Canine Companions Assistance Dog Team Sponsorship

When Canine Companions for Independence placed 309 assistance dogs in 2015, it marked the first time in the organization's 40-year history that the number of placements exceeded 300.  Duplicating that achievement in 2016, we knew would be a tall order.

In 2016, Canine Companions not only met last year's total -- it exceeded it by a large margin.  This year, 366 assistance dogs have been placed with veterans, adults and children with disabilities.  That is an all-time best, and without the support of many friends, we wouldn't be able to place highly trained assistance dogs without the generous support that comes from all parts of the U.S.  Over 5,000 assistance dogs have been placed in our history, and today, we have more than 2,100 active graduates. 

Our graduates include Stefan, a veteran who was injured while serving in Afghanistan.  Stefan today has Service Dog Knoxville, who performs everyday tasks that make it possible for Stefan to live a more independent life.

Another dog that makes a difference is Hearing Dog Marguerite, who is paired with Michelle.  Michelle shared that Marguerite helped turn her life around.  In addition, Michelle says that Marguerite is up for anything, including helping Michelle in her work with patients.

Canine Companions graduates come from virtually every state in the country and from diverse backgrounds.  Yet all of our graduates share one thing -- having an assistance dog that makes a difference for them every day. 

Assistance dogs are being trained now to be part of our first classes in 2017.  With your continued help, 2017 will be another exceptional year of providing more assistance dogs with people with disabilities.

Canine Companions for Independence has now placed over 200 assistance dogs in 2016, as Team Trainings and Graduation ceremonies took place earlier this month.  But, we're far from finished in 2016.  Hearing Dog Team Training comes this fall, and all regions will host Team Trainings in late October into November, with the last graduation ceremonies of 2016 taking place in early November.

While it's too early to tell whether we'll meet last year's placement total of 309, that number is within reach.  We'll provide an update later this year. 

None of the work we do is possible without the contributions that come from people from all over the United States.  Thanks to the support of our friends, every Canine Companions assistance dog and follow-up services are provided free of charge. 

If you have been to a Canine Companions graduation, you've seen firsthand how a dog can enhance the life of a person with disabilities.  If you've never been to a graduation, and are in the vicinity of one of our regional centers, please come, as the ceremonies are free and open to the public.

In addition to graduation ceremonies, DogFest Walk 'n Rolls will be held throughout the summer and fall.  These events have something for everyone and are another great way to learn about Canine Companions.

Veterans like Stefan, who served in Afghanistan are among the recipients of a Canine Companions assistance dog.  Stefan stepped on an IED, which resulted in him losing his legs.  He is paired with Service Dog Knoxville, who helps Stefan move forward and go further.  Today, Stefan uses prosthetics and has gotten into adaptive sporting and running, and Knoxville (Knox) is always there to help Stefan retrieve his equipment and provide loving support after a long workout. 

Stefan and Knox are just one of the more than 5,000 assistance dog teams that have been formed since Canine Companions opened its doors in 1975.  Thanks to you, we'll provide many more people with an assistance dog.