Confidence for the Future

“Thunder [the dog I’ve worked with] has been very reassuring for the path I have chosen to dedicate my life to, in and out of prison. Watching Thunder succeed and knowing that I had a small part in helping him establish who he is going to be and that chance for that connection with someone that will change their life for the better, is so rewarding. I am very thankful for the opportunity and the skillset ICAN has given me and for the confidence I now feel for my future.”

A Miracle

“[Our daughter] Olivia has a rare genetic disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5) with congenital onset. Five years ago, our original hopes for Ally and Olivia included Ally helping Olivia with dropped items, turning on and off lights, pulling her walker to her, and providing a social bridge. We quickly saw those goals met and started to see so many other possibilities.

In Team Training, Olivia took a few steps with Ally and we were so thrilled … Ally truly taught Olivia how to walk. The walker now sits in our garage collecting dust as Olivia no longer needs it! … ICAN provides hope but it also provides so much more. ICAN gave us Ally, and Ally gave us a miracle.”

Joan, mother of ICAN client Olivia

A Pocket of Hope

“It is through ICAN that I’ve learned what it entails to be a part of a team and to be responsible for a being other than myself. ICAN has helped to create in me a strong follow-through because, with service dogs, the proof is in the pudding. My life is now more structured and disciplined because I need to provide structure and consistency to the dog. I’ve become more patient because I have to work at the dog’s pace for learning, and not my own. This program is a pocket of hope in an environment of sorrow and despair.”

Rheann, ICAN Handler

A Blessing from God

“I applied for a service dog because I have many physical disabilities from my time in the Marine Corps that make daily life difficult. I was fortunate that the VA quickly agreed with my request to be approved for a service dog based on my current disabilities. I also wanted a dog that could be cross-trained in both physical and emotional support, as I have PTSD from my time in the service and as a firefighter/paramedic.

When I first met [my dog] Ben, I instantly felt happiness come over me ... He came right up to me, and I instantly felt at ease as Ben and I started to get to know each other … I feel that [Ben] is allowing me to return to a much more normal lifestyle, with less pain from not having to do things on my own. And he has made a positive impact on my emotional state, because I now have someone looking out for me 24/7 and helping me cope … I honestly feel that this opportunity is a blessing from God and that I am finally starting to climb out of the hole I have been in for so many years.”

John, ICAN Client and Marine Corp Veteran