Ryan Sinclair, 9, has cerebral palsy, but thanks to his dog, Tiffi, he has a bridge to the outside world.
“When Tiffi wags her tail, sometimes he puts his head or arms near her and that gives him a needed soft touch,” said Kim Sinclair, Ryan’s mother.
For Ryan, that touch has a calming effect. And Tiffi was bred for this life: a life connected to volunteer puppy raisers, professional dog trainers and a boy who cannot speak.
One bark, and Ryan breaks out in laughter. Kim Sinclair said Tiffi is her son’s therapist and motivator.
The 3-year-old golden lab was raised by Bonnie Mueller, who took the pup into her San Clemente home for a year and a half. Mueller volunteers with Canine Companions for Independence and is training her twelfth dog. She considers each one a gift.
“I’m so excited when they go on, but I am losing my puppy,” Mueller said.
Mueller teaches the pups basic commands, which she says could lead to milestones. For example, paws on a wall will someday learn how to turn on a light switch.
Some 4,000 canines across the country are working as service dogs.
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“For us,” Kim Sinclair said, “it’s added so much value and love and we have an incredible network of people.”
