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Melissa
& CHRYSTAL
Skilled Companion Graduate Team
Chrystal is one of 10 puppies
born on April 17th, 1998 in Santa Rosa, California. Chrystal was raised by Kerinne Levy in
the suburbs of Philadelphia. Chrystal entered advanced training on August 14th, 1999 and
graduated from the CCI Program on February 19th, 2000 with Melissa. Chrystal is a
Skilled Companion for Melissa and her mom, Fran is the facilitator.
L to R: Cagney (in training),
Kerinne Levy, Melissa, Chrystal and Fran
Graduation Dinner, 2-18-2000 |
Kerinne & Chrystal before
the Graduation |
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Cagney (in Training), Kerinne
Levy & Chrystal before Chrystal's Graduation |
Kerinne & Chrystal |
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Kerinne presenting Chrystal to
Melissa & Fran at the Graduation Ceremony
February 19, 2000 |
Melissa, Fran and Chrystal
after the CCI Graduation |
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As seen in the
Canine Companions for Independence Courier, Summer 2000:
MELISSA MERCER and CHRYSTAL
Melissa Mercer waited a year and a half for a Skilled Companion. For much of that time, a
girl just her age (Kerinne Levy) was rasing the golden retriever pup who would one day be
Melissa's assistance dog. So it's no surprise that Chrystal turned out to be just the kind
of dog she requested: very interactive and affectionate. "She likes to lick my face
and put her head on my lap. I like it."
Soon to be a high school senior, Melissa likes school, especially math and English. She
enjoys reading mysteries and comics. Currently she is very interested in psychology and in
interior design as areas of future study. She likes moving things around and playing
with colors. When she received a new bedroom through Make-A-Wish, she helped design the
look of it: the color, the furniture, and even the floor. The desk with many compartments
was key. And now there's a little bed for Chrystal.
Melissa, who has spinal muscular atrophy, loves Chrystal's company and is appreciative
when she retrieves dropped items. Her mom Fran adds they've had to teach Chrystal that
she's Melissa's dog. The challenge in convincing the rest of the family to keep
their hands off Melissa's friendly companion. Fran and Melissa are looking forward to
"customizing" Chrystal's training repertoire to meet more of Melissa's specific
needs.
Meanwhile, they are enjoying the social "ripple effect" of making new
connections because of Chrystal. They've been trading stories, by email, with people
they met during Team Training. Coral Springs volunteer organizations have invited
Fran to speak, and a local dog trainer requests that Chrystal demonstrate her skills at an
agility class. Melissa and Fran get many questions about CCI. That's when they
take out the thick album that Chrystal's puppy raiser (Kerinne) made for them. They are
definitely keeping in touch with her! |
Chrystal's
Puppy Photos
Return to Graduate Team Index |
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