Kirkland woman shares life-changing impact of Canine Companions service dogs

A special partnership between people and pups makes independence possible—meet Naomi and her amazing helpers!

Windsor the Wonder Dog

When Naomi Marteeny was just 14 years old, her life changed in a powerful way—she met Libby, her very first service dog from Canine Companions. Naomi had a stroke just 12 days after she was born, which led to cerebral palsy. Everyday tasks could be difficult, but then Libby came into her life.

“Having a service dog helps me be more independent, which is amazing,” Naomi shared.

That kind of independence is what Canine Companions has been providing to people for 50 years! The organization, which started helping people across the country, now has a growing impact right in the Puget Sound area, including Kirkland, Washington.

Naomi’s current dog, Windsor, is her second service dog. At just three years old, he’s full of energy, heart, and purpose. He even joined Naomi for a TV interview recently!

Naomi explained that her service dogs have helped her in more ways than just physical support.

“I was a very shy person. I got to talk about Libby and Canine Companions.”

Kirkland woman shares life-changing impact of Canine Companions service dogs

So not only did these dogs help her move through her day—they helped her find her voice!

Behind every hero dog is a special group of people called puppy raisers. These volunteers take care of the dogs from the time they’re just eight weeks old! Naomi’s own mom has helped raise six puppies who all graduated to become service dogs for other people. That means more stories like Naomi’s are being created every year.

To celebrate 50 years of changing lives, Canine Companions is holding a big anniversary gala on November 1 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Naomi hopes more people will come learn about the organization.

“It’s a great way to get involved in the community and understand what the mission is all about,” she said.

This story is a powerful reminder that superheroes don’t always wear capes—sometimes they wear collars. Naomi’s journey shows how one dog can make a world of difference. It’s awesome that people like her mom help raise puppies to help others. I think programs like Canine Companions should be celebrated, supported, and shared. If you ask me, Windsor deserves a gold medal in kindness!

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