A 2009 Canine Angels graduate, Michael is a sparkling 7 year old boy who was diagnosed with a brain tumor which, despite 3 chemotherapies and 2 craniotomies, took all of his vision from one eye and half from the other. Thank you to Michael's mother Dorith for sending us this update on how life has changed for Michael with Bailey by his side.

August 19^th was the magic day Bailey entered Michael's life. Since then, every day is brightened with her smile and fantastic positive energy.

We were still in Oregon when Michaël had to have his weekly blood test. For four years, he always had been very courageous and never moved during a blood draw procedure under one condition - he had to be on Mom's lap. As usual, I asked him if he wanted to be on my lap and the answer was: "It is ok, Mom. Bailey is here". Wow, that was unexpected but so great.

Since then, every week, we go to the clinic for the blood draw and they have their ritual: open the two access buttons doors, say hi to the receptionist with an "up" on the counter, go under the chair to wait, both of them, go to the procedure after opening an access button, have the procedure, get a lollipop and ... run out! Oh wait the access button again!

For his chemotherapy treatment, he usually spends seven long hours in the hospital. This is how the long wait is done with Bailey...

To access his mediport, he always wanted to lie down on my belly and wanted me to stay close to him. As usual, I asked him how he wanted to proceed and the answer was: "Mom I do not need you. I just want Bailey on my bed."

Michael is also much more stable and confident walking. This improved a lot by walking to school proudly with his dog. He also sleeps a lot better with Bailey. He used to wake up very early in the morning, especially before procedures.

All those little points might look insignificant but they are unpleasant moments turned into better experiences, with confidence and independence gained little by little.

We will never be able to express our gratitude enough to everybody who is contributing to raise great angels like Bailey. Thank you to all again.

Click here for more pictures of Bailey working with Michael, and for more Canine Angels Success Stories.

The Peanuts litter celebrated their first birthday in December, and started reporting in to advanced training. Snoopy, Joe Cool and Spike were turned in first, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their sisters, Lucy, Pumpkin, Molly, Violet, Sally, Belle and Peppermint Patty, this month. This photo is from August when six of the gang were reunited with their mom, Bella, in the center.

Puppy Profile - Twister

My name is Twister and I am being raised by Sheila. I recently celebrated my 7th month birthday. I am one of the Games Litter pups and all of my siblings are named after games. 

I was born in Grants Pass, Oregon and I live in San Mateo, CA. My raiser is one of the co-founders of Canine Angels. Consequently, I do a lot of commuting between San Mateo and Los Angeles and Grants Pass.

Since I'm being raised for a service program, I get to go lots of places with my raiser. We have been grocery shopping, to Starbuck's and to the mall. I've also gone with her on some therapy visits at a nursing home and hospital.

When I was 5 months old, I spent a weekend with my mom and her friends at a cabin and I learned how to swim. I loved the water and retrieving. Last week, I had my first trip to the beach. It was a lot of fun and I even saw a group of horseback riders. Even though I like the water, I didn't try to swim in the ocean.

Yesterday I went to my first dog show and met lots of dogs and people. We were in LA a couple of weeks ago. My mom took one of the other service pups to Disneyland. I didn't get to go -- she said I was too young for all day at Disneyland but promised me a trip of my very own in the spring.

I am the 8th pup that my mom has raised for a service program. She says now that I know how to walk nicely on a leash and have that potty thing under control, that we will go lots of places. I met Santa Claus and had my picture taken. I've attached some below.

Woof Woof!