Independence! by Amy Sperry HUGE Benefit to Us,” He Adds

Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota

F ailsR O M M I N N E S O T A For Friends of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Fall 2008 Vol. 19 Issue 4 In 1988, Lucky, pictured above, was the first dog we adopted from an animal shelter. She was homeless and was scheduled to be euthanized that day. Lucky served as our demonstration dog for 11 years. SheT is symbolic of our commitment to save homeless dogs while fulfilling our mission to serve people with disabilities. Independence! by Amy Sperry HUGE benefit to us,” he adds. “Thank you for making this as easy as possible for our family.” Brianna Albers of Rosemount, Minn., is Brianna says. “Plus, people talk to me a spirited 13-year-old who has a form of more because they are curious about Brianna expressed her appreciation to the muscular dystrophy. (Muscular dystrophy my dog. I’m meeting more people. I’m contributors at Hearing and Service Dogs of is an inherited muscle disease that causes getting out more and being more active.” Minnesota who have raised funds to train these muscles to weaken progressively.) The super dogs. She adds, “Thank you for Lexi!”❤ symptoms of muscular dystrophy limit Brianna’s dad, Rick added, “Having Lexi movement and coordination, making it has brought us closer as a family. Now tough on an energetic we go out to the back yard teenager. and play catch. We didn’t do that before having Brianna says that, since Lexi. People talk to us as she was a little girl, she a family and ask about To make more dogs available for children like wanted a Service Dog Lexi. Not only is Brianna Brianna, visit us at www.hsdm,.org. to help her with day-to- becoming more outgoing— day activities. Brianna we all are!” THOSE WHO MADE THIS and her parents, Rick PLACEMENT POSSIBLE and Heidi, did some Brianna says that having Dog Source Julie Mach research online, which a Service Dog is a lot of convinced them of work. “You can’t just sit Veterinary Services the benefits of having and do nothing,” she says. Mounds View Animal Hospital a Service Dog. They “You have to really want it contacted Hearing and work at it.” Puppy Raiser The Schwartz Family and Service Dogs of Brianna Albers and Lexi Trainer Staff Minnesota and were Rick says the family came matched with Lexi, a chocolate Labrador across other organizations that train Foster Home Inmates at Retriever with the temperament and strong Service Dogs. “But Hearing and Service Faribault Correctional Facility body build suited to helping Brianna Dogs of Minnesota was able to send the with her daily tasks. Lexi can open doors trainer right to our house. That was a for Brianna (Brianna uses a motorized Bring It On! by Dianne Astry wheelchair), pick up dropped items, and alert family members when Brianna needs Nathan Gottschalk is an eighth grader who teases help. his sisters, plays soccer and cracks jokes. Anyone who meets him would agree that he’s a typical “Having Lexi has helped me to be more teenager—who happens to have been born with independent.Inside I now This can do Issuethings by myself From the Executive Director...... 2 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). And now because she is there to help me out,” that he has Myster, his Golden Retriever Service Zachary Lowe & Lincoln...... 3 Dog, this 13-year-old says DMD has less of an Chandra Dickinson & Conner...... 4 effect his life. Sherrilyn Klaasen & Hogan...... 4 Holly Zellmer & Gibson...... 4 The Gottschalk family was considering a family Development News...... 8 pet when the idea of a Service Dog came into play. Why not have a family pet that could Alyson May & Stewart...... 9 provide more independence and self-confidence Volunteer Spotlight...... 9 for Nathan, who uses a power wheelchair? Heel and Wheel Results...... 10 John Maurer & Ruby...... 11 The family contacted several programs and were told that children could not receive assistance Nathan Gottschalk and Myster (continued on page 8)

WWW.HSDM.ORG From the Executive Director Volume 19 Issue 3 Al Peters & Rosie

Graduation Tails From Minnesota Sixteen Hearing and Service Dog Published quarterly for friends and supporters of candidates will join us on stage for our fall Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota graduation at Anne Sullivan School, 3100 Editor/Layout/Design th East 28 Street, in Minneapolis on Saturday, Alan M. Peters Sue Schuster Youth Nov. 1. The graduation ceremony lasts for Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota As you page through this issue, you’ll about an hour and will begin at 1:00 p.m. is dedicated to enhancing the quality of notice how many of our graduates life for people who are deaf, hard of hearing Refreshments and photo opportunities will or disabled by creating mutually beneficial are young people. Our staff worked follow the ceremony. partnerships with specially trained dogs. extra hard to get dogs placed during Graduation is my favorite event of the year. We envision a future in which every the summer months, while our young I take great pride in seeing the hard work person who needs and wants an students were more available for of our staff and volunteers come together to assistance dog can have one. training. Summer training also meant meet the special needs of our graduates and Hearing Dogs are adopted from local animal the dogs would be ready to go to school take advantage of the talent and dedication shelters, placed with deaf or hard-of-hearing clients in the fall. Our staff’s efforts were and specially trained to alert clients to important sounds in their environment. Service Dogs are successful, and these lucky children trained to help people with physical disabilities by and teens will lead more independent pulling their wheelchairs, picking up or carrying objects, opening doors, flipping light switches and lives as a result. It’s exciting for me to performing other daily tasks. Dogs, training and see young people benefiting from our supplies are provided to each client free of charge. services and having their lives changed Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota in so many ways. We can all be proud 2537 25th Avenue South of these accomplishments. Minneapolis MN 55406 612-729-5986, 612-729-5914 tty/fax e-mail [email protected] But youth is present at Hearing and Some May 2008 Graduates website www.hsdm.org Service Dogs of Minnesota in more Board of Directors ways than one. During the first 20 days of our assistance dogs. You’ll feel proud too, Mary Quist President of September, we had 21 new puppies Carlos Villalpando Vice President knowing that your volunteer or financial Lisa Knazan Secretary arrive at our facility! Puppies came contribution helped make these dreams come Monique Morton Treasurer by van, car, and airplane, from Illinois, true. Please join me for this year’s graduation! Sara Braziller Kara Fairbairn Lisa Knazan MarySue Krueger Iowa, North Carolina and Minnesota. John Parzych We received Australian Labradoodles, Another Reason to be Proud! Maureen Pranghofer Labrador Retrievers, Golden You’ll also feel proud when you see the John Stockman Len Washko

Retrievers, and Standard Poodles Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota 2007 Staff during this brief period of time. All of Annual Report! Our first published annual To reach a staff member via phone, dial them needed report is a stunning compilation of interesting 612-729-5986. When you hear the greeting, press the extension number. puppy-raiser facts and heartwarming photos that commu- Mary Budge Director of Operations homes. nicates our outstanding year of achievement. [email protected] ext. 158 The 2007 Annual Report is now available as Laurie Carlson Event & Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] ext. 113 Our already a download from out website at www. Rob Carrick Puppy Program Coordinator crowded hsdm.org or through the mail [email protected] ext. 111 Janet Cobus Development Director facility by calling our office. Enjoy! [email protected] ext. 153 has been Mona Elder Graduate Services Coordinator overflowing [email protected] ext. 155 Join In Our Work Kim Hyde Director of Training One of our new ar- with puppies Many of you will soon [email protected] ext. 154 rivals tries out the while our receive our holiday appeal Rita Jesse Graduate Presenter overworked Julianne Larsen Special Programs Coordinator captain’s chair after mailing requesting your [email protected] ext. 117 a successful flight to staff struggled financial support. Please Jessica Nadeau Development Assistant Minneapolis to find homes [email protected] ext. 152 become our partner in Angela Olson Kennel Manager for them providing these wonderful helpers to [email protected] ext. 156 all. We are still looking for people to more special individuals, just like those Lee Perish Account Assistant raise some of these cute pups, and I [email protected] 612-729-5914 tty you read about in this issue of Tails From Al Peters Executive Director implore you to consider taking on this Minnesota. Together we will provide the gifts [email protected] ext. 116 rewarding volunteer effort. Please of freedom, independence and peace of mind Thomas Rehbein Administrative Assistant consider becoming a puppy raiser or a ❤ [email protected] ext. 151 to all those on our waiting list. Thank you! Jason Stebner Administrative Assistant foster home. Contact Laurie Carlson [email protected] ext. 157 at 612-729-5986 ext. 113 or lcarlson@ Maria Dunn, Jenna Nikodym, Aubrey Prigge, hsdm.org for further information. Caitlin Weiss Kennel Assistants

