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This Independence Day was also Canine Companions® 45th anniversary! Our organization has experienced tremendous growth over the years, but our mission has never wavered. Our dogs have increased independence for people with a range of disabilities from hearing loss to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Canine Companions® supporters and private pilots Martyn Lewis, Josh Hochberg, Jeff Stewart and other volunteer pilots have transported over 100 Canine Companions puppies to their volunteer puppy raisers in our Northwest, Southwest and South Central regions! We are incredibly grateful to have the extra support from the community to keep our mission moving forward.

These are stressful times for the entire country, but our dogs are hard at work continuing to provide support to our graduates. It is important to remember that some of our graduates have compromised immune systems, and during this time of social distancing, they are so grateful to have their expertly trained assistance dogs by their side. When others can’t help, a Canine Companions® dog is there.

The New Castle County Delaware Police Department welcomed Facility Dog Nikko last year, and he is leaving his paw prints on the hearts of the New Castle community. Nikko visits schools, community events and helps assist in criminal investigations.

Nine years ago, Luke was in a snowboarding accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury. Luke was left unable to walk and had to adjust to navigating life in a wheelchair. In 2019, everything changed when Luke found his perfect match in Service Dog Rummy.

With Skilled Companion Ruff by Luke’s side the sky’s the limit. Luke has Down Syndrome, creating cognitive and physical delays. Staying on task, speech and socialization are difficult for Luke. After being matched with Skilled Companion Ruff, Luke is making great strides.

This year, Daniel was matched with his third life-changing Canine Companions® assistance dog. Skilled Companion Bagheera gives Daniel the confidence to travel, explore and look to the future. She is there to retrieve Daniel’s iPad, which he uses to communicate, as well as open doors, turn on and off lights, and provide constant companionship. “When we are out in public, people come up to us and ask about my dog,” says Daniel. “Without my dog, they wouldn’t have talked to me.”