09/21/2017

How One Non-profit Provider of Assistance Dogs is Changing Lives

Find out more about Canine Companions for Independence®

“To train dogs like Debra to be partners for guys like me is life changing,” said Josh, a Canine Companions for Independence^® graduate. “She will forever make a difference in my life.”

Nearly 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a disability. Many face physical barriers to meeting daily needs, such as turning on light switches and carrying groceries. Canine Companions for Independence transforms the lives children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing professionally trained assistance dogs to help with these types of daily tasks – as well as provide unconditional love and acceptance. Canine Companions provides these amazing dogs and follow-up service for the life of the team, at no charge to the recipient.

“Debra is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have seen her do more things without opposable thumbs than I have seen most people do. She can turn light switches on with just her paws and her nose. Giving her a command and seeing her do it is amazing. She makes me happy. She keeps me happy and smiling all the time. No matter what I ask her to do she just looks at me, wags her tail and gives me a kiss. I love having her there. It makes me happy.”

Debra’s journey, like every Canine Companions assistance dog, began at birth. She was raised in the home of a volunteer puppy raiser for a year and a half learning basic obedience and socialization. After this, she returned to Canine Companions to begin six – nine months of professional training. Once she had mastered over 40 commands and completed all her training, she was paired with Josh and an unstoppable team was formed. 

“It takes a village to raise a puppy, train a puppy, select the applicants, train the students and place over 5,500 teams across the country. In order to ensure safe breeding, productive training and detailed follow ups – each team is valued at $50,000. We are very proud to place these teams free of charge to provide greater independence and companionship for our graduates,” said Megan Koester, the executive director of Canine Companions North Central Region. “Continuing to provide these dogs free of charge is possible thanks to donors and partners around the nation and in our community.”

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions is the first and largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs in the United States with over 5,500 teams graduating since the organization’s founding.

“Canine Companions for Independence enhances independence for children, adults and military veterans with disabilities,” said longtime OSAE member and ASAE Fellow, Todd Wurschmidt, PhD, CAE, CFRE.” The warmth of witnessing the pairing of a trained Assistance Dog with their new partner is truly rewarding. We truly appreciate OSAE’s willingness to share Canine Companions mission.”

To find out more about Canine Companions for Independence and learn about various opportunities to support this organization and get involved in your community, please visit www.cci.org or click here to contact us at: twurschmidt@cci.org.