2 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 3 Our Story Zachary Lowe and Lincoln by Janet Lowe, Zachary’s mom When our son, Zachary, was during his Applied Behavioral Analysis diagnosed with autism spectrum sessions, and Zach’s learning rate has disorder in March 2006, my husband shot through the roof! Lincoln also and I were devastated. The diagnosis sleeps next to Zachary’s bed, and Zach put us on an emotional roller coaster. has never slept better. After the tears, anger, and fear began to fade, I began investigating The biggest change I’ve seen is that treatments to help my son. I found Zachary now talks to people about myself drowning in information, Lincoln. Previously, he was almost with no idea of how to sort through completely nonverbal. I cry just it. I knew nothing of the therapies, thinking about it. Lincoln is also helping supplements, diets, and high-priced Kaylynn. When she cries, Lincoln licks gizmos that were “proven to help kids her face, and her tears immediately turn with autism.” to laughter.

When a story about autism Assistance One day, Lincoln started barking— Dogs caught my eye, I looked into something he never does! I ran upstairs organizations in other states and was and found Zachary and Kaylynn floored at the cost! Each one asked throwing toys out a window. They had you to raise $7,000 to $10,000 toward pushed out the screen, but Lincoln the cost of a dog. On top of that, Zachary and Lincoln alerted me to that dangerous situation! you had the expense of traveling for training. We didn’t have that kind of Thank goodness the driver coming Our family is so lucky. This dog has money—or the time to do fundraising his way stopped in time. brought a calm to our entire home. If and traveling. I have a tough day, Lincoln puts his During a support meeting, however, a paw on my knee. I can’t imagine what A year passed. I felt I was making no parent said that Hearing and Service our daily life would be like without progress. Then our youngest daughter, Dogs of Minnesota was starting an Lincoln—and I don’t want to. Kaylynn, was diagnosed with autism autism Assistance Dog program. spectrum disorder. I needed help. I was so excited! When I got the These wonderful animals are a Godsend Reluctantly, I forced myself to attend application, I couldn’t send it back for our children. Lincoln has given a parent support meeting. Thank God soon enough. I knew an Assistance my little boy increased independence, I went! Dog could make a difference for higher self-esteem, a voice, and an Zach, who loves dogs and seems unconditional and loving friend. Lincoln There we found that we weren’t alone calmer when dogs are around. After a has exceeded our expectations. We will after all. Other parents were going couple of months, we were approved forever be grateful to all who raised, through the same things we were for an Assistance Dog. Our only cost trained, and loved him enough to bring experiencing. was the application fee: $10. him to us. ❤

For example, going out to dinner In June 2008 we got our angel, a For information on helping to make was out of the question. Whenever Lab cross named Lincoln. He is the other autism placements possible for we tried, the kids would experience gentlest animal I’ve ever met. Zach those who are waiting, please contact sensory overload, and we would took to him immediately. They got Janet Cobus at 612-729-5986 ext, 153. leave in tears. Shopping was another along so well at home that we again no-no. The kids would run away or tried going out to eat. I again left in THOSE WHO MADE THIS sit against a wall, rocking, with their tears—but this time, it was tears of PLACEMENT POSSIBLE hands over their ears. The worst was joy. Both kids sat calmly, ate their Dog Source when they’d start screaming, and we dinner, and were compliant when Minneapolis Animal Control had to deal with the unkind stares of it was time to leave. I asked my strangers. husband, “Did that just happen?” It Veterinary Services did—and it’s happened many times Life Care Animal Hospital Eventually I stayed home with since. Puppy Raiser the kids 24/7. Even walking down The Turner Family the block became difficult. It was Today our family goes to dinner, impossible to watch both kids at the to the mall, grocery shopping, Field Trainer same time. Once Kaylynn ran one to the park, and even on Staff+ way and Zach went the other, toward neighborhood walks! These are huge Foster Home a busy street. My husband ran so fast accomplishments for Zachary, and Inmates at Faribault he lost his shoes. But by the time he they’re possible because of his gentle Correctional Facility caught up, Zach was in the street. companion. Lincoln sits with Zach

2 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 3 Start two or three articles here, finishing on page 5 or 8 (non color pages)

Maybe Sherrilynn and Hogan, Chandra and Conner,

Connor Can Do What Chandra Can’t by Laurie Carlson Chandra Dickinson of Coon Rapids, fast enough to push the plate and walk Minn., is a teenager who has managed the quickly around the door to enter.” cheerleading squad, attended high school, and taken college courses at the same Chandra decided that she wanted to get a time. Her activities make for a busy life Service Dog before she starts college full- style. time. She did some investigating on the Internet and found Hearing and Service Chandra was diagnosed with muscular Dogs of Minnesota. Chandra liked the dystrophy at age 12. The progressive idea that the organization uses rescue disease causes her to lose physical and shelter dogs to help people. She also abilities as she grows older. Now 17, she was intrigued by different breeds. She has difficulty with balance and uses a wanted a large dog to help her balance, walker. “The balance problem can cause and she wanted something different than me to fall when walking,” she says. a Labrador or Golden Retriever. “Long hours can be tiring and hard on my system.” Dropping items is a particular Enter Conner, a Smooth Coat Collie. challenge—if she bends to pick them Chandra says, “When Conner came, at up, she might fall down. “Push plates at first we had to learn to work together and stores are usually on the wrong side of bond. Conner is funny and has a great the entry door,” she explains. “I’m not personality. You have to have a good Chandra Dickinson and Conner (continued on page 5) No More Worries by Laurie Carlson Sherrilyn Klaasen of Adrian, Minn., is noises she thought she heard in the dark. no stranger to having a Hearing Dog in She also worried about missing the smoke her life. In 1982, while she was student alarm and other important sounds. “I teaching, she read an article about wanted a Hearing Dog in my life again,” Hearing Dogs in an edition of the Weekly she says. Reader. Intrigued, she looked into getting a Hearing Dog of her own and applied In 2007, she applied with Hearing and with an organization in Colorado. Service Dogs of Minnesota. In 2008, Hogan—a lively, friendly Shih Tzu She was matched with a Hearing Dog mix—came to live with her. Sherrilyn named Flash. They enjoyed a long and soon discovered the training process loving relationship for 16 years. When would be different than before: she would Flash passed away, Sherrilyn says she train Hogan to alert her to sounds, with wasn’t ready for another Hearing Dog, help from trainers. and so she decided to wait. “It was definitely a different experience Eventually, Sherrilyn discovered that she this time around,” she says. “Hogan fit wasn’t sleeping as well as she had when Flash was there. She became afraid of Sherrilyn Klaasen and Hogan (continued on page 5) Increasing Her Independence by Shelley Frederickson Holly Zellmer loves being outdoors to Holly says her experience as a dog owner take care of her garden in North Branch, paid off during training. Gibson was Minn. So when symptoms of multiple similar in size and disposition to a dog sclerosis (MS)—a chronic neurological Holly and her husband, Curt, had owned a disease that affects the central nervous few years ago. Gibson and Holly quickly system—began limiting her active life developed a strong bond. During training style, her aunt suggested that she look sessions at Hearing and Service Dogs of into getting a Service Dog. Minnesota’s facility, Holly and Gibson quickly caught on to the commands and The idea held strong appeal for Holly, a skills they would need to become a great long-time dog owner. She attended the team. annual MS Expo to learn more about assistance dogs. After talking with Gibson’s skills—which include bracing, volunteers at the Hearing and Service helping Holly with her balance, retrieving objects and opening doors—have made Dogs of Minnesota booth, she applied for Holly Zellmer and Gibson a dog. Holly was paired with Gibson, a everyday living easier for Holly. “It’s 2-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever. great having Gibson to pick up things (continued on page 5)

