Colorado Service Dogs

Publication 502 Medical Exspenses, Tax's and Service Dogs

2011-02-08T10:00:00.001-07:00

Guide Dog or Other Service Animal

You can include in medical expenses the costs of buying, training, and maintaining a guide dog or other service animal to assist a visually-impaired or hearing-impaired person, or a person with other physical disabilities.

2010-12-06T08:08:00.001-07:00

Gabe of Greenleaf!

2010-11-16T14:15:00.002-07:00

Colorado Service Dogs wants to welcome "Gabe" from Greenleaf Kennels, from Arizona into our family! He was graciously donated to us by the family. Gabe received his CGC at 7 months old, hold Novice Rally Titles and is an all around amazing dog. We feel extremely proud and privileged to own such a magnificent dog! Thank you Patrick and Marlene!

RE: Cat Costumes By Mean Kitty

2010-10-29T18:38:00.000-06:00

Search | Grassroots.org | Free Services for Nonprofits

2010-10-14T08:40:00.000-06:00

Search | Grassroots.org | Free Services for Nonprofits

2010-10-11T10:38:00.002-06:00

Please feel free to print up these fliers and pass them out!

Happy Howlidays 2010 Flier!

2011 Events Calendar Flier!

New Brochure Side 1
Brochure Side 2

Donate of Items Flier

2010-05-28T14:11:00.001-06:00

2010-05-25T14:24:00.001-06:00

Disney GAD VolunteerStatus

2010-03-10T11:45:00.002-07:00

VOP Status

Update - March 9, 2010:

One million people have now either committed or completed their service through opportunities found at DisneyParks.com via the Volunteer Opportunity Portal.

The following system changes are now in effect:

* Volunteer can no longer search or sign up for opportunities at Disneyparks.com, therefore the functionality to post new opportunities in the system is no longer available.
* Now that the program has ended, Volunteers who have not yet committed to an upcoming opportunity (even if they've expressed interest, scheduled a time to volunteer, or served with you) will no longer be able to sign up and qualify for a ticket.
* The volunteers who appear listed in "View Volunteer Sign-Ups" or who are on your "Verify Attendance" list have a ticket voucher reserved for them once they have complete their service and have it verified by you. Please continue to verify volunteer attendance as usual.

Worthy Girls' Day

2010-03-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday was "Girls' Day" for myself and my two beautiful daughters. We ventured off for our Volunteer Day with Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. We arrived at 11 am and Sharon put us right to work...after meeting her 1o dogs, of course. The puppies we worked with were Labradoodles (a cross-breed of Labrador and Poodle), so cute and cuddly, fuzzy, but not too much shedding. The puppies played and played, allowing them to get some of their "wiggles" out before official training began. Actually, even playing is part of learning when you're a pup. The girls gave them some of this play time to get used to them, also giving them socialization with children, a needed trait when you're a Service Dog. After getting their wiggles out, we began training. The puppies, now 18 weeks old, were sooooo GOOD and gentle! They were amazing and really impressed my girls and I. Paula, our new disabled friend and her daughter were also there to help train and possibly become the next Colorado Service Dog recipient. The 5 of us "trained" the puppies with common commands and rewarded them with treats and praise. The puppies seemed to enjoy it almost as much as we did. It was a great way to spend the day together, participating and aiding in something so valuable and worthy. It was really special to know our work with the dogs was just a little slice of the big picture that would so immensely help someone like Paula for years to come. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your puppies with us. We had a blast!

Julie, Jessica and Janae

Jonathan and Boo

2010-03-02T10:04:00.002-07:00

After having Boo for about a year and a half now, I can't even imagine how life would be without her. Actually, I just don't want to because it would be awful. It didn't take Jonathan long at all to learn Boo was his means of going somewhere. In the beginning, I wouldn't say he was emotionally attached to her, but was still very eager to be harnessed to her because he knew what that meant. However, in the last several months, Jonathan's relationship with Boo has evolved.

