Canine Companions

Future Service Dog Catches the Eyes of Many at Temple University

jbentzinger@canine.org — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 21:12:30 +0000

Philadelphia, PA

A cute golden retriever lab mix is well on his way to becoming a highly-trained service dog thanks to one Temple University grad student.

Cyprus is quite the four-legged rock star around Temple University’s campus these days, but he’s more than just a cute pup. He’s a future service dog for Canine Companions and his volunteer puppy raiser is Temple grad student, Maisie Dorwart.

“I picked him up at Philly airport at 8 weeks,” said Dorwart. “We’ve been kicking it ever since. He’s 15 weeks now.”

Maisie is working on her Masters Degree in Speech Pathology and wanted to combine her compassion for people with disabilities and her love of dogs.

Watch the story of Maisie and Cyprus and their adventures on the Temple University campus on Fox 29 News Philadelphia! *

Learn how you can become a volunteer puppy raiser like Maisie!

*Please be aware that by clicking the link to this website you are visiting a site that is not managed by Canine Companions. Website security, accessibility and privacy policies may be different than Canine Companions policies. Please read their policies closely.

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Southwest Airlines Announces Points for a Purpose Holiday Promotion

Hayley Gordon — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:10:14 +0000

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or not, this is great news for everyone!

Thanks to our partnership with Southwest Airlines, from December 1 to 14, 2023, through their Points for a Purpose Holiday Promotion, Rapid Rewards® Members earn 10 Rapid Rewards points for every dollar they donate to Canine Companions! Plus, Southwest will also match and donate to us the points members earn – so we can use the points for our travel needs.

Don’t forget to take advantage of this limited-time offer, and start planning and earning points!

Click here to learn more and donate now: canine.org/rapidrewards

For more details, please visit the Southwest Airlines website by clicking here: southwest.com/points-for-purpose*

*Please be aware that by clicking this link, you are visiting sites that are not managed by Canine Companions. Website security, accessibility and privacy policies may be different than Canine Companions policies. Please read their policies closely.

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First Graduating Class at New Canine Companions Puget Sound Field Office

Hayley Gordon — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 18:57:57 +0000

Canine Companions, the largest nonprofit provider of service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, completed its inaugural Team Training and Graduation at the Puget Sound Field Office in Seattle, WA. The new office is an extension of the Northwest Region and enables Canine Companions to better support their existing clients and volunteers in the area while placing more of their expertly trained service dogs with people with disabilities in the Puget Sound area, at no cost to the recipient.

In October, the first three local clients were matched with service and facility dogs. Laurie Karin, a former Canine Companions graduate, received her second service dog from the organization. Service Dog Kit will enhance independence by retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors and drawers, and accompanying Laurie on trips.

Luca, 12, received his first service dog from Canine Companions. Service Dog Atticus will assist during doctor visits, pick up dropped items and provide deep pressure therapy. Joel Fagundes, Principal at Kokanee Elementary School in Woodinville, was matched with a facility dog. Facility Dog Strong will strengthen his impact as an educator through promoting accessible learning, comfortability and confidence for elementary school students.

The field office serves as a training center for dogs and clients alike. Dogs in professional training work with instructors to learn over 40 critical skills to enhance independence. Dogs advance to team training where they are matched with a client for two weeks of in-depth training with instructors. Students can slowly introduce their dogs into their daily lives and acclimate them to their own cars and homes while coming to class each day equipped with real-world questions specific to their lifestyles and personal experience.

Team Training at the Puget Sound Field Office is made possible by volunteer breeder caretakers and puppy raisers who provide specially bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, and provide socialization opportunities. Additionally, volunteer fosters open their homes to care for the dogs, provide love and exercise, and transport them to and from the facility for training each day during the week.

Currently, Canine Companions serves 58 service and facility dog teams in the Puget Sound and over 80 teams in Washington. The organization is supported by over 30 volunteer puppy raisers in the Puget Sound and additional volunteers in other roles, including event planning, fostering and fundraising. Canine Companions looks forward to growing the program so more clients in the area can have this impactful experience.
Canine Companions is always looking for more volunteer puppy raisers and fosters for dogs in professional training at the Puget Sound Field Office.

To learn more about puppy raising, visit canine.org/raise.

Click here to inquire about becoming a foster for a dog in professional training.

To learn more about the Puget Sound Field Office, click here to contact Donna Lindsay to schedule a tour or employee engagement event.

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Virginia Governor Donates Salary to Support Placement of Canine Companions Facility Dogs!

jbentzinger@canine.org — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:10:00 +0000

Petersburg, Virginia

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin announced their personal support for a major new initiative to bring more Canine Companions facility dogs to Virginia! The Governor donated $43,750 to Canine Companions, building on his commitment to donate his salary to organizations that strengthen Virginia communities. The Governor’s donation will underwrite the cost of two facility dogs through Canine Companions, with the first Canine Companions dog placement in Petersburg. This dog will be partnered with a Petersburg police officer, serving as a canine community bridge builder to support the health and wellbeing of those in and around the criminal justice system.

Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin donated a portion of the Governor’s salary to Canine Companions, an organization that pairs service dogs with people and facilities to support independent and healthy living.

