Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Dedicated to service

In 2023, Amy Johnson and her family had recently lost their beloved dog, Harrison, after 13 years together. Amy knew she wasn’t ready to get another pet dog, but she missed the presence of a dog in her home. That’s when her coworker suggested she look into volunteering with ICAN. After some research, Amy knew she wanted to start volunteering right away. 

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Litter legacy

As a lifelong dog lover, Deb Buergler’s passion for puppies runs deep. She has always been surrounded by dogs, many that have had litters, and over the years, she and her daughters became skilled on the ins and outs of puppy care. This sparked Deb’s desire to continue the experience with her grandchildren. And so, Deb’s role as an ICAN Litter Host began.

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Spreading joy year-round

After a successful 30-year career in corporate medical sales, Annie Jansons was ready to find something new to occupy her time. In 2013, she discovered ICAN after seeing a fundraising promotion at a restaurant.  

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Unleashing new potential 

For 40 years, Bob Monday dreamed of training dogs to help others, and in 2016 when he retired, that dream finally became a reality when he found ICAN.

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

What is Team Training?

When an ICAN dog is ready to graduate, there’s a lot for their new client to learn. And who better to teach them everything about their new service dog partner than the people who know the dog best – the incarcerated handlers who have spent approximately two years training them.  

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

A Tail of Redemption 

Chrystal Sizemore’s story is one of hope, second chances, and a determination to make a difference in her community. But her journey began in the most unlikely of places – a prison. 

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Fur-ever love

For ICAN supporters Doug and Lynettetheir love story began with their shared love of dogs – a passion that continues to shape their lives today.  

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Love, paws, and purpose 

For Julie and Nick, their love story began seven years ago with a shared commitment to the ICAN mission – a bond that continues to shape their lives together today.

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Ray of Hope

Meet ICAN Rainier: a facility service dog at Community Hospital Anderson. 

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

ICAN participating in Indianapolis Gives

The Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) is thrilled to participate in the first-ever Indianapolis Gives, a 10-day online giving challenge hosted by Indianapolis Monthly and sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company.

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

ICAN Holiday Giving Guide 2024

Searching for a unique holiday gift that also supports an important cause? Look no further than ICAN! This season, give your loved ones a thoughtful gift that will not only bring joy but also help us make a real impact in the lives of our clients and those waiting for the life-changing gift of a service dog.

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

ICAN launches first community training program

Having already successfully placed over 300 assistance dogs with Hoosiers in need, ICAN is gearing up to showcase for the community exactly what it takes to train a service dog with the launch of its first-ever Apprenticeship and Training Program.  

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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

An unbreakable bond

Frankie, a Mobility Assistance Dog, supports Andy Bridge, who is a T6 paraplegic, in leading an independent lifestyle.


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Samantha Thompson Samantha Thompson

Transformative tails 

Facility Dog Connie, accompanied by her handler social worker, Miriam Neugebauer, plays a crucial role in providing support to numerous students attending Drauden Point Middle School in Plainfield, IL.


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