4 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 5 two color page

Chandra Dickinson and Conner easier and less dangerous. If I don’t have (continued from page 4) to bend over, there’s less chance of my sense of humor to work with a Collie.” getting hurt.” Connor likes to stay busy, so they had to build a routine together and learn to work Chandra recommends getting a Service as a team. Dog. “The things they’ll do for you when you bond—it’s incredible,” she says. THOSE WHO MADE THIS Conner loves to retrieve items Chandra “What a difference he’s made in my life PLACEMENT POSSIBLE drops, braces himself so she can lean on already. It’s so scary for a teen to be out Dog Source on your own; to have a physical disability Amy Ross him for balance, and hits push plates at the store so she can easily enter. He is is even more of a challenge. Conner is my Veterinary Services also trained to get an emergency phone legs and my hands. He does whatever I Life Care Animal Hospital from her bedroom if she needs help. can’t.” ❤ Chandra says, “The thing I found most Puppy Raisers amazing is Conner’s willingness to work Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Leslie Flowers & Scott McClure without being constantly rewarded with uses a varienty of mixed breed and treats. He’s always eager to help me.” purebred dogs in our training. We have Field Trainer had great success with donated Smooth Staff When asked about the impact of having Coat Collies, like Conner. To learn more Foster Home Conner as a Service Dog in her life, about donating a dog or puppy, visit our Inmates at Faribault Chandra replied, “It’s made my life website at www.hsdm.org. Correctional Facility Sherrilyn Klaasen and Hogan in a crate while she works, when she’s website at www.hsdm.org. or call Janet (continued from page 4) done, it’s time for him to visit with the Cobus at 612-729-5986 ext.153 to find in perfectly, and it’s been totally worth residents, who delight in seeing him. out how you can help. the work. I feel I have a better bond with Hogan than with my previous Hearing “Now that I have Hogan, I feel so much Dog.” more relaxed,” Sherrilyn reports. “I sleep much better and even take out my hearing THOSE WHO MADE THIS In addition to alerting Sherrilyn to the aids while I’m home. I’m not concerned smoke alarm, door knock, intruder noise about missing sounds with Hogan PLACEMENT POSSIBLE and telephone, Hogan excels at waking around.” She advises those thinking Dog Source Minneapolis Animal Control her up in morning. “He takes it very of applying for a Hearing Dog that seriously,” Sherrilyn reports. “First he “you really need to know what you are Veterinary Services jumps on me, then he puts his nose in committing to—to have a dog with you Life Care Animal Hospital my ear, then he starts pulling the sheets and the work involved. Once you have back.” No oversleeping at the Klaasen one, you wonder how you ever survived Field Trainer household! without him. No more Staff worries!” ❤ Sherrilyn works two jobs, and Hogan Foster Home accompanies her to both. She works as a Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Kathey Galiger librarian and media specialist at a school, adopts homeless dogs, like Hogan, from Mark & Stephanie McLaughlin where Hogan loves to see the children animal shelters whenever possible. We Special Thanks every day. She also works at a nursing give these special dogs a second chance Neighbors Cole & Sydney Knips home as a cook. Although Hogan stays for a full life and a loving home. Visit our Holly Zellmer and Gibson Holly thanks the organization’s supporters call Laurie Carlson about volunteer (continued from page 4) for Gibson. “Hearing and Service Dogs opportunities at 612-729-5986 ext. 113. of Minnesota is a great organization,” she I’ve dropped, especially in the morning or says. “I’ve recommended it to several when I’m fatigued,” Holly says. Having people. I feel privileged to have Gibson. Gibson also has allowed Holly to resume I am very grateful for the independence gardening. “When I’m outside, Gibson he’s giving me.” ❤ THOSE WHO MADE THIS stays right by my side,” she says. “He is Contributions are critical to helping us PLACEMENT POSSIBLE there to help me balance and get up when serve more people with disabilities and Dog Source I’m on my knees. I’ve already become a giving a good life to homeless dogs. Jennifer Fredrickson Holly encorages anyone interested in getting a Service Dog to learn more But volunteering is equally important. Vet Services Field Trainer about the effect a dog can have in We can’t continue this work without Arden Shoreview Staff someone’s life. “If you want to increase dedicated puppy raisers like Marge and Animal Hospital your independence and are committed to Dave Skeie, who raised Gibson. Visit Puppy Raisers Foster Home taking care of your dog, the dog can be a our website at www.hsdm.org to learn Marge & Dave Kristen Wedul about the many ways you can help or Skeie great help,” she says.

