Meet ICAN’s Ambassador Dogs
At Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN), a special group of dogs known as Ambassador Dogs, are playing an important role in spreading the life-changing mission of the organization throughout the community.
These dogs started their journey in ICAN’s service dog training program, where they learned essential skills to help individuals living with disabilities.
While these dogs were not placed with clients, each one found a path that best matched their strengths and well-being. Some transitioned into loving pet homes due to medical needs, others thrived in environments that better suited their personalities, and a select few were chosen to contribute to ICAN’s mission through their breeding program—helping shape the next generation of service dogs.
Though each was released for a different reason from ICAN’s service dog training program, they share something extraordinary: exceptional temperaments and highly refined skills that make them perfect ambassadors for ICAN.
ICAN Ambassador Dog Sadie Rose with her handler Debi
Each Ambassador Dog is paired with a dedicated volunteer handler who is part of ICAN’s Community Engagement Team. Currently, there are approximately 20 Ambassador Dog teams.
These teams are trained to give presentations to educate the public about ICAN and the impact of service dogs.
The volunteer and dog are required to attend quarterly meetings and participate in ongoing training to ensure they keep up with their skills.
ICAN Ambassador Dog (and former Breeder) Belle with her handlers Mark and Patty at a workshop
In a recent hands-on workshop, ICAN’s Ambassador Dog teams honed their advanced retrieval skills—mastering tasks like fetching specific items such as a “shoe” or “leash.”
These refined abilities aren’t just impressive—they’re transformative. For individuals with mobility challenges, a dog that can retrieve a phone or pick up dropped keys offers newfound freedom and confidence.
ICAN Ambassador Dog Hawkins at an outreach event
By showcasing these life-changing skills at outreach presentations and events, Ambassador Dogs give the public a powerful glimpse into how service dogs empower independence.
These incredible teams are central to ICAN’s mission, and through their heartfelt outreach, they continue to educate, uplift, and spark meaningful connections that illuminate the profound possibilities service dogs bring to people's lives.
If you’d like to learn more about ICAN’s Ambassador Dog program, email Julie Mathias, ICAN Volunteer & Education Manager.