Love, paws, and purpose
Nick and Julie with ICAN Queso
For Julie and Nick, their love story began seven years ago with a shared commitment to the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) mission – a bond that continues to shape their lives together today.
In 2017, Julie was the Co-President of ICAN at Indiana University Bloomington (IU), leading the student organization through its early years.
Nick was living in the campus dorms when a friend from his floor invited him to the call-out meeting for the student group. However, it wasn’t until Nick began consistently attending ICAN at IU events that he and Julie started to notice each other.
“We don’t actually remember when we first met,” Julie said, laughing. “In the beginning, Nick was just always there hanging out with me at meetings, helping out with everything.”
“In the beginning, we’d go on dates to the food courts at the dorms or find random events around campus to take the service dogs in-training to,” Nick remembered.
After graduating from IU in the spring of 2018, Julie accepted a full-time job with ICAN as the Volunteer and Education Manager and moved to Greenwood, Indiana while Nick finished college in Bloomington.
It was during this time that Julie began raising her first ICAN puppy – an 8-week-old golden retriever named Jack. Nick remembered one of his favorite experiences was visiting Julie on the weekends and taking Jack to Nashville, Indiana to explore the town and go hiking.
Though Jack did not graduate as a service dog, Julie adopted him, and he now lives with she and Nick as a well-loved pet. He plays a significant role in their relationship, having been with them from the beginning and sharing in the memories they create together.
Since then, Nick and Julie have continued to share the responsibilities on all things dog-related – from puppy raising and furloughing service dogs in-training to attending ICAN events.
“Julie likes to teach the dogs new skills, and I like to practice those skills with the dogs in the real world,” Nick explained.
Now, Julie and Nick often plan dates and trips around what their current furlough dog or puppy needs more exposure to. Whether it’s taking dogs to the movies, restaurants, shopping, or even musicals, they create memories together while providing the dogs with unique experiences ... and for themselves too.
This shared love has not only strengthened Julie and Nick’s bond but has also become the foundation of their relationship. It was their mutual passion for dogs that sparked the “puppy love” between them, and today, they share that love by supporting ICAN’s mission through the organization’s annual Puppy Love Valentine’s Day fundraiser.
All proceeds from Puppy Love Valentines directly benefit ICAN, helping to train service dogs for Indiana adults, children, and Veterans living with disabilities.
Those interested in supporting ICAN’s mission can order a Puppy Love Valentine through February 7.
Boxes are priced between $50 and $60 and vary based on whether the box is picked up from the ICAN office or delivered in person by an ICAN service dog in training. This year, boxes can be delivered to homes, businesses, or schools within 40 miles of ICAN’s office in Zionsville.
Each order includes collectible coasters from CoasterStone, greeting cards, coffee, DeBrand Fine Chocolates, Endangered Species Chocolate, Warrior Bars from Bee Free, dog treats from Three Dog Bakery, dog artwork, and more.
To order an ICAN Puppy Love Valentine for you or a loved one, click here.