“I love training dogs in obedience and I liked the idea of having a buddy for my black lab, but didn’t want a 14-year commitment. The dogs do so much more for us than we do for the dogs. And the impact is so far reaching. Not just one life, but many lives. It just makes you feel so good about what you are doing.” Click here to read the full story.
“I was first motivated to get a service dog when I was 16 years old to increase my independence. I had never been to the mall or the movies by myself. Even getting from the parking lot to meet a friend inside was tricky. I can’t imagine how different my life would be if I hadn’t gotten involved with Canine Companions for Independence.” Click here to read the full story.
“Being in special ops, they don’t teach you very much humility. When you have that mentality, and that’s the training that has been brought to you, to really humble yourself and let other people help you is extremely tough. But I’m telling you, it’s so much easier for a dog to do it.” Click here to read the full story.
“Often, people would see Bob stumbling and assume he was intoxicated. They didn’t understand that he was only under the influence of Huntington’s. People see Exeter in his blue Canine Companions vest and instantly understand that Bob has a disability. Now instead of confronting him, they offer their assistance.” Click here to read the full story.
“The skill with which Canine Companions instructors matched each human and dog team in my class was amazing. Each team was a perfect fit,” Chanler is playful, affectionate and a diligent worker. He aims to please and takes pride and joy in alerting me to sounds every day.” Click here to read the full story.
“Over 80% of the kids we serve are victims of child abuse or neglect. Mabel has had countless, powerful interactions with the kids we serve. She is happiest when she is working.” Click here to read the full story.
“At first her dad and I were like ‘yeah right, we’re going to raise a puppy and then give it away,’ If not for Kelly encouraging us to approve puppy raising as her project to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, we would have never done this. It was the best thing we have ever done.” Click here to read the full story.
“I was at the grocery store when my wedding ring fell to the ground and rolled under a shelf…my service dog went and got the ring, brought it to me and dropped it right in my hand. It was amazing! I didn’t have to ask anyone for help!” Click here to read the full story.
“Knoxville is an absolutely amazing service dog. In those situations when I don’t feel comfortable with my disability, Knox is there to make me feel more comfortable.” Click here to read the full story.
“When people see me in my wheelchair it’s hard for them to imagine that I can drive a horse let alone compete on an international level.” Click here to read the full story.
