Where Love Meets Purpose: The Kurie’s and their Canine Companions
Cornwall Manor residents George and Janette Kurie have shared a remarkable life together—one rooted in love, service and a deep commitment to helping others. Married for 55 years this July, their journey began in a small-town 9th grade science class and has taken them through careers in psychology, military service, publishing, counseling and medical education in New York and Pennsylvania. They are the proud parents to two adult sons, Ted and Peter, who both live in Los Angeles, California. As each person’s life story has many profound chapters, the Kurie’s began another new chapter in 2008, a chance encounter at the Hershey Library.
George watched as a service dog opened a door for a woman in a wheelchair. The dog’s calm focus and the woman’s determination with the help of her service dog struck a chord. The very next day, George saw an ad in the paper: Volunteers needed for Susquehanna Service Dogs. “It’s like the stars aligned,” George shared. He picked up the phone the next day—and their lives changed once again.
Together, George and Janette became whelpers who raised puppies from birth to eight weeks. Their first dog, Sydney, had two litters of six puppies each. They also volunteer as puppy raisers, when the puppies are 8-weeks to 18-months, preparing them for lives of service. Raisers teach basic skills and expose dogs to different environments and people to acclimate them to places that clients would be in with their service dogs. When Sydney was ready for retirement, the Kurie’s adopted her. Now at almost 13, she is a gentle reminder of the legacy they’ve built – one pawprint at a time.
The Kurie’s have raised eight dogs, five of whom have gone on to serve in life-changing roles – from assisting individuals with various disabilities (e.g. hearing impaired, physically handicapped, balance assistance, PTSD, autism), as well as detecting explosives for the CIA on tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
But raising these dogs is not just about training—it’s about love. Each puppy becomes part of the Kurie family. They are there for the first wobbly steps, the first time a puppy learns to sit, the first time they bravely walk into a noisy store, hospital or sports event. George and Janette celebrate every milestone, knowing that each one brings the dog closer to its purpose.
And then comes the hardest part: letting go.
“When you raise a puppy for 18 months, they become part of your heart,” Janette says. “You know from the beginning that they’re not yours to keep—but that doesn’t make it easier.”
The day each dog leaves to be with their life partner is bittersweet. There are tears, of course. The house feels quieter. The routines shift. But there’s also pride—deep, soul-filling pride. Because the Kurie’s know that their love and effort have helped shape a dog that will change someone’s life.
They’ve learned to cope with the emotional attachment by focusing on the bigger picture. Sometimes they have the opportunity to keep in touch with the individuals who receive service dogs and learn how their lives transformed. They hear stories of veterans who can now sleep through the night, children who feel safe in public and individuals who’ve regained independence—all because of a dog they helped raise.
As George puts it, “We cry with both sadness and joy in leaving our dog with their new partner. And they are crying with joy because they know their life is changing so much for the better. It’s a very precious moment.”
Not all dogs go into service. Only 55% dogs who go into training graduate as a service dog. Some dogs may have behavioral challenges, medical reasons, or just want to be pets. Some of those dogs become facility dogs that go on to provide comfort in hospitals, schools, CCRC’s and courthouses.
In October 2023, the Kurie’s moved to Cornwall Manor. Selecting their home here was important as their volunteer work continues for Susquehanna Service Dogs. They selected a wonderful home on the corner of Sassafras and Overlook Drives in The Woods. Their home provides ample space for George, Janette, Sydney and Mickey – a 20-month-old Yellow Labrador retriever, who is currently in advanced training. They “puppysit” on weekends and holidays. Their home at The Woods provides a nice living space and is steps away from the Lebanon County Rail Trail, which allows all four to walk together.
Amid their busy schedule raising service dogs, George and Janette have fully embraced life at Cornwall Manor. They stay active with a variety of fitness and recreational activities, including table tennis, pickleball and participating on the resident water volleyball team—which competes quarterly against Cornwall Manor’s President and staff team. George, Sydney and Mickey bring joy to others through regular pet visits at Corson Hall Personal Care and the Health Center. Janette expresses her creativity through watercolor and oil painting and is an active member of the Hershey Area Art Association. Her love of music shines through as she takes both cello and violin lessons in Campbelltown. While enjoying their retired years at Cornwall Manor and working as volunteers for Susquehanna Service Dogs, they are continuing to lead lives filled with purpose, and compassion—nurturing future service dogs, staying active in arts and recreation and making meaningful connections every step of the way.
