Today I was walking on the beach with my current trainee puppy Cal.  He picked up a prickly fish head and began to chew on it.  I 'traded' it for a piece of doggy kibble (which he considered a fair trade) and I surreptitiously threw the head far away.  Well, this happened 2 more times.  The 4th time he found a fish head, he ran over to me with it and 'showed' it to me.  I made our fair trade swap.  He trotted off and was happy to have learned his new way to earn a reward.  These puppies are SPONGES and they LOVE to learn. The enthusiasm they have for it is enchanting. The skills they master in their first year of life are the base for all of the advanced mobility assistance they give to their partners for the rest of their lives.  (Well, maybe not fish heads particularly - more about how to please)

Every time we wait in the ferry line and chat with my friends, Cal is soaking up information and learning how to behave.  Thank you to everyone who helps me train (often without even knowing what you have done) to teach patience, calmness, self-restraint and confidence.

I love being involved with the training and I love being taught by the Summit trainers at PUPPY SCHOOL.  It is important work and I feel lucky to be involved.  

Of course, it's about the end game and people they partner with who are served.  I have seen some amazing demonstrations of how these dogs can help a person.  However, I think the big picture is about the many many people they touch along their way.  From the inmates in the prison program to the retired woman on Guemes Island who hopes to make a difference! 

Please support Summit Assistance Dogs by donating to my fundraising page... because of all the good they do for so many people including people with mobility challenges. 

Summit Assistance Dogs creates life-changing partnerships by providing highly skilled mobility service dogs to people living with disabilities. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, every service dog is provided to our clients at no cost to them.

For more information about Summit Assistance Dogs, please visit www.summitdogs.org.

Donate to the Campaign

Donations can be made online by clicking the donate button. We can accept bank or stock transfers by contacting us at info@summitdogs.org or (360) 293-5609.  

Prefer to give by check?

Donations can also be made by mail:
Summit Assistance Dogs
PO Box 699
Anacortes, WA 98221

Tax ID: 91-2048706

Please include “Unleash Your Love” in the memo line, and if you’re supporting my page, include my name so your gift will be credited to my page.

In-Person Event

Unleash Your Love Benefit Luncheon
May 16, 2026
12:30 – 2:00 PM

Canine Condo

Whidbey Island 

There is no charge to attend, but please RSVP by May 9th.

RSVP HERE - Unleash Your Love Benefit Luncheon – Fill out form