N. Syracuse Woman Gives Back to Group that Gave Her So Much

April 13, 2010


By: Sara Sultanik / NCC News



Whether it was your birthday or a holiday, at some point in a person’s life they receive a gift. But what if this gift changed the way you live your life?

This is what happened to Mary Jane Damiano of North Syracuse. Three years ago, Mary Jane learned about Canine Working Companions, or CWC, a Waterville based organization that trains dogs to help the elderly or those with disabilities live a fuller, or independent life.

Mary Jane’s Story

Mary Jane Damiano was diagnosed with a disorder called Ataxia when she was on fifteen years old. The disorder, which affects her speech, balance, and coordination has left her confined to a wheel chair.

But three years ago, Emma, an energetic Labrador Retriever, came to live with Mary Jane as her “Canine Companion,” performing tasks for Mary Jane that she would have difficulty doing on her own.

“She helps me do laundry, she helps me pick clothes out of the drier and puts them on my lap,” expressed Mary Jane, “she opens and closes doors...and can call 9-1-1 in an emergency.”

Mary Jane also said, having Emma around is like having a family member or a friend and Emma is “...more like a person like a person than like a dog,” because everywhere Mary Jane goes, Emma can come along as well.


Training Dogs to Help Others

Emma graduated from the CWC canine development program and, with the help of trainers, learned how to help individuals with disabilities live a more independent lifestyle.

“Dogs do amazing things to help people more than just being good pets,” claimed Ellen Martin, a dog trainer with CWC, “dogs learn to become a useful part of society.”

But excellent dog training also comes at a price. Raising one service dog can cost an upwards of fifteen thousand dollars. Most of the money comes from donors but with the tough economy, CWC has been looking for extra funds to raise the pups.

That was where Mary Jane came in.

Giving Back

For the past few months Mary Jane has been working tirelessly to raise money for CWC.

“I hope other people can get service dogs,” stated Mary Jane.

Mary Jane travels with Emma to her local Petco store and allows customers to come up to Emma and pet her in exchange for a dollar donation to CWC.

Mary Jane just wants others to experience the love and support she has received from Emma each and every day. And so far, she has raised five hundred dollars.