Winstead Shareholder Jamie McDole is an accomplished first-chair trial lawyer. But when he’s not in the courtroom, Jamie is making an impact in another big way—raising and training dogs for those in need.
Jamie is a dedicated volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions®, a non-profit organization that provides expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities at no charge. He has been doing it for several years, raising puppies and training them in basic obedience, socialization, and care. His work with Canine Companions involves teaching the dogs over 40 distinct commands and preparing them to be groomed as service animals.
Jamie has been raising Weaver since March 2023. And in January 2024, Jamie started bringing her into the Dallas office, where she quickly became a beloved presence. This has brought a sense of joy and community to the office, making it bittersweet for Jamie, his family, and the firm as Weaver moves on to her next level of professional training.
Raising a puppy to become a service dog is no easy task. In fact, it takes around two years before a dog can be explicitly matched with a child, adult, or veteran with a specific disability.
For the initial 18 months of this process, Jamie is responsible for basic training and socialization. That means he gets to take Weaver everywhere—from restaurants to sports stadiums, through crowded places and noisy areas—exposing them to all types of environments. In return, they grow into well-rounded, adjustable service dogs.
Dogs trained through Canine Companions are trained to perform specific tasks that facilitate their owners' independence. These tasks could include fetching and returning an item that has fallen, opening doors and drawers, and turning lights on and off—all tasks that can be very trying for those without such animal assistance.
Since 1975, Canine Companions has provided service dogs to people with disabilities free of charge. The organization has its own breeding program at its headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. All dogs bred by Canine Companions are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, or crosses of both.
September marks National Service Dog Month, honoring and recognizing the invaluable contributions of service dogs to individuals with disabilities and the broader community. This month-long celebration highlights the remarkable abilities and dedication of these trained animals like Weaver while raising awareness about their critical role in enhancing individual lives.
As Weaver graduates to her next level of training, Jamie remains committed to the mission of Canine Companions. Knowing that Weaver will soon help someone in need live a more independent and fulfilling life is an endless source of pride and motivation for Jamie and his family.
To learn more about National Service Dog Month, visit: canine.org/servicedogmonth