It is the kickoff of the 110th Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena, California. Crowds have gathered from near and far to watch the game, but little do they know, this grand event was created to fund an even bigger event; the Rose Parade. The Rose Parade takes place annually on New Year’s Day prior to the big event, the Rose Bowl game.
This year, not only humans walked the parade, but dogs too. One of these four-legged friends was accompanied by assistant principal Susan Marlatt. Marlatt walked in the parade with the organization Canine Companions.
“Canine Companions is a non-profit organization, based out of Santa Rosa, California, founded 50 years ago. Canine Companion’s mission is to provide expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals at absolutely no cost to the recipient,” Marlatt said.
Lions Clubs International has had a float in the Rose Parade every year for the past 30 years. Marlatt is a member of the Lions Project, which is made up of individuals who volunteer and raise puppies for Canine Companions.
“I am the Vice President of the Lions Project for Canine Companions Board and a current puppy raiser for Canine Companions. There were eight puppy raisers who walked along the float with service dogs in training as well as one graduate team who rode on the float,” Marlatt said.
In addition to her vice president position, Marlatt is the founder of the Nebraska Volunteer Chapter of Canine Companions. Countless individuals recognize her dedication, including assistant principal Amber Ripa who has worked with Marlatt for 21 years.
“Mrs. Marlatt is caring, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. She is a great advocate for staff and students, and I think her attention to detail and her caring nature allows her to serve as an amazing advocate for Canine Companions,” Ripa said.
In addition to volunteering to raise puppies, she speaks at local organizations about service dog rights and the need for more puppy raisers. She is also a resource for those who might be interested in applying for a service dog.
“The Rose Parade was viewed by millions of people across multiple countries. Walking in the parade gave us the opportunity to provide exposure for Canine Companions. We hope that additional people will be moved to volunteer and those with a disability were made aware of the Canine Companions service dogs,” Marlatt said.
Not only has Marlatt been a champion for the organization through her work as a puppy raiser and advocate, but she has also seen the impact of a service dog firsthand. Marlatt’s relationship with Canine Companions began in 2016.
“My late husband, Randy, decided to apply for a service dog. Randy had Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which impacted his mobility and numbness in his hands. He received his service dog, Landon, from Canine Companions in 2018. Landon provided Randy with greater independence and a connection with the public so that his disability was not the focus,” Marlatt said. “Landon made such a positive impact on Randy and our family that we knew it was our responsibility to pay it forward.”
From this experience, Marlatt began to get involved with the Canine Companions organization. She also recommended the organization to a friend, Daryl Kucera. Kucera is the founder of MSForward, a center in Omaha that focuses on programs for individuals with adaptive needs. Kucera received his dog, Vander, through Canine Companions.
“Susan Marlatt is a wonderful friend. We got to know each other through our connection to MS. Susan’s husband Randy was also diagnosed with the illness, and attended MSForward for years. Randy was an amazing man and, together, the two were an amazing couple. Vander was trained just after Randy received his dog,” Kucera said.
Marlatt and Kucera share the same sentiment that Canine Companions has changed their lives for the better.
“Vander is truly my business partner. He helps me immensely by picking up anything I drop. I am at the gym a lot by myself and assists me by getting things that might require an extended reach or unsafe stretch. In our new world where isolation and depression caused by the pandemic are all too prevalent, just one glance at Vander produces a smile and creates a joy that was largely missing for more than a year,” Kucera said.
Undoubtedly, the bond between dogs and people makes this service relationship possible. Marlatt shared that the end of her training with puppies is very emotional. Each puppy goes through 16 months of training, and a strong bond is created between the puppy and trainer.
“On the day that puppy raisers turn in their dogs, they are able to watch a graduation ceremony where recipients are matched with their service dog. Watching the joy on the recipients’ faces is what reminds you of why you are doing this,” Marlatt said.
From the Rose Bowl parade to future events with Canine Companions, Marlatt will continue to make an impact on countless lives through fluffy bundles of joy.