“The benefits of the human/animal bond cannot be overstated,” said First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin. “We couldn’t be more grateful to Canine Companions for its work to help people with disabilities and communities in need, nor more excited about the blessings that these dogs will surely bestow on the Petersburg community.”

“Canine Companions couldn’t be happier to be partnering with the Youngkin’s to support facility dogs in Petersburg,” said Debra Doughtery, Canine Companions Northeast Region Executive Director. “This announcement couldn’t come at a better time as Canine Companions recently announced a new service dog facility donated by the Helen and Murray Main Foundation in Mathews, Virginia, opening in mid-2024.”

The Governor and First Lady traveled to Petersburg to welcome service dogs and their handlers from the Virginia and Northeast Region.

Watch the announcement on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3RpYZSX*

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Partnering with Harvard on the Dog Life Experience Study

Sandrine — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 22:06:03 +0000

The Canine Companions Research Team continues to look for ways to better understand behavior and cognition in Canine Companions dogs. Understanding how certain life experiences impact future behavior is an important area of research that has the potential to benefit future service dogs. We are excited to explore this topic through the Dog Life Experience Study, a large study enrolling dogs of all breeds and experiences, in partnership with the Hecht Lab at Harvard University. The study aims to explore how different life experiences influence dog behavior, cognition, and emotions.

The study includes a total of two online surveys (15-25 minutes each) that will ask you questions about the dog. After completing the surveys, if you would like to participate further and the dog is identified as eligible, the researchers at Harvard may contact you about collecting DNA samples from the dog using a mail-in cheek swab kit. Participation in this sample collection is not required to participate in the survey portion of the study.

To learn more or start the online survey, click here.*

Please note: this survey is designed to capture information about behaviors and emotions such as fear. Therefore, some of the questions will ask about negative experiences the dog may have had, including neglect or abuse, that will not apply to Canine Companions dogs. These topics may be uncomfortable, and while we do not expect Canine Companions dogs to have had many of these negative experiences, we are partnering on this study as it is important that dogs with a variety of experiences take part in this research. Understanding links between dog’s experiences and their behaviors will help our organization better support Canine Companions dogs and caretakers who take so much loving time to care for them.

*Please be aware that by clicking this link you are visiting a website that is not managed by Canine Companions. Website security, accessibility and privacy policies may be different than Canine Companions policies. Please read their policies closely.

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Canine Companions Attends Georgia Aquarium’s Gold Certification Ceremony

Sandrine — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:39:38 +0000

Canine Companions was invited to Atlanta, Georgia to help celebrate the Georgia Aquarium’s newest achievement as the first Gold Certified Organization, recognized by WheelChariot.

WheelChariot is a local Georgia-based organization, founded by graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology, whose focus is forming a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to goods and services. WheelChariot’s platform provides businesses with the tools and insights needed to enhance accessibility and foster an environment of inclusion. By providing a unique opportunity for businesses to receive first-hand feedback, engage with and learn from a vibrant community dedicated to improving accessibility; WheelChariot helps businesses, like Georgia Aquarium, improve their accommodations based on real user experiences.

“We are immensely proud of Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to making every visit memorable and enriching for everyone,” says Gabriel Jones, CEO of WheelChariot. “Their trailblazing efforts set an exemplary model for others in our quest to make Atlanta a beacon for accessible tourism.”

This certification allows businesses to proudly promote their commitment to inclusivity, assuring visitors of their dedication to providing accessible experiences for all. We thank Georgia Aquarium for inviting Canine Companions to be part of this recognition and for their unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility, making it a leading destination for all visitors in Atlanta.

Click here to learn more about Georgia Aquarium’s accessibility offerings*.

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Fall 2023 Companion eNews

Hayley Gordon — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:16:33 +0000

Making A Return Journey For 35 Years

Each of Jeanette’s expertly trained service dogs, Jolly, Serena, Thelma and Fiji has gone above and beyond to ensure Jeanette can remain as independent as possible, learning to open sliding doors, retrieving lunch from the fridge and even putting dirty dishes in the sink. “I love life. I love adventure,” Jeanette says. “Without my dogs, I might not be so willing to do all of those adventures.” Over the years, Jeanette and her dogs went on countless trips – from canoeing to skydiving!

San Quentin Puppy Raising Program

This spring, a puppy raising program with double the impact began at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in Northern California, when two future service dogs, Artemis and Wendel, entered the facility to begin their journeys. “I am able to give back to a community that I took so much from,” one handler shares. “This dog is going to serve a veteran, someone with disabilities. He has a job to do, and I have a hand in it.”

Fritter Brings Hope for the Future

“In combat, I saw things no human should see,” U.S. Army veteran Rob shares. “The trauma caused me to isolate myself and avoid social situations.” Dealing with effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), he sought help from Canine Companions, matching with Service Dog Fritter, who is trained in tasks to interrupt anxiety and hypervigilance, reduce the impact of symptoms of PTSD in public places and to awaken him from nightmares.

