Jillayne was introduced to Glamis in May of 2002.  It was evident the minute she was handed his leash that this was a match made in heaven.  He sat next to her with his fur poking through the wheels of her chair and his ear was flopped over the arm rest.  He turned his head towards her and looked at her with his all-knowing brown eyes and it was then that the two hearts became one and the “forever” bond was formed.

Jillayne is seen her with her mom, Debi and her dog, Glamis.  They make up what is called a Skilled Companion Team.

Glamis is there for Jillayne every minute of every day.  He lovingly, willingly and skillfully performs the tasks he was trained to perform.  But picking up an item that Jillayne has dropped, or opening a door that she cannot maneuver are merely the skills.  It goes much deeper than performing a task.  Glamis fills the voids in her life...he takes on the role of siblings that Jillayne doesn’t have; grandparents that have since passed away; the loneliness of watching other children outside running and jumping as she sits in her wheelchair.  He gives her the confidence, independence and freedom to grow and become an incredible young lady with a contribution to be made to the world.  When he is by her side, Jillayne is greeted with smiles and the kind, loving and curious eyes of strangers.  He invites the world to know her rather than ignore her.  His eyes and wet nose are the last thing she knows before she falls off to sleep and the first thing that greet her in the morning.  Anyone who knows this four-legged gift from God, knows that his tail is powered by his heart.

Jillayne is an 8th grade student at Oak Grove Middle School in Bloomington.  She is an honors student and quite busy.  She is active with the Minneapolis/St. Paul Champions Chapter of Canine Companions volunteering her time to help raise money and awareness.  She is the Youth Commissioner for the Bloomington Human Rights Commission and next year will be a member of the Bloomington Police Explorers Post.  She is looking forward to starting high school next year at Kennedy Senior High School and looks beyond high school to college and a career in forensic science.

“If dog’s prayers were answered, bones would rain from the sky” - Proverb

While Jillayne has been blessed by having Glamis in her life; it could not have been possible if it weren’t for the puppy raisers who give of their time, their money, their patience, their dedication and their hearts.  They are the angels behind the scenes that give so unselfishly in the hopes that the puppies they raise will go on to graduate and enrich the lives of the disabled. 

Seen with Jillayne, Debi and Glamis is Dee Appelman.  Glamis was raised by Dee in Michigan.  This picture was taken on May 18, 2002—GRADUATION DAY!  It was a very proud day for Dee as Glamis was her first “college graduate.”  Jillayne and Debi were doubly blessed as Dee has become a very dear and cherished friend and member of their family.    Dee is expecting Puppy #6 the end of January. 

We want all the puppy raisers and volunteers to know how grateful we are for all of their love and support.  This journey just wouldn’t be nearly as much fun nor as meaningful without you.   Peace and God’s Blessings to all of you…

                                                                 Jillayne, Debi and of course—Glamis