Canine Support Teams seeks fundraising assistance

Editor’s note: Canine Support Teams, Inc., of Menifee faces financial challenges in providing Service Dogs to disabled residents. This article by Sally Wing, marketing and development director for the organization, describes the group’s services and how residents can help support it.

All dogs accepted into the Service Dogs program must meet strict temperament and training standards. Before they are ready to place with a disabled client, they must learn over 70 commands. These tasks include turning lights on and off, pushing elevator buttons, retrieving dropped or hard to reach items, bracing to help clients stand or sit, opening and closing doors and drawers, walking by or with a wheelchair or walker, and barking to get help in emergencies.

In addition, these dogs serve as ice-breakers in public and social situations. People focus on the dog, not the disability. This opens doors and allows conversations and connections that would otherwise be too awkward to attempt.

Canine Support Teams, Inc. was founded in 1989 by Carol Roquemore. Disabled by polio as a child, Carol is uniquely qualified as a dog trainer and a client. She understands, at a very deep and personal level, what a Service Dog can do and what they mean to our clients.

A dog lover since childhood, Carol always enjoyed the companionship of dogs. While managing the full responsibilities of being wife and mother, she turned her passion for dogs into a profession as a dog trainer, teaching classes in basic obedience and protection. After training her own dog in the skills necessary to help her in daily activities, she began to receive inquiries from others in similar situations. The abundance of requests and her commitment to dog training led to the formation of the nonprofit organization called Canine Support Teams.

"Those of us with physical challenges don't want to be completely dependent on others; we want to do for ourselves as much as possible," Carol said. "It's extremely important for us to have some independence and be accepted, no matter what we look like. No matter how twisted our bodies, or our ability to speak and communicate, dogs will love us anyway."

Carol leads a small yet dedicated staff and an army of volunteers to provide skilled Service Dogs to those in need. Despite personal tragedy, physical limitations and even professional opposition, Carol has remained steadfast and unwavering in her mission. She has advanced the standards of the Service Dog industry and is an advocate for disabled persons with Service Dogs.

Her innovative dog training program within correctional facilities has served as a model for dozens of other programs across the country. She regularly marshals the energy, resources and people required to carry out the CST mission with rare empathy and passion.

Canine Support Teams, Inc. has received dedicated funding through County Supervisor John Tavaglione to provide service dogs to disabled residents of Riverside County District 2 (Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley). Our deadline for completing the grant terms is approaching. More support from local residents is needed to fulfill our mission, however.

If you would like more information or to give a donation to support their work, contact Canine Support Teams, Inc at 951-301-3625 or visit the website www.caninesupportteams.org. You can also support the organization by attending the Canine Support Teams Fall Gala Sept. 22 in Upland.