Established in 1975, Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of service dogs in the United States. At no cost to clients, Canine Companions provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings.
A Canine Companions service dog enhances independence for clients with a wide range of disabilities, including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, stroke, hearing loss, developmental delay, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. By helping clients overcome physical, psychological and social barriers, Canine Companions service dogs help their humans live with greater independence.
Jimmy has graciously permitted 4Knines to share his Canine Companions journey in his own words:
"I am proud to say I have successfully completed my Service Dog training with Canine Companions Northeast Training Center. Canine Companions is a Non-Profit Service Dog Organization offering all of their dogs free of charge to their recipients. They are also the biggest Service Dog Organization in the country.
During my training, I was matched with Maximo, and he will be my forever PTSD Service Dog. I had extreme fear and anxiety. I’ve been on endless medications, had endless PTSD episodes, and endless therapy sessions, but I’ve always known this service dog was the missing puzzle piece.
To not feel judged by such a pure animal and loved no matter what means the world. To not have to rely on another medication or another side effect is truly amazing. In these short 2 weeks Max has been everything I could have asked for in a service dog and more.
Maximo has brought things out of me that I haven’t seen in years of myself. Such as getting me out of the house a bit more, making me more confident, and helping subside my PTSD symptoms. Sure, I still have mental illness, but Maximo can help me live better with it.
I dreamed of this, I worked extremely hard for this. And I am proud of myself. I am thankful my husband provided endless support and love during my ongoing battle with mental struggles and for keeping me focused on this end goal. Thanks to my husband and Maximo, I am excited for our future.
I cannot thank Canine Companions for this amazing opportunity and their extremely kind staff. The trainers worked us hard, but it was all worth it in the end. The classmates I graduated with have become lifelong friends. I’m so happy for us all and our matches, and I am forever grateful. Cheers to what lies ahead with our little family."
Jimmy’s story is one of many testimonials illustrating how the unconditional love of a dog, coupled with the extensive breeding, training, and care provided to every Canine Companions human-service dog team can truly be life changing for everyone.
As Jimmy mentioned, Canine Companions does not charge for service dogs or for the lifetime of ongoing support they provide. As a result, they depend on private funding through donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and community organizations.
4Knines is honored to shine a light on the philanthropic work of Canine Companions! We hope you will consider making a donation to support their mission to provide expertly trained service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities.
We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight.
Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out.
Let's join forces to make a positive impact!
We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight.
Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact!
