Legacy of Love
Pat Hall dedicated over 45 years of her life to serving others and making a difference in her community.
She worked as an occupational therapist (OT) in a hospital/clinic setting for over 35 years before transitioning her last 13 years to working in Hancock County schools as an OT where she helped children with special needs.
After retiring in 2015, Pat continued her life’s mission of making a difference, this time as a volunteer through the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN). For ICAN, Pat volunteered in a variety of ways, including as a Furlough Volunteer, Ambassador, and Litter Host, where she hosted a pregnant female dog in her home, was present for the birth, and helped care for the litter until they were eight weeks old.
Pat’s son, Doug Samuels said, “My mom was extremely dedicated to everything that she did. She always had a smile on her face and truly loved to help people.”
ICAN Board Member Doug Samuels, son of former ICAN volunteer Pat Hall
ICAN wasn’t just an organization for Pat; it was a way for her to continue her passion of changing lives. Sadly, after only being with ICAN for three years, Pat was diagnosed with lung cancer and lost her battle in January of 2018. Although her time with the organization was cut short, she made a tremendous impact on the nonprofit.
To her close family, Pat was lovingly nicknamed “Peachy.” To show their appreciation for Pat’s dedication to their mission, ICAN named a service dog in training, Peachy, after her, honoring both her memory and the lives, both human and dog, that she touched.
ICAN was able to let Pat know of this prior to her passing and she was touched and honored to hear this. Peachy graduated from ICAN in December 2019 and was placed at an elementary school in the Richmond, IN area. She works with young children, including those with special needs … just as Pat had done prior to her retirement.
Through her dedication to ICAN and helping others, Pat’s legacy has continued to inspire generations of giving. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Doug has also found a new purpose in volunteering with ICAN since August 2022. Doug completed the Foundations class to become a furlough volunteer and has since worked with four ICAN service dogs in training.
He lives in Fort Wayne and has played a valuable role in helping ICAN establish its Veteran Services Division (VSD) in the area. Using his expertise as a retired banker of 26 years, Doug advocates for ICAN’s mission in Fort Wayne, making connections within the community. He also serves on ICAN’s finance committee and as a board member.
“I’m honored to be a part of ICAN’s Board and help guide this organization in the future … especially here in Fort Wayne, with our Veteran Services Division,” said Doug. “It’s heart warming to provide this service to those in need and I now understand completely why my Mom absolutely loved volunteering with ICAN.”
You too can make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers by training a dog for someone in need. If you’d like to help unleash possibilities, contact ICAN Volunteer and Education Manager Julie Mathias at juliem@icandog.org.
