Canine Creek's fundraiser exceeds expectations

On Saturday afternoon, April 8, Canine Creek was crowded with adults, kids and dogs as new owner, Kellie Dudivoir, celebrated the grand re-opening. Wanting to do something special at the event, Kellie organized a fundraiser through local donations to raffle a long list of baskets and other items to provide Mikayla Hart and her service dog Teddy with a harness that would keep the two stable when they walk together. Mikayla, who has had half of her brain removed, has no peripheral vision. Teddy was trained by Silver Paw Ranch in Calaveras County, a 501c3 non profit specializing in service dogs for veterans. Mikayla's mom, Deanne, is the Tehachapi Coordinator for Silver Paw Ranch.

Kellie said that when she started the project, her goal was to raise the $750 necessary for a harness allowing Mikayla and Teddy to walk side by side. Any extra funds raised would be donated to Silver Paw Ranch. Much to her surprise, she not only raised the amount for the harness, but was able to donate $1,234 to the Ranch. "Tehachapi is such a generous town," said Kellie, "I thought we might raise enough for the harness with a little left over. I never thought we would raise so much."