Baylor Scott & White Goes to the Good Dogs

The furry faces in Baylor Scott & White Health facilities are part of the nearly 10-year, one-of-a-kind collaboration between a service dog organization and a healthcare system. Six expertly trained facility dogs – and counting – use their 45 tasks to support patients in rehabilitation clinics, a children’s medical center and a heart hospital – in addition to several therapy dogs to provide comfort to patients.

More From Canine Companions

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November 2023 eNews

Hayley Gordon — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 16:20:00 +0000

Let's Empower Our Heroes

Each veteran who receives one of our service dogs, like U.S. Army veteran Don Jones, is empowered to lead their lives with greater independence. From retrieving medicine bottles to interrupting nightmares due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), our service dogs provide hope for our veterans and the power they are seeking to better control their own futures – offering priceless partnership and confidence. Right now, we have a $65,000 dollar-for-dollar match that would help DOUBLE the impact on veterans.

Puppies Are Here!

Hot off the press! The 2024 puppy calendars have been printed, and the puppies are ready to join your home to bring happiness throughout the year. This must-have (and a perfect holiday gift) is FREE with every $25 donation to support our mission. Plus, $60 worth of coupon savings on Eukanuba products are also included.

Advocate for Service Dog Rights

Help amplify service dog and disability rights by becoming our advocate. You’ll get access to special webinars and opportunities to participate in advocacy initiatives to empower veterans, clients and their service dogs.

Holiday Cards and Shirts!

The paw-lidays are just around the corner, which means, it’s time to stock up on holiday and thank you cards, holiday-themed shirts and more! From Labrador ornaments to logo travel bags, there’s something for everyone on your list. We recommend ordering early, as the holiday shipping cut-off date will be here before you know it.

In The News

More From Canine Companions

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Canine Companions Graduate Forms Friendship with Kansas City Chiefs Player

Emily Oliver — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:17:17 +0000

To eight-year-old Patrick, attending the Kansas City Chiefs training camp each year is an absolute dream. Patrick is a dedicated Chiefs fan, and it brightens his day every time his team wins.

But Patrick’s love of football extends beyond the field. While Chiefs training camp is fun to attend, it also holds a special place in his heart because that’s exactly where he was the day he learned he’d been approved to receive a Canine Companions service dog.

“We were super excited,” says Brie, Patrick’s mom. “The first thing we did was head over to the Chiefs gift shop and pick out a dog bandana.”

Patrick lives with cerebral palsy; the outcome of a stroke while he was still in utero. As a result, he also has autism and epilepsy, which Brie says has played a challenging role in his ability to connect with other kids his age.

At a young age, Patrick spent a lot of time at the local children’s hospital, which is where Brie learned about facility dogs; professionally trained dogs that work with health care providers to aid patient experience. This is when Brie realized a working dog for Patrick – a service dog – may be the answer they were looking for.

Fast forward to the May of 2022: Patrick was successfully matched with Canine Companions Service Dog Julio.

“He’s been a great addition to our family,” Brie says of Julio. “He [Patrick] is just so much more confident than he was before. You can tell now, it feels good for him to be the boss of something.”

Patrick and Julio’s bond is undeniable. So much so, it gained the attention of Chiefs Defensive End George Karlaftis. It was at last year’s training camp when Karlaftis approached Patrick and Julio.

“It was surreal,” says Brie. “All the guys who were there giving autographs were so excited to see a dog there.”

George decided he wanted to do something to support the organization that had made such an impact on young Patrick. So, he agreed to represent Canine Companions during the My Cause My Cleats game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I absolutely love what they do and what they stand for. Pairing service animals with people who have disabilities can make a massive change in easing that person’s life,” Karlaftis said in regard to Canine Companions.

As the first and largest nonprofit provider of service dogs, Canine Companions has placed more than 7,600 teams like Patrick and Julio since its founding in 1975. Canine Companions dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to their clients. Support from the NFL through opportunities like My Cause My Cleats and Kingdom Pet Pack allow the organization to further its mission to help individuals with disabilities live with enhanced independence.

Following the game, Karlaftis decided Patrick deserved his own set of cleats. He had a second, identical pair designed, which he gifted to Patrick for Christmas. This upcoming holiday, Patrick and his family will attend the Chiefs home game on Christmas Day, then have the opportunity to meet some of the players on the field.

“We are really excited. We’re planning to surprise Patrick with it. It will be a Christmas surprise and I think he’s just really gonna love it,” says Brie.

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National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) is Here

Hayley Gordon — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:10:14 +0000

National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) is here. Don’t miss your opportunity to plan ahead, create your vision for the future, and partner with Canine Companions.

There are 7 days in NEPAW — here are 7 ways to make the most of it:

Create a will or trust to protect your assets
Make a guardianship plan for your minor children or pets to ensure they’re always cared for
Dictate healthcare and treatment decisions in an Advance Healthcare Directive
Protect your finances through a Financial Power of Attorney
Include specific instructions for your funeral wishes
Designate a beneficiary for non-probate assets like a 401(k), life insurance policy, or IRA
Create a legacy to sustain Canine Companions — for years to come

That might seem like a lot of tasks — but the process doesn’t have to be complicated! We partner with FreeWill to provide a free estate planning tool you can use to check all of these important items off your list and get peace of mind for the future.

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