “Living Legacy” to Canine Helpers can be provided for in your Will?Just ask your attorney to help set it up.

Lynne M. Gang & “Buddie”Service Dog - Havenese

Lockport, NY

loveable. Tom went into the hospital at Thanksgiving and developed complications. My grandson was living with me and he and Buddie developed a warm bond. It was a good thing because I was shuttling back and forth to Niagara Falls, Ontario to see Tom. Tom passed away on January 7 th and Buddie was my comfort during this time.

Both Dylan and I had come to think that my friend had given Buddie up for good, but one day in early February just before I was planning to leave for Florida for 2 months with him, she called and said she was taking him back. We were stunned. I was brokenhearted.

I went to Florida and came back in early April and called to check on them. To my surprise she asked me if I wanted Buddie and how much would I pay for him. There was no question. The bargain was quickly made and Buddie is now mine!

Because of my many surgeries, back, knee, mini stroke, and the toll of losing Tom and some other problems, I talked to my neurologist about having Buddie trained as a Service Dog. In the summer of 2009 I began with simple obedience commands with Laura as our personal trainer at Canine Helpers. Buddie was somewhat resistant at first, but he soon looked forward to the sessions and we added new tasks that he could do for me.

He is great at picking things up that I drop: my keys, wallet, cell phone, letter or card that I am working on, piece of silverware from the table, his empty dish or a toy that he wants me to play with him and throw. When he wants something, he will come to me and put his paws on my knee and speak. He even tells me when it is time to go to bed. He is very vigilant about people coming to the door and hears cars coming up our long driveway long before I do. When we are getting ready to go out, he will bring me his leash and stand on his hind legs so I can reach it. When I go to a restaurant, he sits quietly under the table or my chair. He has traveled on the plane with me to Florida, but I have to say on our recent trip, part of the time he thought he was a baby in my arms looking out the window (he is only 16 pounds). But he does know the difference. The blue collar/harness and leash means it’s time to work! We are going to continue training for a personal alert system next.

Buddie is special! Thanks to Canine Helpers and Laura.

Buddie came into my life in November 2008 when he was just a six month old frisky Havenese pup that belonged to a good friend of mine who had severe back problems, had a mother who was dying out of state and a daughter and a year old grandson living with her and just couldn’t cope with the puppy as well. At that time my significant other Tom and I found him a handful with minimal obedience skills, some housebreaking lapses, but very

Personalized Pet Gifts Dog Blankets $10 Neckerchiefs $ 5 Wet Paws Towel $ 5 Bath Towel $10 Please call Sharon at 716-685-1819

Beware of Cocoa Mulch!It contains “Theobromine” which is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and attractsdogs. If ingested, theycan die.

Remember Heartworm checkups & preventative for your pets!

BEVERAGE BOTTLE & CAN DRIVEWe are collecting clean beverage bottles and cans to redeem for cash. Please bring your clean beverage containers to Canine Helpers’ Training Center while you are out for a drive and we will do the rest. Thank you!

MEMBERSHIPS & DONATIONSYour support will enable us to continue the training Assistance Dogs. All donations, in any amount, are greatly appreciated!

We are a non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible. DONATION of $_________ MEMBERSHIPS: ___$15 Senior ___$25 Individual ___$50 Family ___$200 Corporate

In Honor of: (please circle: individual or pet ) ____________________________________________________________________________ In Memory of: (please circle: individual or pet ) ___________________________________________________________________________

Dog Sponsorship for: _______________________________________________________________________ Amount $_____________________

A LIVING LEGACY to Canine Helpers has been provided for in my Will _____________________________________________

NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________ e-mail:________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (please print) street city state zip

“Molly Mayer” “Gretchen Merry Heart”By: Earl & Debby Zebb By: Joanne & “Scout”

“Past Pets” Ruth FellBy: Doreen Tarangelo By: Joseph Fell

Elwood Atwater Carol Shevlin & “Cody”By: Bonita Tarajos By: Mary Bucciarelli

Sylvia J. Kovac James GoetchiusBy: Paul Kovac By: Joyce Goetchius

“Casey, Toby” “Chelsea & Pepper” “Christie & Ducat” By: Cheryl MassettBy: Alice Shimer

Robert Carlin My ParentsBy: Judith Carlin By: Elaine Bialecki

“Tally” “Waterboy & Chelsea”By: Pat Flanders By: Victor & Diane Montgomery

Roy Richardson Mrs. MeidenbauerBy: Shirley Richardson By: Ronald & Kathleen Krebs

“Tyndall” Brad HugBy: Elizabeth Winters By: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kilroy

