Life, Love, and Dogs Helping Others

Every once in a while, sunshine arrives in the inbox. Today is one of those days. A little less than two years ago, Santa Rosa-based Canine Companions for Independence named a newborn pup after me (“Theo”). I knew nothing about it until they told me. I was was surprised and honored. Dumbfounded is probably a better adjective.

Every six months or so, CCI sent me photos of Theo growing up, which I always got a kick out of. Not all pups bred for service make the grade and my commitment to CCI was that regardless what happened, Theo would always have a loving home and a warm place to watch TV.

Today Theo graduated from the nation’s top service dog training academy and begins a new life of dedicated service. And so today I graduate too, from honored to humbled.

Theo is going to a perfect home. Chris is bent but not broken, a baseball fan and horseman, a courageous fellow whose life was changed by a bad man’s bullet.

Here is a bio about Chris, written and sent to me by CCI’s Michelle Williams, who also provided the photograph above.

“Chris Glenn was born and raised in Idaho and now lives near Nampa, ID with his wife and son. He enjoys outdoor activities, watching his son’s sports practices and games, watching his horses, and spending time with family and friends.

“In 2002, Chris was hired as an Idaho State Police Trooper, working near Twin Falls, ID. In late 2006, Chris was injured when he was shot in the line of duty, and now uses a wheelchair. Chris previously had a Canine Companions service dog that has since passed away. Now, his successor service dog, Theo, will help him live more independently by performing physical tasks like picking up dropped items, turning on and off lights and opening and closing doors and drawers, as well as providing constant companionship.”

As the nation, and much of the theoretically civilized world, seems to insist on dog-paddling through a summer of rancorous discontent, it seems quite alright to pause and think about all the good that surrounds us. Too much these days is hidden by the weeds.

It is an honor to have a service dog named after me, and a blessing beyond keyboard definition to explain the emotional power of knowing more about the man he’ll serve.

Service dogs work for most of their lives, but get to retire when gray muzzles dictate the time has come. After giving so much, so selflessly, to a man and his family forced by criminal circumstance to do the same, Theo will always have a place in my heart and home if and when that day arrives.

In closing, today seems a good time to paraphrase the late Jackie Robinson: “A man’s life means nothing, except for the impact it has on others.” In this case the quote applies to heroes both two-legged and four.

This story — and all the kind, caring people involved along the way to make it possible — is a daisy chain of proof. I wish Chris and Theo much love, health, happiness, and thousands of wonderful days together. Thanks to so many selfless champions of dignity whose work has made this possible, I am richer today than yesterday.

Thank you all.