WWW.HSDM.ORG 5 CONTRIBUTORS Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota is supported by many agencies, companies, and individuals. A very special thanks to you all! The following contributions were received in our office by September 30, 2008. Contributions received by December 31, 2008 will be included in the Winter 2009 issue of Tails From Minnesota. $5,000 or more In Kind Georgine Abramson Bev Dechon Maryland Avenue Pet Second Chance Animal Greycoach Foundation All About Pets Dr Merry Jo Elliot - Hospital Rescue Park Nicollet Foundation All Creatures Veterinary Hillcrest Animal MarySue Krueger Roger & Carla Sievers Clinic Hospital Midway Animal Hospital Gary & Regina Sievers Steven Kleinman Estate Trust Amateur Radio Elm Creek Animal Midwest Coca-Cola Skyline Veterinary The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Communications Hospital Millenium Hotel, Hospital Rebecca Amlaw Dan Feeney Minneapolis Smith Veterinary Andrew Anda Carol Fisher Minneapolis Animal Spaghetti Factory $2,500 to $4,999 Kate Anderson Fundraising Solutions Control Spring Lake Park Lions Anderson Race Management Gopher Grocery, Inc. Minnesota Bound/ Al Sterner Medica Foundation Animal Humane Society - Esther Graney KARE -11 Greg & Cat Stevens Northern Lights CFC Coon Rapids Graphic Resources Minnesota Timberwolves Target Corporate Animal Humane Society - Nancy Heck Minnesota Wild The Jewel Golf Course PetSmart Golden Valley Al & Shelly Hiemer Charlene & Jerome Moser The Seldom Herd Band Seagate Employee Group - Gigabytes Arden Shoreview Animal Chuck Holm / Rust Melissa Moses The Toro Company Hospital Consulting Mounds View Animal The Wedge Natural $1,000 to $2,499 Dianne Astry Pat Hughes Hospital Foods Co-op Austin Vet Clinic IMED Mobility Northern Equipment Thomson Reuters Bloomington Lions Benda Photography Inver Grove Heights Northwest Health Sciences Thrivent Financial for Juline Birgersson Animal Hospital University Lutherans Susan & Robert Farino Ron Blade Maggie Johnson & Oak Knoll Animal Hospital Sherri Ullrich - Judith Montgomery Bruegger’s - St Paul Richard Cress Oldenburg Studios Pembroke Welsh Kathryn Patton Build a Bear Paul Kielty Pampered Pooch Corgis Provide Care Inc Burnsville Animal Clinic Sue Kilchenman - BCT Playground Underwater Adventures James Svobodny - Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund California Pizza Kitchen Dan Klein Pandora’s Box Vet Clinic Valley View Pet Caribou Coffee Dana Knopic PetSmart Hospital The Minnesota Valley Electric Trust Carolyn Thompson Kowalski’s Sandy Pidde Veterinary Medical Deb Carver Sharon Lanz Planet Dog Foundation Center $500 to $999 Children’s Theater Company Bill Larson Tracey Racette Veterinary Skyline Cobra Gary Lehman Ramsey County Amateur Hospital Adam Burrows & Lino Lakes Lions Gary Cobus Steve Levine Radio Emergency Tekla Vietor Lisa Cook Linda Livingston- Barb Redlackzyk Jo AnnWaser - Hickory Family Joseph McErlane Hollow Ranch John & Jan Day Sandstone Lions Club Coon Rapids Pet Hospital Widewitsch Sara Rosenburg - Olympic Nicki Corbisier Molly Loomis Controls/BookEndz Linda & Ken Weikert Duane Finger JoAnne Schwietz Cub Foods Lorenz Bus Service Royal Canin Whole Foods Market - Garrison Lions Mark Werner Dakota Electric Association Lucky Dog Boarding & Saint Paul Saints St Paul Kimball Lions Club Janet Wilkins Joann Darrow Training Ctr Saturn Kathy & Roger Wright Jan & John Day Julie Mach Ron Schara & Raven Beverly & Yance Dechon Market BBQ Volunteers Diana Adamson Beth & Ron Detloff Andrea Jones Zandra Mitchell family Patty Wirz Chris Alexander Don Doeksen Pam Jones Jenny Mitchell Carolyn Schurr Roger Wright Mary & Jennifer Alexander Dennis Douda Norah Kelly Mike Molzahn Sue Schuster Cheri Wrisky Kathryn & Jayson Alexander Darlene Downing Barry Kennedy Margaret Montgomery Rene Schwartz Julie & Greg Zelenak Kris Amoth Elizabeth Eagle Dan Klein Melanie Mooney Stephanie Scott Colleen Zilley Andy Anda Laurie & Ron Ehlert Lisa Knazan Joe Moore The Scott family Lisa Andres Megan Ehlert Dana Knopic Monique Morton Laura Shirley Debbie Arnold Grace Enebo Dave & Joy Kraft Lori &Melissa Neeb Kevin Sime Dianne Astry Cathy Engelby MarySue Krueger Jennifer Nelson Marge & Dave Skeie Jamie Becker-Finn The Essen family Trudy Kussman Jordan Nelson Felisa, Alisa, & Duane Workplace Mary Bente Ellie Mae Estabrooks Anne LaBelle Joanne Nichols Smith Larry Berg Jean Euteneuer & “Lexi” Patrick LaFratte Deb Norsten Amy & Mark Sperry Giving Karen Berglund Kara & Grant Fairbairn Karen Lampi Gary Nygaard Leandra Steege Sara Aaserud Pam Bettin Mike Ferber Chris Lampman Matt & Jennifer Oakes Barbara Steen Anonymous Lora Biele Jacob Finn Jackie Landin Paul Oby Sharon & Paul Steinbrecker Karen Blackstone Ron Blade Leslie Flowers Sara Lane Bowen Deb Oldenburg Kenneth & Judy Stenzel & Lisa Boomgaarden Carrie Blaisdell Shelley Frederickson Jim, Mary & Theresa Susan Olson “Calvin” Elizabeth Brietkrietz-Miller Jay Bozicevich John Fruth Langner Betty Otto Matt Stepaniak Laura Campbell Bob & Mary Branham Christina Giese Julie Larsen Janice Parrow Al Sterner Kathleen Carlson Sara Braziller Melanie Goetzke Bill Larson John & Jacquie Parzych Blythe Stillwell Charles Crone CoCo Brietkrietz Jackie Gohdes Jodi LeBaron Autumn Patterson John Stockman Jennifer Estes Rachel Brietkrietz Chris Golden Kathleen & Terry Dawn & Ashley Patton Julie & Alex Stolis Esther Graney Betty Brietkrietz Miller & Clarice Grabou Letourneau Sandy Pidde Jennifer Stuartz Nora Hartman “Claire” Esther Graney Steve Levens Annie Piper Marie Sumstine James Hovanetz Jr Susan & David Bristol Heidi & Steve Hamilton Rick Link The Pollock family Lisa & Zoe Swartz Lynne Hvidsten Meg Brudney Jodi Hammer Mary Longley Megan Powell Melanie & Craig Thielke Vicki J. Chouinard Julia Buege Freeman Jeanne Hanson Molly Loomis June Prange Courtney Thomas Nancy Karth Ashley Bueltel Kim Hanson Liz Lucast Maureen & Paul Pranghofer Jill Thompson Dawn Kessler Jean & Don Burdeski Tammy Hanson Jody Ludden & “Ally” Cindy Thoreson Arnold Zenobia L Carlton Patrick & Melissa Burke Pat & DeeDee Heffernan Anne & Dale Mackereth Nicole Preste & “Blue” Mark Lucas Debra Burke-Owens & Katherine & Sam Heffernan Stephanie Magelky & Mary Quist Anne, Tania & Justin Tracy Landowski-Lelland “Pepsi” Kathy Heinkel “Jeff” Lisa Ray Trevis James Langner Jennifer Burt Chris Herzog Lynne Maker Kuechle Barb Redlaczyk Kellie Rae Tubbs Judith Messner Julie Carlblom Shelly & Al Hiemer w/ Tammy Marquardt Doug Reed Dawn & Brian Turner Elizabeth Otto Dick & Nancy Carlson “Grace” Penny Marsala Bonnie Reiss Patty Van Landschoot Lisa Marie Pasquale Don Carroll Shawn Higdem Lynn Martens Lois Richards Kaylee Unverzagt Carol Pawlicki Sue & Rod Carter Peter Hilger Diane Martin Pat Rickaby Stephen Usery Trevor Porath LuAnn & Catrina Chambliss John Hodnefield Frances Matejcek Ian Robinou Desiree & Kevin Cory Roach Vicki & Lou Chouinard Michele Hoerdt Scott McClure Cassie Rodgers VanBogart Tam Strand Diane Christ Scott Hoffmeyer Stephanie & Scott Tiffany Rodgers Patty & Alyssa Dawn Strubel Mike & Jan Christensen The Holicky family McCollum Henry Fiona Roessler- VanLandschoot Margaret Susag Ashley Closson Jon Holland Nora McGreevy Schumacher Carlos Villalpando Michael Swanson Gary Cobus Angela Hollie Suzanne McKeever Kristina Rudd Miranda Vogtman Michael Sweeney Lisa Coleman Jeannette Howard Mark & Stephanie Sharon Russell Jack & Amanda Waltz Steven Szurek Kiersten Coon Sharon Huikko McLaughlin Karma Ryals Len Washko Sandra Lee Vance Nicole Corbisier Jennifer Jack Gene McNamara Rhonda Schaefer The Wedul family Billie Jo Wallraff Sandy Cournoyer Sue James Bev & Dick Mensing Bonnie Schleisman Steve & Rhondi West David Welper Sue Crone Aimee Jaroscak Kevin Meyer Arlene Schroeder Suzy Whitten Karon Wendt Rusty Curry Ruth Johnson Tony & Patty Mikols The Schuppel Nelson Teri & Murray Wilms Toni Yeamans Jan & John Day Kimberly Johnson Erica Miller

