DogFest celebrates canines whose service goes beyond companionship

Chase Toler walked with his family through Jack London Square on Saturday under a clear blue sky and through a crowd of wagging tails and soft paws

For his mother, Colleen Toler, it’s quite the sight. Despite there being loud music, lots of people and barking dogs, Chase, 15, is walking with confidence — something she once thought she’d never get to see. Typically, Chase finds crowds like this unsettling.

“Chase becomes very overwhelmed, especially out in public,” Colleen said. “I like to plan things for us, like going to festivals, fairs and things, and he never really wanted to go.” 

Chase has autism, a neurological condition that can make interacting and communicating with others challenging. However, thanks to his service dog, Gill, he’s able to go out and enjoy events like DogFest, a dog-friendly, Halloween-themed event. It was put on by Canine Companions, a national nonprofit that provides service dogs free of charge to adults, children and veterans with mental and physical disabilities. 

According to U.S Service Animals, on average, adopting a service dog can cost between $10,000 to $30,000, with some dogs even costing upwards of $50,000.

“It’s important for people with disabilities to at least have access to resources like Canine Companions,” said Michelle Williams, a spokesperson for the nonprofit. “For people who do want or need a service dog, we want that to be available to them, and we’re so proud that we can give it all away free of charge.” 

The event featured music, giveaways, temporary tattoos for people and pups, service dog demonstrations, a dog selfie studio, and a canine costume contest. Oakland dog-lovers and their furry friends came dressed to the nines as football players, superheroes, pop stars and even food items. 

Janelle Langerman and her deaf boxer, Jasper, who live in San Francisco, have been attending DogFest for the last three years. Not only does Langerman love dressing up with Jasper up each year, but she also enjoys seeing how the Bay Area comes together through a love of dogs. 

“I love all the animals,” Langerman said. “I love seeing all the pets together in their costumes and everyone having a really good time.” 

Kate Graham, a 14-year-old client of Canine Companions, was paired with her service dog, Kristi, when she was 9. Kate limb differences in her arms and legs, and Kristi helps her with daily tasks like pushing doors open or grabbing things out of reach. Kate said the god brings her happiness, comfort and companionship.

“Kristi has helped me become more responsible and independent, and sometimes when there’s a stressful moment, she helps calm me down,” Kate said.

For some, like Chase Toler, a service dog can be a game changer.

“Before Gil, we’d probably just continue struggling with having him come out in public with us,” Colleen Toler said. “But now, it’s just going to open up a lot of possibilities for him that he wouldn’t have otherwise.” 

(Top photo: Chase Toler and his dog, Gil, by Nava Rawls)

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