Elizabeth Sojka “Kit Kat & Boo Buttons”By: Joyce Goetchius By: Cheryl Massett

“Brandy” “Matey”By: Calvin & Susan Donop By: Ruth Frey

Donna Group Alice GasieckiBy: John Group By: Edward Gasiecki

Jean Preston “Chaunda”By: Lori Regni By: Deborah Matteson

“Daisy” “Max”By: Jack & Sharon Karstens By: Tina Dillon

Ruth Fell “Nic”By: Chester & Beatrice Fell By: Robert Nowakowski

Beloved Pets & CHH’s “Blue”By: Vera Caldwell

“Jeff & BJ”By: Dale Milsom

“Lucy”By: Rosemary Van Auker

Donald BruningBy: Niag Falls Harley Owners Group

“Jett”By: Rick & Debbie Ruppel

“Satin”By: Ted & Patty Richards

Chris HojnackiBy: Susan Siegmann

“Judy of Tara Ledge”By: Susan McCarthy

“Pumpkin, Marigold” “Fennel & Birch”By: Diane Calabrese

“Heidi”By: Leon Refermat

Sheena & CassieBy: Don & Marlene Stoerr

Christopher HojnackiBy: Sarah Bucelato

“Reba”By: David & Rebecca Klamut

Henry MocniakBy: Denis Mocniak

In Memory of Loved Ones & Pets

DixieBy: Diane Bielinski Pierre Pompidou

By: Sarah Dinatale “Shonzie”By: Cheryl & Ronald Spiak “Smiley Kruszka-Agle” By: Robert & Jeanne “Rusty” ZimmermanBy: Doris Smith

“Trooper” Dick Speranza By: Carol DiFrancescoBy: Nancy Speranza

Joseph Walters “Missy” Ricky. Clar &By: Karen & Nicholas Quaranto Amber Joy

By: June Nickel “Jake”By: Janice Gantress Mary Agnes Batchelor

By: Susan Martinez Frank EldridgeBy: Audrey Eldridge “Barney”

By: George & Paulette Glasgow

Jan Marie Grayson “Baron”By: Philip Grayson By: Jeannine Piette

Ron & Sharon Gertrude Martin Hershberger By: Gerald MurphyBy: Carol Daigler

Jock Kilmer Jean Preston By: Sue CarlinBy: Carol Daigler Joanne Goldman “Lakota” & “Kerri” By: Beverly UnderwoodBy: Beverly Underwood & CHH Staff

“Wayne “Bud” Allen “Watson”By: Bolivar Lions Club By: Steven W. Lee

Christopher Hojnacki “Angel”By: Michele Cashier By: Kathy Bucierka

“Brandy” By: Brian Michael Levine

Ways You Can Help ~ including special group projects Help sponsor a client and assistance dog team Help us feed a dog for one month – or as many dogs as you’d like for as long as you’d

like! Help provide & install fencing for a large play yard for our dogs and clients. Help repair our kennel roof – we need supplies as well as labor. Give to the “Caring Canine Fund” Leave a “Living Legacy” through Planned Giving Support our “Ears With a Heart” Reading Program for children Send us your Dash Markets tapes – we redeem them for cash Save your empty ink cartridges – we redeem them for cash Drop off your clean beverage bottles and cans – we redeem them for cash Donate a wish list or basket raffle item Purchase a “Garden Stone” to place in our Memory Garden Purchase RADA Cutlery through CHH – it’s made in the USA Volunteer at our training center or at our fundraisers to augment our downsized staff.

Help Feed a Dog for $35 a month: I would like to sponsor____ dog(s) for ___ month(s) Please check if you do NOT wish to receive a written receipt or certificate if applicable

Thank you for continuing this mission of love!

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Summer Open House & Graduations June 5th

Be sure to check our website for our Spring Fundraisers

Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to training dogs to assist people with disabilities to lead more independent and secure lives. Hearing Dogs alert deaf and hearing impaired persons to sounds in the environment. Service Dogs assist the physically disabled individual with common tasks that are difficult or impossible to accomplish unaided. Mobility (Multi-Service) Dogs perform a variety of tasks for individuals with multiple disabilities or special needs. Therapy Dogs provide close companionship for individuals or residents of institutions. Seizure Alert Dogs alert their partners to oncoming seizures and assist them in any way needed. The minimum cost of training each dog is $15,540. Recipients are asked to help fundraise to cover the cost of their dogs. For further information or an application, or if your group is interested in an informative talk or demonstration, please contact Beverly Underwood.

Tax Exempt Status as defined in Section 501-C (3) of the IRSPursuant to Article 7-A of New York State Executive Law 174-B, copies of the latest annual report may be obtained upon request from this organization of

from the office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, New York 10271

It’s Membership Time!

New and Renewing Members are always welcome!

Memberships are for one year,

July 1st through June 30th.Please use the form found on

the last page.