Jonathan and Boo are definitely attached to each other now. Jonathan loves to play outside with Boo (with Mommy supervising of course). He has recently taken an interest in playing ball with her. Having the developmental level of a toddler, Jonathan doesn't throw very well. Boo doesn't mind, though. Somehow she makes that run four feet away seem much further as she puts on a show for Jonathan. He also tries to love on her much more often these days. He still hasn't quite figured out how to show affection. Jonathan will grab Boo's face and push his head against hers. I standby just incase he gets too rough. It's so rewarding to see Jonathan loving on his dog, even if I do have to stop him on occasion for Boo's safety.

It's amazing how easy life seems these days. We have five kids in our house from infant to teenager, so that's saying a lot! Boo has learned her role in our family quite well. She knows when we are out in public she keeps Jonathan walking and from running away. Before Boo, he would try to run in parking lots or hit the floor the second we walked in a store because of all the sensory input. I am thrilled that she now has more of a relationship with Jonathan at home as well. She plays with him and follows him around. She tolerates his aggressiveness long enough for me to intervene. Jonathan will probably always require close adult supervision because of his developmental level and aggressive tendencies, but Boo makes it possible for us to live our lives instead of always being housebound dealing with behavior issues.

Odie Pampered Under Palm Trees :)

2010-02-14T22:50:00.004-07:00

First off i want to give a humongous thank you and blessing to Kate (Grace's niece) for all of her support, help, patients, and much more, you are true true gem and you will forever be apart of our family! :)

Here it is Sunday Feb 14th (Valentines Day) 2010, and I arrived back home from Tampa Florida, bringing Odie our recently released standard poodle to his new owner Grace. There is way to many reasons to list why this was the perfect home for Odie, but here is a couple: This women's passion for animals is truly amazing, i know a lot of people are that way, but what makes Grace different is her heart. Her understanding of the breed, having owned 4 other poodles prior to Odie. She saw Odie's picture and within a matter of moments (OK maybe within an hour) she had contacted me and left me a message basically stating that she wanted Odie with out ever meeting him, but looking in his eyes he was perfect for her! I was leary because she lived in Tampa and we are here in Denver. There were a lot of logistics that would have had to be figured out before i could even think about him being adopted by Grace. After my conversation with Grace i contacted Sharon (Director Training) and explained that there is a lady in Tampa very interested in Odie and would it be okay if he goes to Florida? She had no problems with it and that is were it all beings. I contacted grace back and said that Sharon and myself have no problems with Odie the standard poodle becoming Odie the standard sun dog!

When ever anyone lets go of an animal it is difficult physically and emotionally. But then when complications are tossed into the mix it makes even worse. And that is exactly what we were faced with. Odie was adopted almost a month prior to his going to Florida to meet Grace for the first time. The complications did not come from anything we all did, that includes all parties involved. The complications came from a company called PET AIRWAYS who we had entrusted them to provide a direct flight from Denver to Ft. Lauderdale for Odie to be delivered to Grace. Well they kept pushing the date back week after week were it got to be 3 weeks after initial contact with the company, that they were to fly Odie down to Florida. On top of that they changed there manifest and decided not to tell us and it would up that the trip would have taken Odie 2 1/2 days with 2 layovers to reach Grace in Florida.

I contacted Kate, the niece i had been coordinating this trip with on behalf of Grace and told her flat out this will not work, I am NOT putting him on a plane to take 2 1/2 days to get him to Grace. By the way NEVER USE THIS COMPANY, PASS THE WORD PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!

So anyway, back on point, we decided to fly him and me down using United Airlines this past Saturday the 23th and I came home yesterday the 14th, and could not have found a better home for this dog any were.

2010-01-15T19:47:00.001-07:00

Thank You Schnoonover Family!

2009-12-06T12:50:00.003-07:00

Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. wants to express there deepest heart felt thanks to the Schoonover Family for the donation of 3 wonderful golden retrievers.

