Canine Companions Assistance Dog Team Sponsorship

We are living in a time of uncertainty. Disability doesn’t disappear in times of crisis, and neither has Canine Companions for Independence. 

While many challenges still exist, Canine Companions is once again holding Team Trainings and graduating assistance dog teams at our centers across the country. While classes may be smaller, they are being held regularly. We celebrated our 45th anniversary in July, and in our 45-year history more than 6,500 assistance dogs have been placed free of charge with adults, children and veterans.

Our North Central Region will very soon  have a new home in New Albany, Ohio. The new North Central campus will have something it has lacked -- dormitories for our students. The new campus will also ensure that Team Trainings will take place on campus. It is an understatement when we say that our recipients, volunteers and staff are excited about our new Ohio home. August will be the month we move into our new North Central Regional Center.

Over the course of our history, Canine Companions has held a number of outreach and fundraising events throughout a number of communities in the U.S. Due to the pandemic, our events have gone or future events will go virtual. These virtual events include  but are not limited to DogFests and Galas. We invite you to visit our website cci.org to learn of upcoming events and how you can get involved. 

Recipients of our assistance dogs include people like David, whose first service dog was Service Dog Domi. David  shared that Domi helped him learn how to heal from the injuries he sustained while serving in the military in Iraq.

We look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. A Canine Companions Service, Skilled Companion, Hearing or Facility Dog is the gift of independence.

Like many other organizations, Canine Companions for Independence has been affected by the Covid-19 virus, and our six regional centers are closed. But our work continues, as staff work from home, and our dogs in training are safe and preparations are underway for how we will train and place our dogs with people with disabilities. 

For people with disabilities, the need for an assistance dog remains, and the support we are receiving ensures that the dogs that enhance the lives of adults, children and veterans with disabilities will soon be matched.

Because of the pandemic, a number of events, including graduation ceremonies and DogFests have been cancelled. We hope such events and ceremonies scheduled for later in the year will take place. Until that time, we encourage you to visit our website at cci.org. 

Your interest and support of Canine Companions for Independence is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Stay safe and healthy during this challenging time.