6 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 7 $100 to $499 Diana Adamson Lucinda & Michael Chorley Mark & Suzanne LaBerge Pet Grooming Brenda Sabistina Mary Alexander Clear Lake Lioness Club Hindermann Lake Superior CFC Morgan Lions Sandstone Quarry Lions Club Jennifer Alexander Cold Spring Lions Jack Hines - Squeal Deal Barbara & Greg Laska Morris Lions Club Jennifer, Darren & Sam Schuler American Legion Post 48 Coon Rapids Lions Club Barbeque Sauce Dennis Levandowski Monique & Scott Morton Lynn Slifer Anchor Bank- St Paul Dakota Electric Association Gloria Hobbs Steve Linder - Spring Lake Park Betty & Nancy Nichols Pat Sterling Tom Anderson Terry Donovan Marilyn & Malcolm Hoeck Lions Kimberly Nicklaus Cathy & Greg Stevens Juel Anderson Bobbee Dowdal Neal Judy Loken Northern Lights Good Sams Missy Susag Margie & Pete Ankeny Senem & Jonathan Drewes Bob & Jennifer Howe Lux Lions Northwest Airlines Inc C4670 Lynn Teschendorf Askov Area Lions Eagle Bend Lions Gerald & Kathy Dietz Margaret & Richard Maki Chuck & Carolyn Novotny Dr Kipling Thacker Austin Lions Mary Fagerlee Huber Penny Marsala Paul Oberhaus Patty, Alyssa & Joe Van Baker Bearing Company Jeffrey Farnam Cindy, Patrick & Colleen Amber, Terrence & Ramona CL & JR Olson Landschoot Jamie & Gabe Becker-Finn Russell & Sandra Feltz Irwin McCarthy Nancy Parsons Sandy & Kevin Vance Matt Bloom - Matt’s Sanitation Finlayson-Giese Lions Club Hazel Johnson Julie, Ruth & Craig McCollister Pierz Lions Brenda Vaughn Brainerd Lakes Lions Foley Lions Peggy Johnson Dan & Judith McGregor Janet Poole Leslie Vissage Betty Brietkrietz-Miller Bud Goldstein Patricia & Peter Karle McGregor Lions Potato King Lance & Rebecca Voss David & Patti Bruflodt Peter Goodwin Tara & Michael Keegan- Joe, Richard & Diane Mester Cathy Quady Waite Park 97 Lions Buffalo Companion Animal Susan Gottshall Scanlan Midway Animal Hospital Debbie Roberge Wells Fargo Community Support Clinic Hackensack Lions Lisa Knazan Minne Wheelers Colleen Rod Wild Rose Lioness Helen & William Burns Jay Hammond Barbara Kovacic Ray Mirshekari Donna Rodel Jean Wilson Laurie Carlson Harbor Light Good Sams Wallace, Victoria & Timothy Deb Molin - Personal Touch S.E.M. Sams Michael & Cecilia Heiges up to $100 StephanieAment Rebekah Davis Ben Harris Bernice Larson Donna Orstad Scottrade Katherine & Gary Anderson Barb DeFoe Nora Hartman Jeanne & Gary Larson Amy & Sergy Pakhomov Tonya Sheldon Julia Antonsen Katherine Devine Ronnie Hartman Lee Laurisch Janice & Kenneth Parrow Doreen Siedlecki Tom Arneson Patricia Donaldson Roy & Patricia Harvey Mary Linder Catherine Perron Sherry Siedsma Kathy & John Asmus Eppie & Dan Dorsey Pat, Dee Dee, Sam & Janice Loebel CJ Peters Sharon Singleton Brendan Bach Chard Marie Ehrenberg Katherine Heffernan Frank Loken Donald & Linda Peterson Marge & Dave Skeie Janet Baker Sally Erickson Stephanie Helgerson Norman Lorentszen Lydia Peterson Luann & Gary Skrivseth Charles Ballantine John & Sharon Erickson Henriette Lions Lavonne Ludke Erin Philipsen Amy & Mark Sperry Monica & Judy Beauchane Fair Haven Lions Shelly & Alan Hiemer Jacquie Lundemo Megan Polley Dee Spilleth Ann & Paul Bechtell Kara Fairbairn Sheri Hodnefield Stephanie Magelky Maureen & Paul Pranghofer Sharon & Mark Spilman Kari Beck Debbie Fauber Vicki Hollenbeck Joe Mahon Princeton Lions St. Cloud Lions Thomas & Patricia Becker Patricia Faustgen Honeywell Jim & Nancy McGee Tarah Pringle C John Stanchina Jerry Beltt Scott Fearing Larry Isaackson Mark & Stephanie McLaughlin Shirley Qual Ken & Judy Stenzel Bernadette & Larry Michael Ferber Mary Jackson Rosemarie & Maria Merrigan Karen Rae Anderson Debra Streese Braegelmann Donald & Nita Feuerhake Ruth Johnson Erica Miller Paul & Joyce Ramsay Lucille Sukalo Annalee Brown Joan & John Frank - PEO David Johnson Minneapolis Lyn-Lake Lions Elizabeth Reberk Michelle Sullivan Richard & Patricia Brown Group Ken Johnson Stephan, Catherine & Gage Reichert Dental Arts Ltd Nan Swift Jean & Don Burdeski Angela Frerichs Lauren Johnson Miske Audrey & John Ringdal The Medicine Shop Tim Burke Gary, Marcia, Kelsey, Reba, Jeff & Sue Jones Dean Montour Rochester Host Lions The UPS Store 3838 Delvin Burmeister Jack and Tiger Fritzmeier Elizabeth & Jenny Jones Keith & Ann Mortimore Tara Rogan TJDC Family Chiropractic Sam & Sylvester Calfo Gary E Garvis Sameel Khan Ellen & Joel Morton Nancy Romslo Pamela Trowbridge Manny & Mary Camilon Steve & Judy Gelderman Diana & Marvin Kiffmeyer James & Janet Murphy Carmen Rudolph Dawn & Brian Turner Julie & Darell Carlblom Bonnie Genin Kristina Klimmek Anne Murray Rust Consulting Employee’s Joel & Tracy Ulland Nancy & Charles Carlson Christina Giese Colleen Knick Madre Mutsche - Bed & Bone Club Kim & Steven Viker Kay Carlson Bonnie & Roger Gilfillan Clarrine Knopic Nick Nadeau Sandra Sandwick James & Janet Vroman LouAnn Chambliss Dawn Gillick Sandy Koch Sandy Neddersen Sartell Lions Jason Waye Vicki & Lou Chouinard Marcia & James Gilman Hannah & Bonnie Kosmicki Kathryn & Christopher Nelson Rita Sarvie Hope Wedge Clarissa Lions Club Beth Goihl Joseph Kotila Anita Nerhus Carolyn Sawyer Nicole Weiler Erin Clark Esther Graney Kim Kriesel Judi Neuman Delores Sawyer James & Lynn Willems Janet Cobus Greenwald Lions Loren & Teresa Krueger Mary Neustel Joanne Schentzel Carolyn & Richard Willy Community Shares of Bill & Marcia Guthrie Gary & Deborah Kunz New Munich Lions Karen Schnuckle Shannah & Scott Wojciak Minnesota - Thomson West Guthrie-Nary Lions Susan Kyser Rosemary Novotny Dora & Howard Schroeder Kristen & Gwen Wood Lynn Connors Deborah & Clark Halligan Jeanne Labelle Patricia & William O’Connor Arlene Schroeder Nicole Zenner Sandra & Al Cournoyer Linda Haner Gary & Carla Lagerstedt Bryan & Deborah Olson Amy Score Bridget & Dave Zwack Lois & Robert Crunstedt Deborah Harms Lake Henry Lions Ann Ord Darryl & Diane Scott Diane & Kenneth Zylla Lyle & Jennifer Dallman Honorariums Puppyraisers Donated By...... In Honor Of Diana Adamson & Paul Oberhaus...... AJ Kim Kriesel...... Violet Julia Antonsen...... The Weddings of Jen and Jed and Jen and Patrick Jayson & Kathryn Alexander...... Hailey & Quincy Paul Mazur...... Winnie & Dixie David & Patti Bruflodt...... “Happy” The Alexander family...... Eli The McCloskey-Henry family...... Ebony Marilyn & Malcolm Hoeck Neal...... “King King”, “Lady”, “Zimba”, “Princess” Dianne & Doug Astry...... Fridley & Portia The Mercer family...... Mac Lauren Johnson...... Doug Wendler’s Birthday Mandy & Greg Beale...... Tucker The Morlock family...... Winston Tara & Michael Keegan-Scanlan...... Keegan-Scanlan Wedding Bill Beddie & Kathy Grant...... Guido Janie & Shauna Mullikin...... Fisher Keith & Ann Mortimore...... “Babe” Mary Bente...... TJ Mary Nelson...... Waylon Jennifer Berube...... Vern Michelle & Shay Nelson...... Weaver James & Janet Murphy...... Carol Reith & “Tucker” Meg Brudney...... Honey Mary & Kirk Nesvig...... Waldo Nancy Romslo...... “Dusty” the poodle Kimberly Cantion...... Chester Cathy & Jim Newville...... Lucy Ken & Judy Stenzel...... “Calvin” Lisa Coleman...... Bolton Anna & Ramsey Peterson ...... Brody Lucille Sukalo...... Dona Schroeder and “Honey” Caylin Crawford...... Memphis Megan Polley...... Geno Nan Swift...... Lisa Knazan Jan & John Day...... Bea & Louie Shirley & Santo Russo...... Dolly Beth & Ronald Detloff...... Seymour Dora & Howard Schroeder...... Gander Memorials The Ehlert family...... Brinks & Qwest The Schwartz family...... Rose Mike Ferber & Betty Otto...... Teddy The Scott family...... Mason & Yukon Donated by...... In Memory Of Leslie Flowers & Scott McClure...... Viggo Stephanie & Seth Scott...... Delta Tom Anderson...... “Cydney” The Grabou family...... Drake The Sears family...... Elmer Tim Burke...... Molly George The Grout family...... Summer Marge & Dave Skeie...... Wanda Vicki & Lou Chouinard...... “Bear” Jenniefer Halverson...... Gemini The Thielke family...... Monte Vicki & Lou Chouinard...... “Sassy” Litzau The Heffernan family...... Griffon Allie Thomson...... Will Vicki & Lou Chouinard...... “Stewart” Crandall Stephanie Helgerson...... Amos Luanne Thorsvig...... Ripley Lynn Connors...... “Duncan”, “Faith” & “Griffy” Hannah Holicky...... Belle Sandy & Kevin Vance...... Pepper Lois Crunstedt...... Valjean Wiley The Irwin family...... Izzy Alicia Williams & Keith Higgins...... Casper The Krause family...... Radar The Young family...... Lars Lois & Robert Crusntedt...... Lucille Storm The Zwack family...... Wilma Sally Erickson...... Samuel Quainoo Gary, Marcia, Kelsey, Reba, Jack and Tiger Fritzmeier...... “Jackson” Steve & Judy Gelderman...... Jay Rubash Roy & Patricia Harvey...... Agnes Ordeck Marilyn & Malcolm Hoeck Neal...... “Beau” Help Us Soar! Vicki Hollenbeck...... “Tucker” We would like to attend the Assistance Dogs International conference in Orlando Florida Mary Jackson...... Emmett D Dowdal in January 2009. Educating and enlightening our staff to the developments in our industry Jeanne & Gary Larson...... “Fenway” Lee Laurisch...... “Kody” is critical to producing more and better Assistance Dogs for those who need them. Steve Linder - Spring Lake Park Lions...... Lori Cook Lavonne Ludke...... “Mandy” Deb Molin...... “Bailey” Raub, “Mugsy” Richey, “Barney” Hoppenrath Generous individuals have provided tickets to help get us there on Judith Montgomery...... Mary Green many occasions in the past. Can you help this time? Donations can Keith & Ann Mortimore...... “Dusty” Amy & Sergy Pakhomov...... “Elsa” be in the form of airline tickets, frequent flyer coupons or monetary Paul & Joyce Ramsay...... Marie Ramsay contributions to help with hotel and conference fees. Karen Schnuckle...... “Kali” Lynn Slifer...... Judith Slifer Debra Streese...... Bud Schurman Call Al Peters at 612-729-5986 ext. 116, or 612-729-5914 tty. Thanks! ❤ Kristen & Gwen Wood...... “Beau” Chouinard Nicole Zenner ...... Maddie Evans

