Spreading joy year-round
Volunteer Annie Jansons
After a successful 30-year career in corporate medical sales, Annie Jansons was ready to find something new to occupy her time. In 2013, she discovered the Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) after seeing a fundraising promotion at a restaurant.
Annie was instantly drawn to the organization and began volunteering, quickly taking on roles like furloughing, puppy raising, litter sitting, and attending outreach events.
But her most impactful work has been with ICAN’s Ambassador Dog and Puppy Love Year-Round programs.
ICAN ambassador dogs are retired or released service dogs. While they are no longer training to become service dogs, they still maintain their skills.
Annie with her two ICAN release dogs, Montauk and Hawkins. Both are ambassador dogs for ICAN.
Annie has adopted two ICAN release dogs that are now on the ambassador team – Montauk, an 11-year-old female black Labrador and Hawkins, a 3-year-old male black Labrador.
Alongside Annie, Montauk and Hawkins play a vital role in promoting ICAN's mission by attending various outreach and fundraising events.
They have important jobs as public representatives for the organization, engaging with community members, supporters, and potential donors.
“I have the amazing privilege of watching my ambassador dogs bring smiles and comfort to others,” said Annie.
Annie also plays a key role in the Puppy Love Year-Round program. Initially designed as a Valentine's Day fundraiser, where ICAN service dogs in training deliver sweet treats to loved ones, the Puppy Love deliveries gained such popularity that ICAN decided to expand the initiative to operate year-round. This makes it perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate events, allowing people to express appreciation and create memorable occasions.
A Puppy Love-Year Round delivery coordinated by Annie.
As the Puppy Love Year-Round Coordinator, Annie oversees the details of each delivery and develops unique ideas to make each delivery a meaningful experience.
“The recipients are so excited to meet the dogs and learn about ICAN’s mission. And it’s so rewarding for me to share the dogs with others,” Annie explained.
During a Puppy Love Year-Round delivery, an ICAN ambassador dog not only delivers a package with items representing local Indiana businesses, but may also perform cues, such as sitting patiently as children read to them, and even offering paw print autographs.
For Annie, being part of ICAN has been life-changing. She says, “I found my passion for helping others through this organization. It truly changed my life.”
If you’d like to help unleash possibilities like Annie, contact ICAN Volunteer and Education Manager Julie Mathias at juliem@icandog.org.