[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 58 (Thursday, April 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING THE WOODIS FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 9, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the Woodis family of Montrose, Colorado for their willingness 
to dedicate their time and energy to benefit the disabled. The Woodis 
family is raising a puppy to be a companion dog for a person with a 
physical disability, and today I would like to pay tribute to their 
efforts before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Sons Jeff and Ethan Woodis have raised pigs for their 4-H club, so 
when the club required a community service project, they turned to 
Canine Companions, an organization founded in 1975 to provide dogs 
trained to help disabled people achieve greater independence. Airlie, a 
female Black Labrador retriever, came to Montrose to live with the 
Woodis family and to learn thirty basic commands to help her prepare 
for life as a companion dog. After the initial training, Airlie will go 
to California for six months of advanced training before graduation. 
Then, the Woodis family will hand Airlie's leash to her new owner. 
Raising Airlie has been a community-wide effort, with help coming from 
numerous local organizations and businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege to recognize the Woodis family 
for their contributions to the quality of life of disabled Americans. 
By helping to raise and train Airlie, the Woodis family is helping to 
provide increased independence and freedom, as well as a loving 
companion, for a disabled American. I thank them for their efforts.

                          ____________________