The 2 males (golden color - we named J.B. & the blond color - male we named Sandy) and 1 golden red color - female we named Ruby are showing wonderful progress in there training. Ruby and Sandy have already been in public with much success. These dogs have a wonderful temperament and calm easiness about them which make them ideal candidates for Service Dog work.

We will be posting more updates soon!

Help us send these seven puppies in prison!

2009-11-10T11:21:00.001-07:00

PRESS RELEASE

November 10th 2009

On February 18th 2010 Colorado Service Dogs first litter of puppies are going into the
Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program. We are trying to raise $4,000.00 needed for the entry.
If you are able to help, please contact Lija Day.

Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (DWCF) in Denver, Colorado will be going to the dogs in February, and persons with disabilities will be benefiting from that transformation.

The facility, which is part of the Colorado Department of Corrections, is a part of The Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program (PTKCP) a program which provides the outside community with pre-trained dogs. PTKCP is partnering with Colorado Service Dogs, Inc., to train service dogs to assist persons with disabilities. When these seven dogs graduate in a month they will be trained in there basic manners training includes sit to greet a person, sit to go through a door, crate training and house training. Basic obedience includes: sit, sit-stay, down, down-stay, come when called and basic heeling on lead.

“This program not only benefits persons with disabilities who will gain more independence from these dogs, it also helps the inmates to become more productive citizens once they are release.” says Colorado Service Dogs, Co-Founder Lija Day.

The PTKCP is an inmate vocational program that allows inmates to learn new skills, improve self-esteem. Inmates from the PTKCP are eligible to earn vocational certification in Canine Behavior Modification while simultaneously preparing dogs to assist persons with disabilities. The program is part of the Department’s Re-Entry initiative, which is focused on preparing inmates for successful re-entry into society upon release from the correctional facility.

When these seven puppies complete the program, they will be released to Colorado Service Dogs, Inc., for additional training before being placed with persons with disabilities.

Run With The Fuzz!

2009-10-01T12:43:00.002-06:00

Deck yourself and your dog out in your best costumes and come join us on November 1st for the First Annual Halloween “Run With The FUZZ!” in Washington Park to benefit the Colorado Service Dogs Organization.

Come out and participate in our 1.5 mile dog walk complete with doggie/owner/kid costume contests, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, and Halloween goodies for the little ones!

Enjoy free beverages, coffee, ice cream, and yummy snacks, as well as vendor demonstrations and live music from My Friend Tom.

And remember your attendance supports Coloradoans in need of a special service dog.

Costumes are encouraged but not required!

501(c)(3) APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-19T15:33:00.001-06:00

Dear Colorado Community,

September 12th 2009, the IRS granted us approval for our 501(c)(3) Non-Profit status in the state of Colorado. The process has taken almost a year and have been exhaustively examined.

Being a 501(c)(3) will open a lot of doors, and formalizes our organization's structure and obligations. Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. will now qualify for many grants and additional forms of support. Plus individual donations can now be made tax-deductible in the United States.

There was a ton of work that went into this. From incorporating, to forming our Board of Directors, drafting by-laws, adopting a Conflict of Interest policy, etc., all topped by an almost 200 page application to the IRS. Then 9 months of waiting and follow up paperwork.

I could have never done this by myself, and have a lot of people to thank...

The biggest thanks goes to Sharon Davis, my fellow Co-Founder and Director of Training. Your patients, knowledge and time have been invaluable to this process.

I would also like to thank our now Board of Directors, friends and family who have bounced ideas around, given encouragement, had faith in the program and provided us with a lot support.

If you would like to help support individuals who come to us and do not have the financial wherewithal, or help in supporting Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. mission we welcome your help. You can donate to a scholarship fund, or to help a client retire there debt, or some other creative way, if you like.

Sharon and myself are so very deeply grateful for all of your ongoing help and support this is just the beginning of a long journey.

