2009 Graduation Honors Four More Matches, Bringing Us To 46 Graduate Pairs

There were smiles, cheers and happy tears as we honored the four most recent
additions to our Summit family of graduate pairs – Taysen Langstraat of Lynden with
Jackson, GJ Leptien of Portland with Zoey, Lynne Kovacich of Spokane Valley with
Adams and Eric Rea of Seattle with Titus. These four bring our nine-year total to 46 lives
changed for the better through the help and companionship of an assistance dog.
We also honored the puppy raisers and trainers who prepared these four wonderful
dogs for their new lives. Jackson’s puppy raiser was Christy Durham of Sedro Woolley,
and staff trainer Wendy McDougal did his advanced training. Zoey’s puppy raiser was
Diana Smith of Anacortes, who also was his volunteer advanced trainer. Adams was
raised and put through advanced training by volunteer Jan Hemme of Anacortes.
Summit staff trainer Lisa Freshour started out raising Titus when she was a volunteer
and became his advanced trainer when she joined our staff last year,
Eric Rea, speaking on behalf of this year’s graduating class, talked about how
dramatically his life has changed since he was paired with Titus last spring. He
reiterated what we hear from our graduates over and over again. In addition to the
helpful tasks they perform, these dogs help build bridges and new friendships, create
independence and hope-filled lives, reduce depression and loneliness, and of course,
give unconditional love.
It takes a lot to make these miracles happen. To produce 46 great service dogs, we
have rescued more than 200 dogs and raised more than 150 puppies. Hundreds of
volunteers have given countless hours to raise, train and socialize puppies, help us
around our office and volunteer for events. More than 3,200 generous donors have
supported us financially through the years. Without them, we would not have been
able to change these 46 lives.
We also extend a special thanks to the sponsors who helped make our 2009
graduation ceremony a wonderful event. Christine Coco, photography; Nancy Nielsen,
handmade personalized quilts for the graduates; Jan Hemme and Barb Clark, the 2009
slide show; David Lorenz & Team at Starbucks Redmond Center Store 349, coffee;
Elaine Montgomery, cakes.
Many volunteers also helped us with set up, clean up and other event tasks.