Volunteers Going Beyond “Above and Beyond”

Every Volunteer Has an Impact It takes a big heart and a lot of compassion to volunteer for Canine Companions for Independence. Many volunteers say it’s akin to joining a giant family – a sentiment shared by the clients who receive a Canine Companions® assistance dog. In times of crisis, the Canine Companions family has become stronger together, […]

woman sewing next to yellow dog

What’s in a Name?

Wes wants YOU to name a puppy! Wes’ name is more than a fleeting fancy. He was named after the founder of our advocacy partner Littler Mendelson. Have you ever wanted to name a Canine Companions puppy? In the spirit of National Puppy Day, we are giving YOU a chance to submit a great puppy […]

dog sitting on ground

Let the Commands Begin!

Learning commands Since Bogo arrived in Florida several months ago, he is now old enough to go out in public, and many people are surprised at how well behaved he is. “He obeys his commands very well,” says Martha, his volunteer puppy raiser. Some of the commands he is currently working on are: let’s go, […]

yellow puppy wearing glasses and a bandanna on

Growing Up in a Newsroom

Newsroom puppy Buckeye began joining the Friday morning NBC4 team on-air as a 9-week-old puppy. From that day on, he started learning what it takes to be a newsroom puppy star as well a future Canine Companions® assistance dog. Growing up in a newsroom has given Buckeye many unique opportunities for socialization and training. He’s […]

yellow dog wearing a yellow Canine Companions puppy vest on red dog with newsroom in the background and dogs toys around

Beach, Babies, Baking and Barking

Puppy Alexis is now six months old and has been learning and experiencing new things every day in sunny San Diego! This month she went in the ocean for the first time and loved playing in the water. She’s also learned that young children share the same interest in toys as she does and has […]

Growing Like A Really Cute Weed

Now three and a half months old, Zari is growing like a weed and learning new things every day! This month, Zari has been busy learning various commands, meeting dogs and people, and taking in all the sights, sounds and smells she’s being exposed to. She’s quick learner who’s already mastered “sit” and is working […]

Foley, the “Almost” All-Weather Pup

Have you ever wondered what happens to an assistance dog when the weather turns wet, cold and blustery? Or when temperatures rise and things start getting a bit hot? The simple answer is, they carry on. As part of the training process, Canine Companions® puppies are introduced to various circumstances, including weather. Foley has experienced […]

Insights from Our Volunteers Puppy Raisers

While each of our volunteer puppy raisers is unique to the organization, they all share a common goal – to provide the love, dedication, sacrifice and joy it takes to raise a future assistance dog. The messages below express how and why our puppy raisers decided to join our organization and give a large piece […]