Assistance Dog Brings Man with Disability off of the Sidelines

Kirk, of Lake Elsinore, is a 48-year-old man with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. He is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. At least, this is what everyone sees at first glance. Kirk is actually so much more!

Kirk is younger than his years. Decades ago, he was one of the first people with a disability to go sky diving. He was even known as “Sky Kirk”! He is passionate about Marvel Comics, and loves to dress up and go to conventions like Comic Con. He even started hand cycling, thanks to an adaptive sports program. Best of all, Kirk is kind and sweet, has a great sense of humor and loves to socialize. However, Kirk is often left out of things because of his disability.

Recently, Kirk received a gift that helps him feel more included, accepted and appreciated. Blade IV is an assistance dog from the non-profit organization, Canine Companions for Independence. Canine Companions enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Blade is a beautiful, long-coated, yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross who is endlessly affectionate, playful and devoted to Kirk. Dog lovers find Blade irresistible and when they approach him, Kirk enjoys the opportunity to make new friends.

“Kirk is no longer a silent observer in life,” explains Dana, Kirk’s mother. “Blade draws people to Kirk and that helps him become a participant rather than just a spectator.” Blade also enhances Kirk’s self-esteem. “Guys actually come up to Kirk and say, ‘You’re lucky!’” says Dana. “They say things that people would never normally say to Kirk. It really means a lot to him. He’s always been an outlier in life. With his assistance dog, Kirk is actually envied!”

Blade is the second assistance dog Kirk has received from Canine Companions. His previous dog, Ramee, retired last year. “More than anything, Blade is totally devoted to Kirk,” explains Dana. “Kirk lost that when his dad died in 1986. Ramee made Kirk light up again, and now so does Blade. It’s wonderful for me, as his mom, to see it!”

Kirk, Dana and Blade graduated together after completing an intense, residential, two-week Team Training course at Canine Companions’ Southwest Regional Training Center in Oceanside, California. During Team Training, students are strategically matched with assistance dogs and learn how to work with them safely and effectively. The dogs are trained for two years prior in approximately 40 commands before they are ready to become 24/7 helpers. Thanks to Canine Companions’ generous supporters, the dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up support are provided free of charge.

About Canine Companions for Independence:
Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.