Sincerely,

Lija Day
Co-Founder

Update on me and Onyx

2009-08-13T12:35:00.004-06:00

This is been a busy time of year for us my son and I even Onyx went to Nebraska to visit family and friends for two weeks, but we had to make the trip short because a family funnel come up where we had to rush back here to go to Cali for a baby funnel on my husband side of the family. Even though it was a sad time for all of us I do have funny stories to tell you. Because of our air being out in are van we stop a lot and played in the water at rest stops got each other wet then we jump back in the van and went on are way untill the next rest stop. Onyx really didn't like getting wet at first but got use it and then thought it was fun. Everyone the meets her can't believe she is only little over a year old because she don't show her puppy side that much. Now that we are back home she is just more ready to work as we were on the road. Like she hears my husband getting my meds ready and she waits untill she can bring them too me. I there is old story that say when mommy isn't happy that one is that is so true when I am not happy Onyx is not happy like when I went to the doctor to have something cut open and I cried and screamed lots and she was right there showing she was not happy. She now can bring my husband my dinner dishes when I am done eating like silverware, plates, cups. She even tells me when it is time to go to bed. She can even take off my husband stinky socks because he wears the long ones that go all the the way up the leg we have her work with it because i wear the short ones not e long ones and the shorts dosen't give her much of work for her. Loves to play with cats but one of them don't like her the other just stays away for her but there is one of them dose play with her. Loves to cuddle with me on the couch sleeps when I sleep even lots me know someone is here at the house when I am sleeping. She is such a worker and lover. Getting ready to do a test for Colorado Service Dogs for there records. I hope to get her funded though some place I am working with. We are now traing to work with her to open doors and little other stuff.

1st Annual Rummage For Paws

2009-08-10T13:35:00.003-06:00

Thank you to all who came out to the Rummage Sale
on Friday & Saturday.

You can see the results of the sale through the link above!

Hope to see you all again next year!

Items donated: Books, videos, games, videos, electronics, picture, frames,

pictures and paintings, china (wide variety), clothing (including shoes)

Home decor and decoration, Housewares, Occasional (Christmas, birthday, etc.)

Beauty items (un-used), Costume Jewelry, Domestics, childrens items (toys, etc)

Total number of items donated: 150

Total number of items sold: 95

Total amount raised: $113.25

We had items from the rummage sale that were left over from other people

that were apart of the sale as well, donate there un-sold items to CSD.

So we will hold onto those items for future sales.

We will start advertising in January for donations for next years rummage sale!

CSD BBQ

2009-07-27T17:13:00.001-06:00

Onyx

2009-06-20T22:51:00.002-06:00

My family and I are so grateful again for Onyx she loves to work for me. Since Colorado Service Dogs matched us toghter she acts like me more then I thought a dog would do. We have had to take her to a Cav Ball where everyone thought she was pretty and was in press with what she could do for me. The next fun thing we did with her was we went to Norton, Ks for a large family reunion and again everyone was so surprised what she could do for me, and the best part she did great with the long drive there and back. Our next big day was when we went to get her fixed and she did OK with that she just had problems leaving me because or her being a service dog I am sure, but the good news is she did great with surgency. Now for the last big thing we have done with Onyx was we took her to a big Conference about my handicap Morqio she just sleep and sleep because that was right after surgency like the next day, but again everyone thought she was great. Now in tell she gets healed and has time off we will not being doing lots of anything.OH yes I forgot to tell you the night of the Cav Ball she tried to jump in the shower with me. I even got laugh when she walks around picking up my son stuff and bring it to get my son to put it away. The day I bought her home the cats I have all come up and rubbed against her gave her lots of love. She don't bark or make noise in less there is a reason for it. She is the best dog I could have I love her so much.

Patty & SanFransisco

2009-05-22T12:36:00.010-06:00

THIS EVENT WAS AROUND MID APRIL OF THIS YEAR,
my apologies to all especially Patty for the late post:

I suffered a head injury in June 2008 after a horse accident. I was referred to the best neurologist in Denver.After all the testing and blood testing I was diagnosed with a closed head injury that resulted in complex temporal seizure disorder. After many months of suffering and trying to deal with medications and seizures I was out of hope. I tried prayer, diet, medication, etc. I realized I may be destined to live with these seizures.

