For fifty years, Canine Companions has offered qualified clients professionally trained service dogs. The non-profit organization operates nationwide, aiming to empower those struggling with their disabilities. Through Canine Companions’ efforts, thousands of service dogs have found homes with children, adults, and veterans who need them. The dogs can be trained to help people regain their independence or to operate within a professional setting for educational or visitation purposes. Among the thousands of beloved canines that have instilled hope and pride within others is a therapy dog that lives here in Temecula.
Carolyn II is a female Labrador, sixty-eight percent golden retriever. She was born on April 30th, 2023, and her favorite game to play is fetch. With rich brown eyes, velveteen-textured ears, and a coat as comforting as the morning sunlight, Carolyn II is an accomplished dog with a mellow personality and so much love to give.
Rosie Vanderhaak, Carolyn’s handler, is well-established within the community. Vanderhaak’s parents moved to Temecula, she followed shortly thereafter in 1972. She began her Temecula career by working in a 750 square foot library inside Tower Plaza. From 2006 to 2023, she managed the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library and contributed to its development. Additionally, she served on the Board of Trustees for the Temecula Valley Unified School District, the Temecula Public Cemetary’s Board of Directors and the Blue-Ribbon Committee for the City’s Quality of Life Master Plan.
Her fifty years' worth of contributions to Temecula are immeasurable, and she shows no signs of stopping. Even after retiring, Vanderhaak continues to volunteer whenever she can across the community. For the last four years she has volunteered for Canine Companions, with Carolyn II being the second dog she has raised. Just recently Vanderhaak and Carolyn II started volunteering at the Temecula Hospital, putting smiles on patient’s faces and spreading the good feelings that come with a loveable dog.
Volunteers for Canine Companions, like Vanderhaak, obtain their dogs when they are eight weeks old. They are free to select the dog’s gender, but not the litter they come from. Carolyn II was flown in by private plane from Northern California to Carlsbad, and upon her arrival, was immediately adored.
Carolyn II was still a puppy when she trained for a year and a half to be a service dog. She attended classes in Oceanside, CA twice a month and obtained much of her experience by visiting Vanderhaak’s sister at the hospital. When it came time for Carolyn II to return to Canine Companions for professional training, she went into heat. Due to this, she was too anxious to complete the service dog training. She was released from the program and became Vanderchaak’s pet. When one door closes, another opens. Carolyn’s excellent temperament could not be dismissed. The trainers believed that Carolyn II should become a therapy dog.
As a certified therapy dog, Carolyn II gets to share her affection with everyone. She is intuitive to the needs of those around her, capable of altering her behavior to accommodate their distress. Vanderhaak and Carolyn II visit city facilities often, bringing happiness to seniors, children, and anyone ready to pet her on the head. At the Temecula Library, Carolyn II is one of the registered therapy dogs associated with the “Paws to Read” program. This program gives children the chance to improve their reading skills in the company of gentle dogs.
Carolyn II has been recognized as a Canine Good Citizen. This test was created by the American Kennel Club, a non-profit organization focused on dogs. In order to pass this test, dogs learn ten different skills that make them polite members of society. Many often fail due to distractions, but Carolyn II passed on her first attempt.
Carolyn II greets each person with maximum enthusiasm and love. When she’s not among people, she is at home with her family, easing away at their stresses all the same. Vanderhaak has seen firsthand the profound impact Carolyn II can have on others. She recounts instances where the Labrador ventured into the hearts of people who lacked frequent interaction with dogs, evoking positive change through a single encounter. In those moments, she knows that they are making a difference. To discover more about Canine Companions. their beneficial services, and read more heartwarming stories, visit www.canine.org.