6 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 7 DE⇢VEL⇢OP⇢MENT by Janet Cobus New Fundraisers! fundraising program, please visit their at www.hsdm.org. Thank you, and let us Web site, www.petsittersmn.org. be the first to wish you a happy holiday! Applebee’s Breakfast “It’s for the Dogs” Twin Cities Public Television Grant Celebrate Success! 14400 Weaver Lake Road, Awarded Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota Maple Grove Hearing and Service Dogs of had 132 wonderful volunteers work the Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 Minnesota has been awarded a $1,500 pet gate during this year’s Renaissance 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. grant, which we will use to increase Festival. We earned more than $3,000 awareness of our important work. This for our programs. For the second Buy a $6 ticket for a great pancake is a fantastic opportunity to spread the year, co-chairs Julia Buege-Freeman breakfast to benefit Hearing and word about our services! We would and Jennifer Burt did an excellent job Service Dogs of Minnesota. We also like to produce a 30-minute show running the project. Thank you to Patti need 15 volunteers to serve breakfast. on the Minnesota Channel, which Wirtz at Ameriprise for recruiting 44 Call or e-mail Sharon for tickets or to broadcasts on Channel 17 statewide. A volunteers to help fill the schedule. Great volunteer: 612-747-5346 or ss.prc@ generous donor has offered to match work everyone! hotmail.com. any additional sponsors of the project, up to a total of $10,000. For more Night Out at the Saint Paul Saints World’s Finest Chocolate Still information, contact Janet Cobus at Sharon Steinbrecher organized ticket Available [email protected] or 612-729-5986, sales for this event, planned the tailgate Chocolate bars are selling fast. There Ext. 153. party and raised $505. She is already are 30 boxes left, with 50 bars in a box. planning a bigger event for next year! Sell the chocolate for $1 a bar. Contact Ho Ho Ho – Give a Gift of Puppy Go Sharon! Jessica to request a box: jnadeau@ Love This Season hsdm.org or 612-729-5986, ext 152. You can save time, money and stress Shop for a Cause at Macy’s this holiday season by skipping all that Cindy Thoreson Arnold, a Rochester Wishbones for Pets shopping. Give a gift to Hearing and graduate, chaired this project. She and Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota Service Dogs of Minnesota in honor her Service Dog, Blue, sold $5 shopping members have chosen Hearing and or memory of a person or special pet. coupons and raised $815. That is one Service Dogs of Minnesota as the We’ll send a holiday greeting card persuasive team! Thanks to everyone beneficiary of their charitable program. to acknowledge your charitable gift. who bought or sold coupons on our Pet sitters from around the country Check the “Honorary Gift” box on the behalf.❤ and Canada will collect funds from envelope in this newsletter, or make Oct. 18 through Nov. 29, 2008. If you your donation on our secure Web site would like to know how to support the by pressing the “Donate Now” button

