Canine Companions®

🚨 Puppy alert! 🐶 Recently, our VERY FIRST litter was born at our new Canine Health and Wellness Center, located in Northern California. And just last week, they've reached an age old enough to experience their outside enrichment for the first time! The new building provides a portal that connects the indoor area with an outdoor space, giving the pups a safe opportunity to start building their puppy skills. This amazing experience is a wonderful example of what this new facility can offer to our future generations of #servicedogs. 💛💙 To help ensure more healthy puppies come into this world, visit https://bit.ly/4cBFsXK #puppy #futureservicedog #servicedog #LeadWithIndependence #veterinary #veterinarycare #science #siblings

💪 To our client, Connor, #DisabilityPride has been a journey: "For many years, I grappled with the reality of being labeled as disabled, along with the knowledge that with each progression of my diagnosis, I would need to come to terms with more and more labels. However, it was in the embracing of labels that I found my pride. And with that pride came a community that I never imagined possible. For me, Disability Pride is the celebration of what every individual brings to the table, no matter their level of ability. It encompasses the community, harmony, diversity and beauty of our human journey, one that is often marked by varying disabilities. It is a journey where challenges become triumphs, and where differences enrich rather than divide. Disability Pride fosters a deep understanding that strength comes in many forms and that every person has inherent worth and dignity. It is about recognizing and celebrating the unique perspectives and contributions that arise from diverse experiences. In embracing Disability Pride, I have found not just acceptance but empowerment. It is a call to challenge stereotypes, dismantle barriers, and advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in all facets of life. Through Disability Pride, I have discovered a vibrant tapestry of stories, resilience, and solidarity that continues to inspire me. It is a celebration that invites everyone to recognize the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Disability Pride is not just about acceptance; it is about embracing the richness of human diversity and affirming the right of every person to live fully and authentically. In this celebration, we find strength in unity and beauty in our differences. Disability Pride is a testament to the power of community and the limitless potential of every individual to make a meaningful impact on the world." Connor was matched with #servicedog Vespa at the Southwest Region in 2023. 💙 🐕🦺 Help more journeys to enhanced independence become a reality: canine.org/independence24 #DisabilityPrideMonth #disability #disabilityawareness #advocacy #servicedogs #LeadWithIndependence #inclusive #diversity

Today marks the 34th year since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. 🐕🦺🦮🦽🦯 Most commonly known as #NationalDisabilityIndependenceDay, this day celebrates this transformative law that prohibits disability discrimination by State and local governments; provides standards for access to places of public accommodation; protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace; and ensures equal access to health care, social services, transportation and telecommunications. At Canine Companions, today and every day, we believe in the importance of promoting equal opportunities for people with disabilities and providing greater independence for a lifetime. 💛💙 👍 Show your support by liking and sharing this post. #ADA34 #ADA #disabilitypridemonth #disabilitypride #LeadWithIndependence #servicedog #ThankstotheADA

We're thrilled to have the support of community leaders like Jim and others who move forward initiatives to empower people with disabilities. 💛💙 #DisabilityPrideMonth #disabilitypride #inclusivity #LeadWithIndependence #SmileFarms

Representation matters! This story is proof that small things like this make a huge impact on people in our community! 💙 Amazing job, Target! #DisabilityPrideMonth #disabilitypride #target #inclusion

Coordinate travel arrangements for puppies and dogs (yes, it's an actual job)! 🐶 Learn more and apply today: bit.ly/4cRoxkb #applynow #apply #jobpost #jobalert #puppy #dog #nonprofitjob

Our Facility Dog Brisket is a champ, both with the Los Angeles Chargers and with the community. 💛💙 We can't wait to continue to see the impact he makes to the City of Glendale, CA, the Glendale Police Department and beyond. #facilitydog #community #police

Don't miss the ultimate event of the season! 🐾🎉 Party with us at DogFest, a celebration of #servicedogs and the transformative impact they have on people with disabilities! Open to all ages (and all furry friends), it's a full day of fun with tail-wagging activities, from agility courses and puppy meet-and-greets to mouthwatering food from local vendors - just to name a few! Plus, thanks to Eukanuba being our National Presenting Sponsor of DogFest, you're sure to have a doggone good time! 🎈 Discover details and register: canine.org/dogfest - L.A./Orange County, CA - August 24 - Washington state - September 12 - Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - September 14 - North Central (Ohio) - September 15 - San Diego, CA - September 21 - Long Island/Northeast Region, NY - September 21 - Houston, TX - October 5 - Washington, D.C. - October 5 - Northwest (Northern CA) - October 19 #caninedogfest #celebration #event #dog #doglover #outdoorevents #servicedog #LeadWithIndependence #eukanuba

Dr. Stephanie Howe, Canine Companions #therapydog handler to Sokka and Veterinary Learning and Development Manager at Chewy brought Sokka to the office earlier this month! Sokka welcomed their inaugural cohort of Chewy Veterinary Leaders to their Florida campus, as they navigated a fun, yet challenging meetup. Through this group, Chewy provides a scholarship program for veterinary students, which also offers peer support, mentorship and growth opportunities. We're so glad that Sokka was able to provide some paw-sitive energy and extra love! ❤️ 🐾 Learn more about our therapy dog program: canine.org/therapydog #therapyanimal #support #dog #veterinarian #veterinarymedicine #veterinary #love #chewy #ChewyHealth Chewy Health

💪 To our client, Katelyn, #DisabilityPrideMonth means being independent in a world full of obstacles. With the help of #ServiceDog Dario, she's easily able to navigate her surroundings and find joy and independence in her daily life. “Disability Pride lets me celebrate being independent,” says Katelyn. “Having Service Dog Dario by my side helps immensely with my disability and lets me live life on my own without having to rely on others all the time. I like the fact that Dario is a social aspect and enhances my confidence in public. He gets people talking to me. Dario is an extension of me, which means I don’t have to rely on help from others. Without him, I would have to rely on my mom or someone else for simple things. He picks up items for me, presses elevator buttons, helps tug my socks off and helps put clothes in the hamper. If I ever experience a bad day, I know I can rely on Dario to help calm my anxiety and escape a stressful situation.” In addition to being a Canine Companions client, Katelyn is also heavily involved with us through her volunteer work, including participating in her local chapter group, promoting our mission at events and serving as a gala committee member. “I interact with a lot of Canine Companions graduates with all kinds of disabilities. Disabilities are often not visible,” says Katelyn. “You never know what someone is going through, and it is important to understand that people often have more than one disability than what is shown. People with disabilities often approach Dario and I asking about service dogs and how to get involved with Canine Companions or even apply for their own service dog.” We're honored to celebrate our clients, this month and every month, and the incredible dogs who are by their side! ➡️ Help empower more people with disabilities with a double-impact gift: canine.org/independence24 #DisabilityPride #disability #disabilityawareness #advocacy #servicedogs #LeadWithIndependence #inclusive