On October 14, students and teachers will be invited to a presentation by volunteers from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). During this special assembly, adults and students alike will learn about the amazing things that assistance dogs can do in a unique human/canine partnership. The assembly is coordinated by our PTA Special Education Liaison.
CCI is a nonprofit organization whose motto is,"Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People." These highly trained dogs are very special. Bonnie Mueller, Susan Byrd, and Mary Hill will show you some of the tasks these dogs perform every day. It has often been said, "These dogs are not circus dogs; they do not perform tricks. They are service dogs; they perform tasks." Puppy raiser Bonnie and her 11th puppy-in-training "Tiffi" will teach about the process of raising a puppy for CCI for approximately 16 months, beginning when the puppy is just 8 weeks old. Volunteer Susan will explain her experience with CCI as well as being a veterinary nurse. CCI Graduate Mary and her Service Dog "Indy" (Indira III) will explain the process called Team Training and will demonstrate the tasks that Indy accomplishes for Mary on a daily basis.
The students will learn that CCI trains four types of assistance dogs: service dogs, hearing dogs, facility dogs, and skilled companion dogs. CCI does not train seeingeye or guide dogs for the blind. If you would like to learn more about CCI before or after the assembly, please visit www.cci.org. In case all questions aren’t answered at the assembly, students can probably find the answers on that website. The CCI volunteers will also have brochures for the teachers and a surprise treat for each student. So, don’t be surprised when your children tell you they saw dogs at school! These are exceptional dogs that help exceptional people. We know your kids will give a warm welcome to our CCI presenters and dogs on October 14 – and parents are welcome to attend too!
The K - 3 Assembly will be from 11:10am-11:30am,
grades 4 - 6 at 11:40am-12:10pm.
Both assemblies will be in the MPR.
Thank you.