Finally looking for another answer I called Colorado Service Dog’s. I had two dogs and told Sharon and Lija I would like to use one of them to become my seizure alert or response dog. They did not laugh when I told them my dogs were a Chihuahua and a Jack Russell Terrier.

They both came to interview the dogs and myself. After a very positive and encouraging interview with the dogs they suggested I work on the Chihuahua because she was calmer and more willing to please. Sharon told me she was not the ideal dog because of her size but she was willing to train according to her size...it was like “you do what you want, I will do my best to make it work”.

It just so happened I had a trip to San Francisco planned. Both Lija and Sharon assured me that because I was in training with Colorado Service Dogs and had a “working dog” vest I would be able to go any place that the public was allowed to go.

Stepping out in faith I took my Chihuahua with me.We had NO problem going anywhere. On the airlines they actually went out of their way to accommodate us, i.e. gave “Jackie” her own seat. We ate at the finest restaurants and shopped at upscale art galleries. Jackie was always welcomed with open arms because they saw that she was a “working” dog.

At the Palace Hotel in down town she not only was a welcomed guest; they brought a dog bed, a bowl for food and water, a bottle of water and a bag of dog kibble tied with a gold bowl to our room.

I am so thankful to Lija and Sharon for their open mind toward training my Chihuahua. She has not yet learned to respond to my seizures so we will try something else, a black lab that they have named Lily. I hope we have better luck, but in the meantime I have great memories of taking my favorite Chihuahua to San Francisco.

**UPDATE**
I have been fostering Lily the black lab now for a couple weeks, and we are working with her on encouraging her further on her current alert of pacing and a sense of confusion. She realizes something is happening but is not quit sure what it is she is to be doing. She is an amazing dog and between the training i have been giving her with the guided hand of Sharon we are excited about her alerting and her assistance for me.

Thankfull

2009-05-03T22:08:00.008-06:00

I am so thankful for Colorado Service Dogs! :) They have place a dog with me that I love and care about so much, even though it has only been one week. I all ready see the good she is doing for me. She helps me keep moving with my legs like taking her outside, feeding & caring for her. I have named her Onyx she is my jewel. She is so funny, the other day I went to the bathroom and she come with doing her job, and on top of it I had all my cats in there with Onyx and I. The way she looks at me at times is so funny. I just wanted to say Thank You again Colorado Service Dogs for helping all of us who need this dogs for different jobs.

The last couple days

2009-04-22T15:55:00.006-06:00

What a last couple roller coaster days we have had here at CSD!

IRS requested more details to help in the determination of our application. We hope we will get final approval in the next 3-4 months if not sooner. we will keep posting on updates!

We have made numerous updates to the website, and introduced our "CAPS" Program.

CSD wants to introduce you to a remarkable family. Julie has a rare condition call Morquio's syndrome. She was diagnosed at a very young age and it effects her joints, cartilage, connective tissue & it limits her mobility. Her can do attitude is one to admire. Her husband is active military based here in Colorado, lets show support to a family who has helped and supported us in so many ways.

If you would like in help sponsor Julie or make a donation you can do so through any of the "Donate" buttons through out the CSD site, just specify for it to go to Julie.

