Canine Companions Assistance Dog Team Sponsorship

The first two months of 2015 are in the books.  January and February were most productive, as Canine Companions for Independence held six Team Training classes and graduation ceremonies.  We've now placed more than 4,600 assistance dogs in our history, and today have 2,000 active graduate teams.

This is an exciting year for Canine Companions, because it marks our 40th anniversary of placing dogs free of charge for adults, children and veterans with disabilities.  We've made a difference for three-time Service Dog Graduate Bruce, who recently shared that all of his assistance dogs have been unique in almost every way except one -- all of them have given everythng they had and more to please him and serve him.

The support from friends of Canine Companions make it possible for Bruce and all of our graduates to have an assistance dog that is there for them as their companion, friend and partner.  And, because of the contributions received, Canine Companions assistance dogs are provided free of charge.

In 2014, Canine Companions placed an all-time best 289 assistance dogs.  We're hard at work training the next assistance dogs to be teamed with people with disabilities.

Our next Team Training class occurs in March in Texas, followed by classes in the Northwest region in April.  To learn about our graduation schedules throughout the country, please visit us at cci.org.

2014 was an extraordinary year for Canine Companions for Independence.  Last year, 289 assistance dogs were placed -- an all-time best for the non-profit organization.  We now have 2,000 active graduate teams, and 4,600 assistance dogs have been placed since our founding in 1975.  All graduates receive their assistance dog and follow-up services free of charge.

Other highlights of the year include, the appointment of Paul Mundell as Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Mundell succeeds Corey Hudson, who retired after leading Canine Companions for 24 years.  In 2014, we broke new ground on a training center that will be located in Irving, Texas, and became involved in a study with the Veterans Administration that will result in the placement of assistance dogs with veterans with PTSD.

In 2015, Canine Companions celebrates its 40th anniversary of placing highly trained assistance dogs with adults and children with disabilities.  Our first Team Training and graduation has taken place -- that being a Hearing Dog class that graduated from the Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa, California on Friday, January 23.  On Friday, February 13, Canine Companions will celebrate National Graduation Day, as five regional centers will host graduation ceremonies that day.  If you are in the area of one of our centers (Santa Rosa, CA, Oceanside, CA, Delaware, Ohio, Medford, NY or Orlando, FL) you are most welcome to attend.

We look forward to making a difference in more lives in 2015,  We encourage you to visit us at cci.org.