Nathan Gottschalk and Myster Although the family cat wasn’t happy THOSE WHO MADE THIS (continued from page 1) when Myster moved in, the rest of PLACEMENT POSSIBLE dogs. After meeting another Power the family say the Service Dog has Dog Source/Puppy Raiser changed all of their lives for the Kelli Johnson Soccer player with a Service Dog from Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota, better. And everyone has noticed that Nathan has eased up on teasing his Veterinary Services the Gottschalks started the process that Inver Grove Heights brought Myster to Nathan. twin sisters—thanks to Myster! Most importantly, however, having a Service Animal Hospital Nathan and Myster received their Service Dog has changed Nathan’s life. “Nathan Foster Home Field Trainer Dog team certification in August. Now is happier and has gained a great deal of Sammy Huston Laska Parrow the twosome is ready for a new school self confidence,” Crystal says. “Myster’s John & Jan Day year and a season of Power Soccer at assistance in retrieving articles, opening Courage Center. When it comes to soccer, doors and retrieving the cordless phone is Nathan says “Bring it on!” making life safer and easier for Nathan. Hearing and Service Dogs I’m excited to see more positive changes ❤ of Minnesota Field Trainer Laska Parrow says the as the school year starts.” two work together beautifully. Myster 2007 Annual Report proved his ability to accomplish tasks To make more dogs like Myster Available now at well before he was expected to do so. available for children on our waiting list, He even learned how to let himself please visit www.hsdm.org www.hsdm.org out to relieve himself! Nathan’s mom, or send a contribution in Crystal, describes Myster as an “amazing, the return envelope attached between hardworking addition to the family.” pages 6 and 7. Thank you!

8 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota He Loves Me and I Love Him by Thomas Rehbein Before getting a Service Dog, Alyson’s parents, say they like the Alyson May was on the go—but fact that Stewart is a housekeeper and it wasn’t always easy. The active a Service Dog, all in one package! 12-year-old from Mahtomedi, Minn., is a beautiful, poised sixth But they are most pleased with the grader who loves school, her friends freedom Stewart provides to the and shopping! With the help of family. The dog’s companionship Stewart, a Golden Retriever, her allows the rest of the family to favorite activities now are even more feel confident that, if Alyson needs enjoyable. something, Stewart will take care of it or will find another family member Alyson, who has spinal muscular to help. atrophy (SMA), went to camp with Katie Nelson, who had received “It feels so good to have Stewart,” a Service Dog from Hearing and Alyson proudly states. “He loves me Service Dogs of Minnesota. Like and I love him!” ❤ all girls their age, Katie and Alyson began sharing stories about their Would you like to help? Call Janet Cobus favorite things. Katie’s stories about at 612-729-5986 ext. 153 to learn how. how things changed for her after receiving a Service Dog made Alyson Alyson May and Stewart THOSE WHO MADE THIS think about how a dog could improve PLACEMENT POSSIBLE help me get around with my power her life, too. Dog Source Beverly Stellman wheelchair.” And that is exactly what On Alyson’s application, she wrote Stewart does for Alyson. But the best Veterinary Services that independence was the top part of the training process, according Inver Grove Heights reason she wanted a Service Dog. to Alyson, was, “Shopping at the Animal Hospital “A Service Dog would give me mall!” companionship so I could do more Puppy Raisers Foster Home by myself,” she wrote. “The dog Stewart is so eager to work for Bill Beddie The Turner could bring me things I drop, open Alyson that he often picks up & Kathy Grant Family doors, turn on light switches, and clothes from the floor, even when he Field Trainer Joanne Nichols hasn’t been asked. Maren and John, Volunteer Spotlight Shelly Hiemer of Monticello, Minn., speaker at that event, as well. other on-site assistance. This couple likes first contacted Hearing and Service Dogs to stay busy! of Minnesota in 2005, offering to be Shelly and her husband, Al, have been involved as a puppy raiser. “The idea of a huge help at the Heel and Wheel Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota making a difference in someone’s life fundraiser, providing tents, grills and expresses deep appreciation for all that really appealed to me,” she says. Little Shelly, Al and Grace have done for did she know that she would receive a the organization. Shelly is an inspiring Service Dog of her own! speaker. We are fortunate to have this great family as volunteers! ❤ Shelly soon learned that Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota provides What about you? Diabetic Assist Dogs to qualified Are you willing to give the gift of time? applicants. She was a perfect candidate! We need help in the following areas: She became certified with Grace, ➸ Puppy raiser (14 to 16 months) a Labrador Retriever, in 2006 and ➸ Short-term dog foster home immediately began volunteering for the (2 to 4 weeks) organization. ➸ Breeder host family – dog lives with you while having puppies Shelly has helped with various projects at for the organization; you get to the office and has been a popular speaker keep the dog after she is retired with Lions clubs and other groups. She (approximately two to three has spoken at in-house events such as years). graduation, Tails to Tell tours, and visits ➸ Special events fundraising from our Lions District Governors and committee – help think up new Hearing Dog Chairs. For two years, ideas for raising funds! ❤ Shelly has been a table captain at the Tails ➸ Help plan our 20th Anniversary of Independence fundraisers; she was a

8 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 9 HEEL & WHEEL 2008! A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits Team Challenge trophy by raising Service Dogs of Minnesota Puppy of the 248 walkers and the 124 $2,295! Raisers won with 19 members and well-behaved dogs who participated th $3,773. The team will have its name in the 15 annual Heel and Wheel Twelve teams competed in the engraved on the Top Dog Trophy, fundraising walk. A grand total of general category. The Hearing and which we display in our office for all $45,000 was raised by 181 registered to see. walkers and many event sponsors! After the walk, everyone had a Everyone agreed that Lake Phalen is great time listening to The Seldom THE TOP FIVE! a great place for this event; we plan Platinum= Graphic Resources Herd band while enjoying lunch to use it again in 2009. Would you and recognizing the top fundraisers. Top five pledge earners: like to help plan this very special Gold= Petsmart and Spring Lake Park LIons Lucky participants won a trip to Adam Burrows $2,172 walk? It will be part of our agency’s Silver Bone= Thrivent, Cobra and Petco Foundation Florida, a Toro snow blower, an Gage Miske $1,595 20th anniversary celebration next year. autographed Minnesota Wild hockey Contact Laurie Carlson at 612-729- Bronze=Milleniu Hotel, Fundraising Solutions stick, and 23 other great prizes. Jan Day 5 $1,125 5986, ext. 113, to volunteer! ❤ Susan Farino $1,000 Seven Lions teams raised a total of Duane Finger $975 $5,335. Team 5M8 won the Lions Í Platinum Bone Sponsor

Gold Bone Sponsors

Spring Lake Park Lions

Photos by Oldenburg Studios Photography

The 10th annual Collision Center Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 21, 2008. John Kiffmeyer chaired the F tournament for the 10th year, and we can’t thank him enough for his efforts in organizing the event on behalf O of Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota. Collision Center sponsored the greens fees for the day; R Finishmasters, Inc. sponsored the cost of the luncheon for the 75 participants. Judy and Ken Stenzel and E Ken’s Service Dog, Calvin, attended the luncheon and did a presentation and demonstration for the group. Puppy Raiser Laurie Ehlert and trainee, Brewster, ! made the rounds to greet the golfers at each hole! A little puppy kiss for luck always helps in golf. The Graduate Ken Stenzel with Service Dog, Calvin, pose with (L to event raised $6,758 for Hearing and Service Dogs of R) Collision Center owner, Ricky Schmitz; Judy Stenzel; Collision Minnesota programs. Thanks to everyone who made Center owner, Terry Geffre; and event organizer, John Kiffmeyer, this event another great success!❤ after a successful Collision Center golf tournament.