Introducing Heather and Buhda

2009-03-26T15:28:00.004-06:00

Hello,
My name is Heather and I was asked by Lija to ost and tell our story. In July of 2000 I was diagnosed with chronic ear pain due to arthritis in my ears. I didnt think much of it because at the time I was a Certified Nurses Assistant and loved my job. As the years passed in June of 2004 I was told I could no longer do my job ad was fired. I then began to get serious ear aches that caused me to have severe nausea and even fainting this caused me to once again go in and be checked. When I did in July of 2004 the Ear nose throat doctor told me i would start loosing my hearing and that he felt a service dog or wheelchair would be neccesary for me of course being a dg person anyway I chose to try to ge a service dog. I tried every possible company out there including canine companions for independance and freedom service dogs both turned me away and said i wasnt serious enough. I gt frustrated and decided i was going to train my own so i set out to find a way to do this I read that i didnt need to go through a company to do so i got me a sheltie first her name was ginger she was great but was dumb as a rock and refused to work soi got a black lab mix which turned out to be part pit bull her name was jetta. She was very intelligent but when she reached 8 months she bit my daughter so i got rid of her too. At this point i was getting frustrated and i went looking for anoher dog. I decided to find a golden retriever to train. I found Buhda. He was a cute little ball of fuzz when i first got him. I then started training him through the southern colorado kennel club here at the fairgrounds . Buhda flew right threw and did everything i asked of him. I again went online when buhda was a littl over 1 yr old i found Co service dogs and decided to give them a call to see if they could test my dog and certify him. In August of 2008 Buhda recieved a passing grade on the public access test and is now certified I was so proud of myself. I finally have my service dog.

While Our Application Is Pending

2009-01-30T23:25:00.003-07:00

While waiting for the IRS to approve your application, your nonprofit corporation may operate as a tax-exempt organization. When you file your annual federal and state information returns for your nonprofit corporation, note that your 501(c)(3) application is pending IRS approval.

Referance: Citizen Media Law Project

Homer Goes to Work

2009-01-29T13:49:00.003-07:00

Homer is now Daniel Rhoden's Service dog. He helps Dan in Public places by calming and being a reality check for Dan. He is also a seizure alert for Dan.

New Fundraising Programs for 2009

2009-01-28T11:13:00.004-07:00

To the right, I have posted 2 of our 4 new fund raising programs for 2009:

"Pennies Four Paws" & "Dollars For Scholars"

Both of these programs were created to bring funds into the organization to benefit the needs of current & potential clients.

2009-01-27T15:41:00.005-07:00

No wish is too large, no hero is too small.

Wish Upon A Hero is an online community of people helping people.

Register for FREE and start browsing wishes,
posting wishes and granting wishes.

Wish Upon A Hero

2009-01-18T10:51:00.003-07:00

Thank You! Deborah Larson

2009-01-04T19:22:00.002-07:00

I want convey a very big Thank You to Deborah Larson & Klassi Kritters for the wonderful donations of the labs to our organization.

I had the opportunity last night to meet Olivia & Pup & they are amazing, wonderfully, sweet and gentle dogs!

I am so very impressed with the dogs you raise & I am looking forward to meet you in the coming weeks.

If you want to contact Deborah or her non-profit organization, Klassi Kritters, you can email her at klassikritters@yahoo.com or call her at (720) 810-3502

Charity Registration

2008-12-04T19:17:00.007-07:00

Last night (December 3rd) there was a story on the local news about charity fraud. I wanted all to know that Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. is a registered charity with the Secretary of States off of Colorado.

Organization can be found on the Secretary of States Office, through the following link:

COLORADO CHARITY INQUIRIES

Our organization was registered back in the beginning of the year, when our vision took flight.

Our 501(c)(3) is still currently pending but if you are to make a donation, we will issue a donation letter when the exemption is granted, we are hoping for mid next year.

Here is the story from a local station here in Denver:

CHARITY FRAUD STORY

Happy Eating

2008-11-26T16:32:00.001-07:00

Anonymous

‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving,
But I just couldn’t sleep…
I tried counting backwards,
I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned…the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
So, I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Stuffing with gravy, green beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie
But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees…
Happy eating to all — pass the cranberries, please.

From CSD to your family, Happy Thanksgiving!

My Family Photos 2008

2008-11-24T17:28:00.008-07:00

We recently on the 16th of November had our family photos taken. I have since put together an album of the photos taken plus 1 of my son Timothy on his first Christmas in 2006.

Enjoy and Happy Holidays to all from the Day Family!

