Learning what it takes to be a CHAMP

 (This is a combination of my articles in both the MidRivers and West Newsmagazine just posted Nov. 11 since one puppy raiser lives in O'Fallon and the other in Manchester.)

Those who volunteer as puppy raisers generally believe in the old adage, “Happiness is a warm puppy.”

But those who volunteer for CHAMP Assistance Dogs know that what they do means so much more. They know they're training a new generation of public access service dogs, home service dogs, home companion dogs and facility dogs. They guide the puppies with love and encouragement, and train them in basic and advanced skills using proven positive-based methods.

It's a vital service for the Creve Coeur-based nonprofit that was founded in 1998.

“Puppy raising is such an important job,” explained CHAMP Executive Director Pam Budke. “It’s 24/7 and a lot of work, but it’s so rewarding. For those puppy raisers, everybody always asks me, ‘Is it hard for them to give up a dog?’ Yes, it is, and as one of the puppy raisers said, ‘I’ve never had a puppy and not cried when it was time to give it up. But once you get to meet those clients the dog lives with, it makes it all worth it.’ ”

The demand is high, Budke said, noting that CHAMP is expanding the number of dogs its training. CHAMP, by the way, stands for Canine Helpers Allow More Possibilities!

Service dogs are best known for helping people with disabilities lead lives of greater independence, but CHAMP dogs also assist in healthcare facilities and children’s advocacy centers. Most of CHAMP's placements are within 50 miles of its headquarters. And once a dog is placed that's not the end of the road.

“What we’re really proud of is we stay in touch with our clients for the life of the partnership. We visit them at least once a year,” Budke said. “We also tell them if they ever have any kind of issue or problem, they should call us immediately. We’ll go in their home and work with them until that issue is fixed. If years later, one of our client’s health is deteriorating, and they need the dog to learn new skills to help them, they can call us and we’ll go to work with them until that dog is solid to help that client. We are there for the life of the partnership.”

Life of a puppy trainer

Mark Arado, of O’Fallon, and his wife, Tammy, are raising a yellow lab named Primrose, better known as “Rosie.”

                                  CHAMP service-dog-in-training Rosie (Photo provided by Mark Arado)

The pup, who was born in March 2021, is the Arados' third service-dog-in-training.

He said they’ve always been a dog family, so nearly a decade ago, he checked on the need for training service dogs. That's when he reached out to CHAMP.

Puppy raisers are taught to use specific words for housebreaking and ones for correction. Socialization is also important.

“The thing I’m supposed to do is take extra steps to get them comfortable with as many things as possible,” Mark said. “When I got Rosie in March, the Fourth of July wasn’t too far away. When I knew the fireworks would start going up soon, I brought her to a bowling alley where you hear the pins crashing. We would also ride out to the Marriott by the airport alone or with my friend who was ex-military. We’d take the Marriott shuttle there and sometimes there’d be flight crews on it. She got used to being on a bus, then we’d go into the USO and donate to the troops. They’d allow us to have a short visit with them, so she got to meet a lot of people in different uniforms and cultures.”

Mark said they also got Rosie ready for Halloween by going to big costume stores, where creatures would “come to life” and scare any living soul at the press of a button. The main thing is to train the dogs so they’re not afraid or timid.

                                    Rosie with friends on the Marriott airport shuttle (Photo provided by Mark Arado)

Rosie and Mark also take frequent trips to crowded stores for socializing. People were allowed to pet Rosie until she was about 1 years old but at a certain point, the dogs have to be switched to non-petting when they have their work vests on.

Since Mark and Tammy live close to Fort Zumwalt West High, Mark takes Rosie there to watch volleyball, tennis, girls softball and football games. That gives her added experience with crowds of different people to help get her comfortable in any setting. He said Assistant Principal Dr. Samantha Sutton is very receptive to their visits.

