2024 Year-End Campaign
As 2024 comes to an end at Canine Partners of the Rockies,
we reflect on the extraordinary journey we've shared with so many inspiring
people and dogs. This year has been filled with powerful moments, made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, clients
and supporters.
From the joy of welcoming new puppies to the life-changing
moments when our dogs are matched with their human partners, each step of this
journey has
been one of hope, connection, and transformation.
We’ve heard countless stories from our graduate teams- stories that remind us
of the true power of these remarkable animals.
Take Bo, for example. At eight years old, Bo lost both an
arm and a leg, but it is his unshakable optimism that you remember when you
meet him. Earlier this year, Bo was paired with Copper, and at their graduation
ceremony, he shared these powerful words:
"The world taught me that people with a
disability don’t deserve a chance to live the lives they want… But that’s not
how it’s supposed to be. People didn’t understand that it’s okay to be
disabled. It’s normal to be disabled and have a service dog. I’m going to live
a big life, and with Copper, I’m going to live a great life full of adventure
and travel. And I’m going to do great things—just watch me."
In addition to our service dogs, our facility dogs make an incredible difference in communities. This year, we had the privilege of placing Huckins, a facility dog, at a local hospital. In his very first interaction with a atient, Huckins showed just how intuitive and compassionate these dogs can be. His handler shared this touching moment:
“The first patient was a 15-year-old who was intubated, awake, and one of the most miserable patients I’ve worked with in a while. I tried everything as a Child Life Specialist, but nothing seemed to help. The patient didn’t want to talk but asked if Huckins could come up into his bed. Huckins jumped up and laid his head on the patient’s lap. The patient fell asleep, and we stood in silence for 30 minutes. Mom cried silently in the corner and said, ‘It has been such a dark time for us, but this is one of the only bright moments we’ve had.’ Huckins just knew what to do."
It’s moments like these that remind us of the profound
impact these dogs have—not only on individuals, but on families, caregivers,
and the thousands of lives our dogs touch each year through our community
outreach programs and service and facility dog placements.
During this season of giving, we invite you to consider
making a gift that will help us continue this important work. Your generosity
not only improves the lives of others, but also has the power to transform your
own, knowing you’ve made a meaningful and lasting difference.
Sincerely,
Kyle Lephart
Executive Director