As the video pointed out, each Canine Companion for Independence puppy has a "circle of love" surrounding it. Tonight we are honored to be here with some people in our "circle of love" and we would like to tell you about them.

Canine Companions for Independence as an organization. Without their mission and vision the circles of love wouldn't exist. A special thanks to the Southeast Staff and Board. Your leadership and commitment is exceptional!

Donors are very special---whether they are large corporations such as Sea World who is graciously hosting Tails and Tales tonight, or individuals, as Anita Roberts from Shelby, North Carolina.

Anita's father, Foster, was a very special man. Foster, who is here at our side, was named after him.

Foster "Pluto" Sprinkle was a pushover for animals. Stray cats found easy refuge in his home. The neighborhood dog bummed a daily sandwich from his kitchen. Squirrels ate out of his hand. So, when his daughter, Anita, saw a CCI public service announcement she thought, "That's a cause Daddy would have supported. I couldn't think of a better tribute to Daddy and his love of animals."

Breeder/caretakers are those special people who nuture the parents and puppies. Without breeder/caretakers, puppy raiser's wouldn't anticipate the arrival of those lovely little bundles of joy that give us puppy breath and Frito smelling feet---yes, occasionally puppy feet smell like Frito's! Thank you Rachel and Holt Geidit, Dee Dee and Sam Tillery for giving the pups a wonderful start in life!

Then there are fellow puppy raisers, who support us through the laughter and tears---and become family. Mark and Jeanne Brooks, Dave and Sandy Holzapfel, Becky and Gary Brown, Mike and Robin Bergen, Ingrid Hovland and Bob Fortin. Thank you for being there!

Volunteers are a major component of each puppy's circle of love. These wonderful people make the early morning airport runs, man a booth, puppy sit, sew capes, help at team training, coordinate the matriculation ceremony, coordinate special events such as Family and Fun Day and assit in the office. You are greatly appreciated!

And the graduate teams, who are the reason we raise puppies. All of you are such an inspiration! Sara and Bennie, Hank and Yashi, Mia and Steven G, Dana and Hollen, Katlyn and Holza, Jim and Candy are to name just a few.

As you think about the "circle of love" surrounding your "special pup", take time to say a quick "thank you" to "everyone" who has had a part in raising your pup!

Graduate team Dana and Linda are teamed with our first puppy Hollen. We think a letter Linda wrote to us truly explains why most of us become puppy raisers---to give the gift of independence. Linda has agreed to share their letter. Linda...

Over the last three years our lives changed a lot, we learned to live with Dana's disabilities and learned to disregard doctor's advice about being realistic and not expecting additional improvements or miracles. In February of 1998, we received a miracle, her name is Hollenstein.

Hollen goes everywhere with us and it is because of her we go more places.

Because of his right side paralysis, Dana tires easily and he has great difficulty carrying on a conversation, remembering things, reading and writing. The combination of everything made him try to avoid going places and avoid talking when strangers were around. He also noticed that many people pretend people with disabilities are invisible.

Although Dana went to therapy, he still spent an awful lot of time alone. I had to work and worried about him being alone and harm coming to him. Dana improved slowly but steadily, surpassing doctor's expectations and we had a good life.

But now, with Hollen, when we go places, people ask about Hollen. We explain about Canine Companions for Indepence and all the things Hollen does for Dana that I would normally have to help with. People are amazed and fascinated, Hollen loves to show off, and Dana is proud as a peacock!

But what they don't see her do, are the things that are really the most important and have had the biggest impact of all.

What they don't see is a man who wants to take his dog places to show her off and show her things. Dana has completely amazed his physical therapist by more than tripling his stamina.

What they don't see is a man who has overcome his aversion to talking to strangers because he wants to tell them about Hollen and show them what she can do.

What they don't see is a man whose speech has dramatically improved because he talks to Hollen about everything, and Hollen doesn't care if the words are right or wrong.

What they don't see is a man who sings to his dog.

What they don't see is a man, as his speech improves, who is more confident and he talks more. Dana shows Hollen pictures he finds in magazines and the newspaper and struggles to read because he wants her to know about the pictures.

What they don't see is a man who writes Hollen notes because he wants her to know he can. These are a only a few of the more dramatic changes Hollen has brought about.

What they see is "not just another dog" (although a beautiful and amazing dog)--she really is a miracle!

We will never be able to repay Linda and Grady or Canine Companions for Independence for what we have received through Hollen. Thank you seems so small.

In closing, we would like to quote Ginny Still, a puppy raiser from Oklahoma who is raising Graz.

"Some people wait a lifetime for a miracle----we raise them one at a time."

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