An Open Letter to the Autism Community

2008-11-18T14:12:00.004-07:00

As an organization with a dedication to improving the lives and opportunities available to people with disabilities and their families, Colorado Service Dogs would like to take this opportunity to let our community know more about who we are and the work that we do.

Who We Are
Colorado Services Dogs, Inc. is an organization established to train and provide rescued dogs to assist people who have disabilities in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school. These dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners.

Colorado Service Dogs considers people with autism and their parents and families a vital part of educating us to better serve the community.Many people with autism as well as parents of children with autism have developed considerable expertise about autism. Their first-hand knowledge of the needs and realities of the life of children and adults with autism has made them strong and compassionate advocates for the rights of both children and adults with autism.

CSD's Mission and Goals
It is the vision of this organization to increase the quality of life and provide companionship to the residents of Colorado through specially trained service dogs, including on going support services and training.

For the dogs...
Acquiring from a variety of sources including rescues, organizations, and local animal shelters.

For people with disabilities...
To provide quality trained service dogs and continued client support and training for the duration of the working team.

For the community...
To educate, enlighten and enrich the lives of individuals in the use of quality trained dogs in disability awareness presentations and demonstrations in schools, churches and throughout the community.

In 2008, Colorado Service Dogs, Inc. introduced a very special program, extending its services to help children with autism and their families. This program, is aimed to help families with an autistic child to lead a more fulfilled life through the provision of a specially trained assistance dog.

For a child with autism life can be terrifying, the world becomes a confusing puzzle, a mass of pictures and noise that never makes sense. There is no known cure for autism, and every individual is affected differently, but one thing remains the same, with a child trapped in there own world by a devastating condition, normal life stops for the whole family.

An autism assistance dog is highly trained and socialized to help with the needs of the child and their families. Their role will be to act as a guide, anchor and continuous focus for the child and in so doing will offer the whole family the chance to open their doors to the outside world again.

While the effects on the autistic child are not fully understood, the results can be dramatic; a child with autism can become calmer within just a few weeks of commencing their training, tantrums and bolting behavior is reduced and the child shows a greater focus that has the potential to offer improvements in learning and communication sometimes for the first time.

With the presence of a highly trained assistance dog, the family can hope to visit the shopping mall, go to the park and even attempt a holiday, simple things that all too often can become a distant memory for the family with an autistic child.

Colorado Service Dogs works across the state to support the improvement of autism research. These improvements will, in turn, create better lives and opportunities for all people affected by autism - including children and adults, their families and their communities. We work to ensure that people with autism live in an environment that supports their well-being and enables them to reach their full potential as participating members of their communities.

We are open to feedback from our community and welcome your suggestions for inclusion of information and resources on our website.

2008-11-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

The official pet care provider for Colorado Service Dogs.

President's Leadership Class at CU Boulder

2008-11-06T16:01:00.001-07:00

How Our Lives Have Changed

2008-11-04T15:09:00.002-07:00

When we began the journey of getting a service dog for Jonathan, our main goal was to keep Jonathan safe. Boo has certainly done that. For example, while getting in and out of the car, Boo keeps Jonathan close and prevents him from being able to run off.

What I did not expect from Boo, was the since of freedom she has not only given Jonathan, but the entire family. Jonathan is no longer confined to an adaptive stroller everywhere we go. He is now able to walk to the park and around the mall. We can finally go to friends' houses with all of our kids! We recently attended a birthday party and we didn't have to chase Jonathan up the stairs, out the door, or through the kitchen! Boo kept Jonathan in the area we were in, but allowed him room to play and enjoy all the treats.

I am amazed with how Boo has changed our lives in such a short time. I look forward to updating everyone on the life adventures of Jonathan and Boo!

Dissability Awareness Week

2008-10-31T14:49:00.001-06:00

OCTOBER 8 - 10TH 2008

News Release

The goal of this 3 day event is to provide those attending with an opportunity to build new connections with individuals from Denver’s diverse communities, learn about available services, and gain insight into the daily challenges faced by people from this unique group.

Autism Commission

2008-10-31T14:46:00.005-06:00