1. 3NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/CAN | 1-800-344-4867
Northern California Chapter
1700 Owens Street, Suite 190
San Francisco, CA 94158
1-800-344-4867
Chair: Jay Thayer
Chapter President: Janelle Del Carlo
Editor: Emily Hazlett
Designer: Nare Ovsepian
Copywriter: Jenna Tucker
© 2015 National MS Society, Northern California
Chapter; Published Quarterly—Fall 2015
Information provided by the Society is based upon
professional advice, published experience and expert
opinion. Information provided in response to questions
does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or
prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
recommends that all questions and information be
discussed with a personal physician.
The Society does not endorse products, services or
manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because
they are considered valuable information. The Society
assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product
or service mentioned.
LIVING WITH MS
REGAININGINDEPENDENCECanine Companions for Independence
was founded four decades ago in Santa
Rosa.Sincetheir inception, thenon-profit
organizationhasworkedtohelpchangethe
livesofpeoplewithdisabilitiesbyincreasing
their independence and providing loving
companionship via trained service dogs.
Many people who live with MS find it
difficultorevenimpossibletospendmuch
time alone because of their symptoms.
Having a well-trained service dog to help
with daily tasks can make life easier and
morefulfillingforthoselivingwithMS.
Northern Californian Jill Wright Leverton has been
living with MS symptoms since the age of 24 and
was officially diagnosed with the disease when she
was 49. As time went on, her symptoms gradually
progressed, making it harder to walk; currently she
uses a wheelchair.
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
Jill,aretiredphysician,hasbeenactively
involved with the Northern California
Chapter, participating on both the
Therapeutics/Pharmacy and Services
committees. She also served on the
BoardofTrustees,eventuallybecoming
the Board Chairwoman.
Around the time she retired on
disability, Jill remembered hearing
about a canine service during her time
with the Society. After learning more
about the application and training
process, Jill applied and was accepted
into the program. She was matched with her first
service dog, Jewel, in 2005 and is pictured now with
successor service dog, Willamina.
continued on page 4...
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2. 4 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015
LIVING WITH MS
Sacramento
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00am
Mercy San Juan Medical Center
6555 Coyle Ave. #140, Carmichael
Santa Rosa
Monday, October 12 | 12:00pm
Round Table Pizza
2065 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa
Albany/El Cerrito
Wednesday, October 14 | 12:00pm
Albany Public Library
1247 Marin Ave, Albany
All Canine Companions’ dogs go through the
same intense training process, which begins during
puppyhood. But, like any dog, service dogs have
different personalities. In order to make sure that
the dog and recipient are a good pair, both take part
in a two-week, live-in session where the new owner
is able to learn more about the dog and work one-
on-one with them.
“They do a wonderful job making sure that the
dog is in sync with you and your needs,” Jill said.
“Being in a wheelchair makes it hard to pick things
up.These dogspick everything up. In addition,they
open drawers and doors and turn on and off lights.
Jewel, and now Mina, increased my independence
immensely as well as my confidence when going
out. Plus, they are great companions.”
Canine Companions breeds their own dogs and
offers them free of charge to those in need, who are
acceptedintotheprogram.Thedogsarepuppy-raised
by volunteers until they reach age 18 months, and
then they go into advanced (professional) training
for six months. After training is complete, both the
canineandthenewownerparticipateinagraduation
ceremony. This ceremony symbolizes the beginning
of a long-term relationship between the person and
the dog. After graduation, there are regular follow-
up programs, workshops, and reunions. These are
done to make sure that the service dog is fulfilling
their duties and that the match is still appropriate.
“My life with MS is a constant challenge,” adds Jill,
“but having a well-trained service dog has helped
significantly. I am very fortunate.” Q
Monterey
Friday, October 16 | 11:00am
Marina Public Library
190 Seaside Ave, Marina
San Jose
Thursday, October 22 | 11:30am
Santa Teresa Public Library
290 International Circle, Room C, San Jose
LEARN MORE!
Canine Companions for Independence will be
visiting the following self-help groups this fall:
If you are unable to attend one of these
information sessions or are interested in
additional information, please join us for an
informational tour at the Jean and Charles
Schultz Campus in Santa Rosa. Canine
Companions for Independence is hosting a
private tour just for the National MS Society
on Monday, December 7 at 10:00am. Please
call 1-800-344-4867 to register.
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