“Dr. Sutton knows I have a service dog, so if anyone has questions, I can talk with her because it’s good to get the high school kids aware of CHAMP, service dogs and the wonderful services they provide,” Mark said.

He usually takes Rosie on walks of about 3 miles a day and he loves to tell people along the way about CHAMP as well as how smart service dogs are and what they can do for people. Periodically, they attend training sessions at CHAMP's headquarters, 1968 Craig Road in the Westport area, where they review what they've done and get ready for the next training step.

“Tammy is exceptionally good at the homework drills,” Arado said. “There’s one where she sets down the food bowl and the dog doesn’t eat until you use the word ‘free.’ The dog looks at you and may hear you say something similar like ‘freezer’ or ‘frisbee.’ But they don’t eat until they actually hear the word ‘free.’ You start off with a few seconds, then build on that over time. Rosie can probably go up to 45 seconds or a minute now.”

Tammy also does drills like getting Rosie to go down underneath a chair so she can get used to being underneath someone watching TV or doing an activity.

                                                                      Tammy Arado and Rosie (Photo provided)

During non-training time, Rosie loves to play and grab socks. Mark said one of the most fun things for a dog is to be chased during play. That’s their highlight of the day, so he was told right away, ‘Do not chase the dog’ because they think the fun has begun and fireworks are going off in their head thinking it’s play time.

“Rosie’s really good about training and adapting to the skills,” Mark said. “At CHAMP, they’ll have her put her nose in a mini basket like a basketball hoop. Over time, they’ll give her a command with a clicker and she’ll go and stick her nose in the hoop, turn around and look at you for her reward. If the dog struggles, you redo it because you always want to end on a good note with that positive reinforcement. Then, it’s on to the next part of training. It could even be for someone who might not be able to pick up their own clothing, and the dog will pick it up and put it in a hamper.”

He said he can see Tammy and him continuing to raise CHAMP puppies long into the future.

“The program is a way to give something back, and for me, it’s doing something I enjoy,” he said. “I also know it’s helping another human being … (someone who is) ex-military or whatever it may be. The dogs just create such a comfort for people.

“Also, just appreciating animals and understanding how they can benefit everyone’s life is so incredible! I love it!

Manchester resident Sara Stanley is a relatively new puppy raiser. She has a degree in special education and is currently a para educator at Hannah Woods Elementary.

“My two passions in life are working with individuals who are disabled and animals,” Stanley said. “This has always been a bucket list thing for me … having a dog that can change somebody’s life. It’s absolutely amazing!”

A friend she grew up with and followed for years was a puppy raiser. When the time was right, she connected with CHAMP. But her husband had reservations. She his reaction was “‘This is going to be a lot of work. Are you sure you want to do it?’”

“But he’s currently deployed (in Kuwait) with the Army National Guard,” she said. “He knew he was going to be gone pretty much all this year. So, it was perfect timing and it gave me something to do while he’s been gone.”

After she completed the application process and met the qualifications standards, she was given a date for getting her first puppy.

At a CHAMP meeting, they went over a variety of puppy basics, which were drastically different from how she had raised her own dogs. She said when they first tell you the things they do, you’re not quite sure. Then it all falls into place and it’s absolutely fascinating.

About five months ago, Stanley brought home 6-week-old River, a black lab. On day one, she learned to use specific words for housebreaking and ones for correction. She also immediately started socializing him. River picked up on the training quickly and learned how to help owners with tasks and support.

                                                        Sara Stanley and River (Photo provided)

“They call him methodical because he thinks through things where most dogs are more impulsive and reactive,” Stanley said. “You can see him stop and think about what he’s doing.”

Training sessions for the volunteers and puppies take place in CHAMP's headquarters at 1968 Craig Road. Stanley said they have been incredible. Her assessment includes being able to see where puppies have barriers and where the trainers can bridge those gaps.

