K9 Helpers History

K9 Helpers Service Dogs was founded in 2001 because two people—our trainer, Sue Alexander, and the person who was to become the handler of the first K9 Helpers Service Dog together had a vision that carefully trained psychiatric service dogs could make it possible for people they would be partnered with to live fuller and much more ordinary lives.

OOur first Psychiatric Service Dog, Baron, graduated in 2001 and we have been building and growing and training ever since. Some accomplishments we are proud of:incorporation, with a fully functioning board of directors and strategic plan!

• fund raising plans in place
• an active service dog club, meeting once a week for support and skills practice
• two dogs currently nearing placement
• a newsletter published four times a year, keeping is touch with many supporters
• a community of volunteers, sponsors, clients and board members
• charitable status from the Ontario government
• building relationships with individuals and groups committed to mental health services

In 2009 we were very sad to lose Baron, our inaugural dog,. Baron lived a long and healthy life, allowing his partner a greater amount of freedom and independence in her life. Baron was a Boxer, and left giant pawprints to be filled by the dogs who follow him.

The great legacy which Baron has left with K9 Helpers comes from the dependable, loving and creative way he did his work. He kept his partner safe, accompanied her to many places she could not have gone alone, and was critical in her confidence and ability to function as she wished. His lifetime achievement—the body of his work—was to demonstrate that the vision which inspired the beginning of K9 Helpers—that with the help and partnership of a trained Psychiatric Service Dog, some people with mental health disabilities can live a fuller and more normal life.

Our thanks to the many people along the way who have helped us to grow and develop. Among these people are Donna MacWilliam, Sandra Murdy, Liz Pask, John Alexander, and Mary and Don Grad, and the countless volunteers who have lent a hand along the way. Our thanks also goes out to Robert Munsch, Stewart MacLean and James Gordon for their kind help in performing for us in benefit concerts, and donating the proceeds to our cause.