A San Diego mother and daughter have taken their relationship to the next level.
Marilyn and Brittany Fullen have raised assistance dogs for the California-based nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence for more than 10 years. Over the course of the decade, the duo has raised nine puppies with three that have gone on to live with people with disabilities.
“Having three of our dogs go on to change lives is the biggest accomplishment,” Marilyn, an Oak Park resident, said. “We’re going to continue to do this as long as possible. We just enjoy it so much.”
As volunteer puppy raisers, Marilyn and Brittany provide age-appropriate socialization opportunities, basic training and a loving home for puppies for about 14 to 16 months. After that, the puppies train for an additional six months with Canine Companions’ professional instructors before getting matched with people with disabilities.
Canine Companions for independence has provided nearly 5,000 dogs to those with disabilities since its founding in 1975. Last year, 75 dogs were placed in homes with the help of more than 1,200 volunteers.
Marilyn said she and Brittany began volunteering with the nonprofit as a Girl Scouts project.
“Brittany wanted to do a project linking her interest in helping people with disabilities with her love of dogs,” Marilyn said. “ I, as a mom, had to get involved. I had the dog during the day and Brittany would take over when she got out of school.”
Now the duo have a much stronger relationship thanks to their shared volunteer work, Marilyn said.
“It’s wonderful to do this together,” Marilyn said. “Puppy-raising saved our relationship. It has taught us to be patient with each other, to work together and to listen to each other.”
Now, both volunteers give presentations at Canine Companions for Independence and help at outreach events. They are currently raising a one-year-old puppy name Taz.
“I feel very fulfilled seeing the puppies grow from eight weeks to be service dogs or therapy dogs,” Marilyn said. “It’s also a really cool way to bond with your child.”
For more information about Canine Companions for Independence, go to www.cci.org.