While River is often content to stay at home, once he is out, he’s the life of the party and a social butterfly who loves men, women and children. That’s excellent because one of the most frequent places they visit is Stanley's son’s Parkway Central swim practices, where he is well known. He’s kind of become the little team mascot, Stanley said.

“Since River is so adorable, I constantly have people ask me, ‘How can you give him up?’ I tell them, ‘Just knowing that he’s going to be somebody’s everything some day is enough.’ I went into it knowing that would be the end result,” Stanley said. She'll have to give him up sometime in 2024. “He’s amazing, and I think every day about who will be lucky enough to get him and what he’ll do for his life.

“I would highly recommend anyone to do this because every puppy that’s raised is another person who gets helped out. I know there’s such a need. They just can’t raise them fast enough.”

Other opportunities to help

In addition to service dogs, CHAMP currently has nearly 100 therapy dog teams that have racked up close to 35,000 total visits to those in need.

In total, volunteers make up some 96% of the organization’s workers. They help out in a wide variety of operations and programs from just a few hours to the 24/7 lifestyle of a puppy raiser. Each volunteer must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer unsupervised.

“I think we’ve come a long way in the last 11 years,” Budke said. “I am so thankful and grateful for all the people who have helped us get there, especially our volunteers and donors. It’s just remarkable all the changes that we have made in people’s lives. It’s amazing the difference these dogs can make … like therapy dogs that go out and visit people who are isolated or ill. I’m very, very happy with how the organization is moving forward.”

Budke joined CHAMP in November 2011 after previously working for the Animal Protection Agency (APA) of Missouri and the Wildlife Rescue Center where she was executive director.

St. Charles Mayor Borgmeyer leads Sister Cities trip to Europe

 (Here is my full, unedited version of the story that later appeared edited a bit online and in the MidRivers Newsmagazine print edition on Nov. 2, 2022.)

In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower became the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. He planned and organized Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that ultimately led to Allied control of most of Western Europe. Eisenhower later accepted the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Unbeknownst to many Americans, that fierce level of fighting was totally contrary to the demeanor of the eventual 34^th President known as ‘Ike.’ That’s highly evident to visitors at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, KS.  One display reads, “I Hate War as only a soldier who lived it can.” 

Unbeknownst to many Americans, that fierce level of fighting was totally contrary to the demeanor of the eventual 34^th President known as ‘Ike.’ That’s highly evident to visitors at the Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene, KS.  One display reads, “I Hate War as only a soldier who lived it can.” 

Mary Johnson is one localite who was fully aware of that. She is the President of the St. Charles-Ludwigsburg (Germany) Sister Cities Chapter. 

“Back in 1956, Eisenhower was President, and he was holding a White House summit,” Johnson said.  “He was trying to figure out a way to heal the globe and ensure we would live in peace after the calamity of World War II.  He was into relationships with countries, so he came up with an idea about citizen diplomacy.  That idea spawned Sister Cities International, an organization with home base in Washington, D.C.  We’re all about citizen diplomacy--one person and one community at a time.  That’s how you establish relationships, and I think it’s a little harder to go to war with somebody who you have established a relationship with.”

That’s totally in line with another Eisenhower Museum display, “Waging Peace,” from Ike’s book of that title.  The accompanying words read, “After 40 years of military service, Eisenhower devoted his presidency to waging peace.  He strengthened the nation through alliances, promoting prosperity, and demonstrating moral leadership.”

That’s precisely what took place throughout this past September.  Johnson, her husband Steve, St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer and several other Sister Cities members visited a host of European cities.  The prime visit was to the St. Charles long-time Sister City.

“Ludwigsburg, Germany has been our sister city for over 25 years,” Borgmeyer said. “I have developed a personal relationship with their Lord Mayor Matthias Knecht. This visit took place during their huge Venetian Fair and Pumpkin Festival with parades and absolutely stunning 15^th and 16th century costuming.  Additionally, the international community celebrated the 60^th anniversary of Charles De Gaulle’s “Speech to German Youth” highlighting the importance of their relationship to the United States. This visit was somewhat formal with the confluence of all of Ludwigburg’s other sister cities. There were lots of speeches and formal events, and of course sausage and beer and wine and singing.”                               

