2026 Team Training and Graduation
Left to right: Mia, Tim, Irish, Cooper, Poppy
We're honored to share that as of August 2026, seven dedicated ICAN service dogs in training have officially graduated and been matched with their lifelong clients.
These remarkable dogs completed Team Training at Pendleton Correctional Facility, where they received advanced training tailored to the unique needs of their future partners. Now, they are stepping into their roles as trusted teammates, helping their clients navigate daily life with greater independence, confidence, and connection.
To celebrate this important milestone, ICAN recently hosted a graduation ceremony at the Carmel Clay Public Library. Volunteers, client family members, staff, and community supporters gathered to honor the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and love, while celebrating the life-changing partnerships that were formed along the way.
We also proudly recognized a veteran psychiatric service dog partnership made possible through ICAN’s Fort Wayne training team. This meaningful match highlights both the healing power of canine companionship and ICAN's commitment to supporting those who have served our country.
Our newest client-service dog partnerships include:
Kathryn & Mia
Mia (formerly Carrie) is joining Rosa Parks Elementary School as a facility dog. Alongside her handler, Kathryn, she will support students through individual and small-group activities, social-emotional learning, reading programs, and positive behavior initiatives. Mia will help create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop important skills, and celebrate their successes.
Kenny & Tim
Tim will serve as a psychiatric service dog for Kenny, an Indiana Army National Guard veteran. Tim will be trained to assist with PTSD by recognizing and alerting Kenneth to signs of anxiety, helping him manage stressful situations and maintain emotional well-being. In addition, Tim will provide support with mobility-related tasks.
Amanda & Poppy
Poppy will work alongside her handler, Amanda, at Lawrence North High School as a facility dog. Together, they will support students and staff by encouraging positive interactions and helping create a welcoming school environment. Poppy will also offer emotional support and help reinforce positive behaviors, contributing to the overall well-being of the school community.
James & Petra
Petra will serve as a psychiatric service dog for James, an Army Veteran living with PTSD. Petra will be trained to interrupt nightmares, alert James to anxiety and panic attacks, and provide support during times of emotional distress. She will also assist with mobility-related tasks, helping James navigate daily life with greater confidence and independence.
James & Irish
Irish (formerly Wolf) will serve as a psychiatric service dog for his client, James, an Army Veteran. He will be trained to interrupt nightmares and alert James to anxiety and panic attacks. In addition, Irish will assist with mobility-related tasks, such as retrieving dropped items.
Chris & Cooper
Cooper will serve in a dual role. He will first work as a mobility assistance dog for Chris, Founder and CEO of NeuroHope, who lives with partial paralysis following a spinal cord injury. In addition, Cooper will serve as a facility dog at NeuroHope, partnering with the organization's team of therapists to provide comfort, encouragement, and support to patients throughout their therapy and rehabilitation journeys.
Michael & Skye
Skye will serve as a psychiatric service dog for Michael, an Army veteran, by recognizing signs of PTSD and interrupting related behaviors. These tasks will help Michael remain grounded, manage symptoms, and maintain his independence. Through timely alerts, redirection, and calming interventions, Skye will provide Michael with a reassuring focus during moments of stress and anxiety, helping him navigate daily life more confidently and safely.