10 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota WWW.HSDM.ORG 11 A Real Gem by Laurie Carlson John Maurer of Detroit Lakes, Minn. John says, “It’s so satisfying and is a people person. Involved in the rewarding to be done with the formal retail business until his retirement, he training. It actually makes me hunger to enjoyed getting out and meeting people. do more! The potential for what Ruby His diagnoses of multiple sclerosis in can do is great, and she likes to learn.” 1980 didn’t slow him down much in the Wife Susan adds, “It has been a real joy, beginning, but as the disease progressed, and brought us closer together.” he found that his balance steadily worsened and his left side became One of John’s favorite things is bringing paralyzed. It was more difficult to get Ruby out in public. Being a people around and his love of gardening proved person, he loves to talk about Service to be harder to pursue without help. Dogs and how they help people. “People light up when they see her.” he says. When John and his wife Susan bought a Susan adds, “Instead of noticing his Goldendoodle puppy in 2005, they took disability, they notice Ruby.” ❤ Ruby through obedience training classes at Lucky Dog Training Center. Susan Did you know Hearing and Service was the primary handler as John was too Dogs of Minnesota is one of only a few weak to control a young and enthusiastic organizations that will train a person’s puppy. Their obedience instructor, Linda pet dog? To learn more about Service Wiedewitsch, noticed Ruby’s potential John Maurer and Ruby Dogs and how you can help, call Janet to learn things quickly and encouraged Cobus at 612-729-5986 or visit our them to continue with different types of yard, if I call for her, Ruby comes right website at www.hsdm.org. training at the center. to me.” John says. Ruby also learned how to pick up items John drops, open Meanwhile, John and Susan thought the patio door, and tug off his gloves there might be even more potential in and jacket. Linda was amazed at how Ruby. They started searching on the quickly Ruby learned different tasks and Internet for information on training a pet was impressed with how dedicated the THOSE WHO MADE THIS dog for service work. They discovered couple was in accomplishing lessons. PLACEMENT POSSIBLE Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota “I would set the task of Ruby learning Dog Source and started the application process. how to pick up a dime, and two days Pet Dog What a surprise to learn that their later, she would be doing it.” Linda obedience instructor, Linda, was also a says. “One of the most rewarding things Field Trainer field trainer for the organization! has been watching Ruby strengthen her Linda Livingston Wiedewitsch allegiance to John as her main person. Foster Home Training began in earnest. Ruby learned They are very good students, all three of Lucky Dog Boarding how to help John with his balance them!” and Training when getting up off the ground while gardening. “No matter where Iw am in thew w. h s d m. o r g Women of Today! United Way and CFC: Hearing and Service Dogs of When you take advantage of payroll deductions to support Hearing Minnesota was and Service Dogs of Minnesota, you don’t even need a stamp—the invited to make payroll department at work takes care of everything. A small gift, a presentation taken from each paycheck, can amount to a significant contribution in an attempt to our organization. If your company offers matching funds, we can to become the receive a gift from your employer as well. charity focus To make a donation through the United Way, select the option of a dynamic called “donor choice.” Use the “other” line, mention “donor group called choice,” and write in our name and address: Hearing and Service the Women of Dogs of Minnesota, 2537 25th Avenue South, Minneapolis MN Today during 55406. their convention in Mankato, Minn. on August 9, 2008. Three charities are being If you are employed by the federal government, you can make considered for this honor but only one will be selected during their contributions via payroll deduction through the Combined Federal next convention, later this Fall. Campaign (CFC). Our CFC number is 67285. Cross your fingers for us! Pictured is a happy group of convention- goers with Al Peters, trainee, Bea, Puppy Raisers Michelle and Sometimes we are listed under our former corporate name, the Shay Nelson, trainee, Weaver, and Graduate Betty Miller and her Companion Dog Connection, Inc. This year, we expect United Way Hearing Dog, Claire.❤ and CFC contributions to surpass $19,000! Thank you for your generosity. ❤ WWW.HSDM.ORG 11 Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota

Nonprofit Org. Hearing and Service Dogs of Minnesota U.S. Postage 2537 25th Avenue South PAID Minneapolis,MN Minneapolis, MN 55406 Permit NO. 4744

Please Note! If you are receiving more than one copy of Tails from Minnesota, have moved, or you do not wish to receive our newsletter in the future, please call 612-729- 5986, 729-5914 tty, or e-mail [email protected].

Wish List √ Dog treats!! (Pupperoni, small Milkbone) Upcoming Events √ LCD computer monitors, 17” or larger √ Palm Treo Smartphone for Verizon October 28 Tails To Tell tour, 6:00 p.m. √ Automotive GPS devices November 1 Graduation, Anne Sullivan School √ More puppy raisers! December 6 Tails To Tell tour, 10:00 a.m. √ Plastic dog crates (large and extra large) December 24 & 25 We’re closed for the holidays √ Dog grooming services January 1 We’re closed for the holidays √ Van with wheelchair lift, good condition January 2, 3, 4 Land O’Lakes Kennel Club √ 25’ extension cords January 24 Tails To Tell tour, 10:00 a.m. √ Home Theater system for meeting room * All Tails to Tell tours take place at our facility, located at 2537 25th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN √ Mac G4 Computers, laptop 55406. Please call our office at 612-729-5986 or 612-729-5914 (tty) to reserve a spot. √ 5-6’ wide portable video screen √ Small wagon or hatch-back for delivering dogs Name a Puppy √ Microwave cart with drawer √ Dog leashes, 6’ narrow width Your school, √ Camcorder, Digital organization or √ Exercise pens, 36’-48’ √ Donated veterinary services company can raise √ Gentle Leaders & Haltis, sizes M & L money to support √ New Flexi leads for large dogs our work and √ New Smoke Detectors name a puppy-in- √ 8-1/2 x 11 copy paper training. You get a √ Plastic “Playschool” benches and table photo, certificate √ Batteries, AA & AAA √ Carpet cleaner and a presentation √ Frontline Heartworm Preventative about assistance √ Kongs, Nylabones (large & puppy-size) dogs for your √ Gift certificates to pet stores and students, members home improvement stores or employees. √ Newer wheelchairs, manual Quickie-type Contact Jessica at √ 1st-class stamps jnadeau@hsdm. √ Purebred puppies Janet Cobus accepts a $3,659 check from Seagate org for more √ Leashes and large or small flexi leads “Gygabytes” employee group chair, Rory Boucha, √ New dog grooming supplies information. Who for participating in the Name a Puppy program. Also doesn’t love a A special thanks to all of you who previously pictured (L to R) are Pat Heffernan and puppy-in- puppy? supplied us with wish list items! You made training, Griffon, along with Gygabyte members Donna our wishes come true! ❤ Fern, Annette Wermerskirchen, Linda Costa, John Zimmer, Katrina Echols and Charmaine Lee.