City Director of Administration Larry Dobrosky and his wife Stephanie personally accompanied Borgmeyer on the trip. The Johnsons were an integral part of the journey to Germany and France, and helped facilitate most of the detailed events. Borgmeyer noted they did an amazing job. Donna Costeilla (former Convention and Visitors Bureau Director), her daughter, Cheryl and the Langs and Dwiggins from St. Charles also attended on their own.

Borgmeyer added that Ludwigsburg and other Sister Cities Montbeliard, France and Inshowen, Ireland offered a full agenda of touring and meeting with involved department personnel.

St. Charles has been courting Montbeliard to join them for over 20 years.  Borgmeyer was pleased to announce that Mayor Marie Noelle Biguinet signed a letter of Intent to begin the formal twinning process. She will sign the formal document upon her next visit to the U.S.

                           Members of the Sister Cities traveling group at dinner in Germany 

“The French were very friendly, accommodating and happy to show us their beautiful city,” Borgmeyer said. “Their appreciation for wine is consistent.  We met with a small, private vintner who has interest in our Augusta development.”

Borgmeyer added that Inishowen is of the most beautiful places he’s ever visited. He met with their City Council and other dignitaries.  They even toured a public school that has a St. Charles West logo on the gym wall. That school has had several exchanges with Warriors’ students. He added how creative the school was, featuring a display of formal ball gowns made entirely of trash that they were required to be worn as part of a competition. 

On his own time and expense, Borgmeyer also traveled to Scotland for two days and achieved a Bucket List item by playing golf at St. Andrews, the oldest golf course in the world. Driving on the golf course wasn’t much of challenge to Borgmeyer, but driving on the other side of the road cost him a passenger side mirror. That was the trip’s lowlight.

“The absolute highlight for me was to, for the first time ever, include the Directors of Economic Development of each of the cities and discuss not only the student and cultural exchanges but also the possibility of economics and trade and commerce exchange.  These efforts met with surprising interest and intent.”

Borgmeyer also initiated correspondence with Cartagena, Spain as his city’s final quest for Sister City twinning.  The four pillars of history of St. Charles are France, Germany, Ireland and Spain. 

This trip was a follow up to this past May’s St. Charles visit mainly from citizens of Ludwigsburg and neighboring Steinhem, Germany.

“Back in the early ‘90s, the German Heritage club of St. Charles County decided that we needed a Sister City,” Johnson said. “So they reached out to a bunch of cities in Germany that were of comparable size of St. Charles, maybe on a river, similar industries where possible. St. Louis has a Sister City of Stuttgart.  So, St. Charles was looking for a Sister that would be of similar distance. (Ludwigsburg is 16 km…10 miles N of Stuttgart.) Of all the letters sent over to Germany, four different towns responded and Ludwigsburg was one of the four.  I think it was 1992 or ’93 when Ludwigsburg was the one they wanted to twin with.

“St. Louis-Stuttgart seems to be more of a business aspect as in commerce between those two cities.  I think we’re more into the cultural aspects.  When we started out with Ludwigsburg, they were a little concerned because they didn’t know what we wanted. They were afraid we wanted money or something comparable.  So, the folks who got this thing off the ground were like, ‘No! No! No! No! No!  We want a cultural relationship. We want to exchange ideas and we want friendship. We want to go there and drink beer.  We want you to come here and drink wine.’ It’s been full steam ahead ever since.  It’s been incredible!”

Johnson said that this year’s German visitors, led by the Ludwigsburg mayor and his assistant, were joined by four people from Montbeliard. They all came specifically to enjoy the Midwest Maifest, a four-hour festival her organization hosted at the New Town Amphitheater with vendors set up on Civic Circle Drive. 

