“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve”, a well known quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been a catalyst for many to serve in many capacities. Murphy resident Kathleen Lockwood was recently looking for a way to serve the community as a volunteer. After looking at various opportunities, she is now able to combine her love for dogs and her compassion for people with disabilities or other special needs by becoming a Team Leader with Canine Assistants. 

The organization is located in Georgia where Kathleen attended a week long training program and was matched up with her service dog, “Woods”.  He is a beautiful, well mannered Golden Retriever/Lab mix who has nearly two years of training including over 60 commands in his repertoire. Her family also has two rescue dogs and Woods was quickly integrated into the home.    

“One of our primary missions is to educate both children and adults about disabilities and the role that service dogs play in society,” says Kathleen. She hopes to increase awareness of the Canine Assistants program by doing presentations at schools, libraries, nursing/assistant living homes and other public events. Some of the tasks that the dogs are trained to perform include turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors, pulling wheelchairs, retrieving dropped objects, summoning help and providing secure companionship. One of the most moving moments during her training in Georgia was to hear a young girl say the benefit of having her service dog was that, “He makes my wheelchair disappear!” 

Woods and other service dogs are sponsored by Delta Airlines, Milk-Bone Products and The Epilepsy Foundation. A local veterinarian will donate his services to provide annual examinations and shots. Kathleen and her family provides for the day to day care and food for him. As a Team Leader, she will also host fundraising activities for the non-profit organization. Named “Noah’s Team of Collin County”, volunteers are needed for the Support Team to help raise awareness about service dogs with schools, businesses and civic groups. For more information, contact Kathleen at noahsteamofcollincounty@canineassistants.org.

By Rhonda Hodge