Dedicated to service

Volunteer Amy Johnson

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 the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). After some research, Amy knew she wanted to start volunteering right away.

Amy’s volunteer role includes working with service dogs in training as a furlough volunteer, raising puppies, and attending outreach events. She is even a mentor for new furloughers.

As a furlough volunteer, Amy works with service dogs in training between 5.5 months and two years old. She hosts the dog in her home for around three weeks to help the dog practice the skills they learn in one of the correctional facilities.

She has also raised two puppies from 8 weeks to six months old, assisting in their foundational skills like potty training, crate training, and socialization.

Amy with ICAN service dog in training Cayman

Amy enjoys planning unique outings with her furlough dogs and puppies, like going to the airport, home and garden shows, and outdoor festivals.

One of her most memorable moments was when she was given the opportunity to work with service dog in-training, Ella, a golden retriever puppy.

Amy spent the standard three weeks working with Ella before returning her to the incarcerated handlers for more training. Shortly after, ICAN asked Amy to work with Ella again, and this time, Ella never left. In October 2024, Ella was officially released from service dog training and adopted by Amy.   

Amy with her husband and Ella

Though she has only been a volunteer for a short time, she said, “I can’t imagine not having a dog and going out in public with them. I also can’t imagine life without dog food in all of my pockets!”

With ICAN, Amy had gained more than just knowledge of dog training. Identifying herself as an introvert, Amy has found that her involvement with ICAN is something she can’t stop talking about.

“When I’m out with my ICAN dog, I start talking about the dog, the program, and why I love it. ICAN filled a piece of me that was really needing dogs,” she said.

If you’d like to help unleash possibilities like Amy, contact ICAN Volunteer and Education Manager Julie Mathias at juliem@icandog.org.