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Proud to Serve Veterans
Canine Companions for Independence has provided many assistance dogs to US war veterans across the country. With the increase in wounded veterans who could benefit from an assistance dog, we want to do more.
For a veteran making a new start putting their life back together from an injury, an assistance dog can provide the help they need to regain independence.
Latest News: Veteran injured in the Iraq war receives assistance dog Sharif. See Jeffrey Adams story.
Are you ready for an assistance dog? Here are some traits of current veteran graduates:
- Disabled in combat
- Uses a manual wheelchair
- Paraplegic or amputee
- Full (or mostly full) mobility of both arms; good upper body strength
- Good cognitive ability and clear speech
- Stable home life to provide for a dog's basic needs
- Completely fenced yard
- Ready for the benefits of an assistance dog
Apply for a CCI service dog
Learn more about the 4 types of CCI dogs
How CCI dogs are trained
Read these firsthand accounts of the unconditional love, service and companionship CCI assistance dogs can provide:
| Buddy Hayes, Army Veteran, and Service Dog Ellie |
"Ellie is a Godsend. She's right here by my side ready to help whenever I need it."
Buddy Hayes was a heavy equipment operator in the United States Army from 1977 to 1979.
In August 2005, she graduated with Ellie, who helps her maintain an independent, busy lifestyle which includes motivational speaking and competitive marathon racing. Find out more about Buddy and Ellie. |
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| Richard Hagan, Vietnam War Veteran, and Service Dog Kovin |
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"At meetings, when Kovin is 'released' from active duty, he bounds towards each man in our group, stopping for a head rub or giving kisses, after which he returns to my feet. People are happier to see him than me!"
In November of 2005, Rich graduated with Kovin, a CCI Service Dog who assists Rich by opening doors, picking up dropped items, and even giving credit cards to cashiers. Find out more about Rich and Kovin. |
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| Jack Carroll, Korean War Veteran,
and Hearing Dog Stella III |
"Stella's presence has improved my quality of life in ways I hadn't even imagined. Every morning I awake to Stella nudging my shoulder and wagging her tail...so I can't help but start the day with a smile."
Jack is a veteran of the Korean War. In 2006, he graduated with Stella, his CCI Hearing Dog, who alerts him to sounds in his environment. Find out more about Jack and Stella. |
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| Jim Allan,
Vietnam War Veteran,
and Hearing Dog Addy |
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"I highly recommend to fellow veterans to consider getting a service dog. An awful lot of guys and gals are getting prostheses. Having a companion with you can make the adjustment to this new life a little easier. They bring you such hope. They look at you and say 'Hey, want to play?' They appreciate life in the present."
Jim Allan was a Marine in the Artillery division from 1962 to 1970. He sustained severe hearing loss during the war. Addy, his CCI Hearing Dog, serves as Jim's "ears", alerting him to the sounds of human voices, timers, doorbells, and phone rings. Find out more about Jim and Addy. |
Questions? Please email us at info@cci.org or call 800-572-BARK (2275)
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