We’re grateful to those who have served their country. Civilians can never understand all that is entailed in military service for our country but we can be thankful, acknowledge this service, and support where we can.
Along those lines, we have an update on one of our favorite service organizations – Canine Companions for Independence – and their program for veterans called the Canine Companions Wounded Veterans Initiative.
Two years ago our first puppy, “Barbie”, flunked (only about 40% pass!), and she is now a “civilian” in the MarshallGIS office. In August 2016 our second CCI puppy “Ginnie” (image to the left) went back to Santa Rosa, where she made it all the way through advanced training only to be turned down because of future hip problems.
Late last September, our third green eared CCI puppy (green from the ear tattoo – see photo on right), “Safire” – entered our lives, third times a charm! When we picked up Safire at the Boise Airport, we met Charlie Linville, his daughter, and his CCI graduate working dog Devon.
It was a real honor to meet Charlie and his daughter, and his CCI dog Devon. Just last year, Charlie Linville summited Mount Everest with a prosthetic leg. Charlie is nothing short of awesome, and you can read on CBS News how Charlie was a member of a Marine Corps bomb-disposal unit in Afghanistan in 2011 when he stepped on a buried explosive and suffered traumatic injuries.
Below: Charlie and Tim Medvetz of The Heroes Project summiting Mount Everest. Source: CBS news / The Hero Project.
We were inspired by Charlie’s story, and happy to be apart of the CCI Puppy Raisers.
Read More about Charlie, and the CCI Wounded Veterans Initiative.