Through all the Ludwigsburg years, the organization was also trying to get a French Sister.  That began several years ago with St. Charles Mayor Grace Nichols and her husband. Johnson believes that this was the first year Montbeliard was invited here, but it wasn’t an official visit because their mayor was unable to come for any of the four days. 

Once everyone was in town on Friday, they had a welcome reception at one of the member’s homes with dinner, drinks, etc.  On Saturday, they took everyone out on Miss Augusta and had dinner and drinks there.

A meeting of mayors: (from left) Dan Borgmeyer, Marie Noelle Biguinet and Matthias Knecht 

“That visit also included a tour of Frenchtown, aided by the Frenchtown Historic Association,” Johnson said. “On that tour, we were able to take them to Good News Brewing (with the Frenchtown Heritage Museum).  So, they got to experience that.  They weren’t even open yet, but Mayor Dan opened it up for us. Dan had some beer and fresh pretzels for us. That night, we took the group to Tompkins Riverside that used to be the Mother-in-Law House. We had a private party downstairs for the French and the two Germans that were left. There were also visits to La Belle Vie, Course Coffee Roasters for coffee and pastries, and the Foundry Art Centre with several artists on hand.”

Next on the agenda is families of Orchard Farm High School students hosting German students for a student exchange trip from Oct. 14-28. This comes after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.  The St. Charles group is expecting 15 students and two chaperones. That will include an invitation to students and their host families to attend the Sister Cities Oct. 24 membership meeting. The Germans will reciprocate for a similar event in summer 2023 for students of the host families.

Johnson said that there are a few other schools in St. Charles that participate in these exchanges. She added that it’s up to the cities themselves what type of relationship and activities they have with their Sister Cities.

As indicated on their literature, ‘The St. Charles Sister Cities Program is part of the Sister Cities International Nonprofit Citizen Diplomacy Network working in nearly 500 communities with over 2000 international partnerships in more than 140 countries.’

“My husband and I have had a ball with this,” Johnson said. “We’ve been with the organization since October of 2013. It’s been a life changer.  If you get really involved in it at all, you host a German, you go to Germany.  You learn so much more than if you go to Germany, stay in a hotel or drive a car, hop on a train and visit a couple sites, then you’re gone.  We talk to people and have a relationship with them; not just commerce, but meaningful relationships.  Luckily, nowadays, it’s so much easier to stay in touch with people.  Back in the day, the best you could do was write a letter.  There was nothing wrong with that, but phone calls were extremely expensive, so you didn’t do that very often.  Nowadays, there are faster and easier ways to communicate.

 “The biggest thing is always reconnecting with the friends we’ve made over there.  It’s such a joy to be able to spend time with them and let them show us their city and their country from their perspective.  That’s a real pleasure because you may go over there with preconceived ideas from hearing and reading stories about Germany in the news, just like they do over there about us.  Then they get here and discover that’s not right at all. Anyway, they always cook for us, so we get these authentic German meals.”

Johnson and her husband visited Germany in 2015 and 2017, and their son has been there three times on two exchanges and once on his own.  The first time, they went to the Dachau concentration camp near Munich that Mary’s uncle helped liberate in the final months of the war. When the Auschwitz exhibit was in Kansas City last year, four of them went there. Some of Mayor Dan’s ancestors are from Alsace-Lorraine, a region formerly in western Germany and currently in extreme eastern France. So, the program has added appeal to him.

“I believe the Sister Cities Program is an important element of a broader view of the World,” Borgmeyer said. “More and more students from Europe are visiting St. Charles and many of our students are traveling there.  They stay with local families on both sides of the ocean and get a full session of cultural exchange with not only those affected but also all the other students they encounter.  Many new transatlantic friendships have developed. The new Economic Development aspect is just icing on the cake.  Several French businesses wanted more information on opening shops in St. Charles Frenchtown Borough.”