Canine Companions for Independence Celebrates Quarterly Graduation, Kicks Off 40th Anniversary

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, over 100 children, veterans and persons with disabilities will cross the stage to a new life of independence. Graduates of the Canine Companies for Independence® program received their highly trained assistance dogs in ceremonies nationwide. In addition to honoring the program’s newest graduates, Canine Companions also officially kicked of the celebration of their 40th anniversary year.

“Today is a great day for Canine Companions: not only do we honor our newest graduate teams, we also are kicking off our 40th anniversary celebration,” said Paul Mundell, chief executive officer of Canine Companions for Independence. “Our anniversary celebration is a chance to us to say thank you to the thousands of people who have made a difference over the years, including puppy raisers, instructors, volunteers, staff and, of course, our graduates. Together, we celebrate 40 years of independence.”

Graduation ceremonies take place today in Oceanside, Calif.; Santa Rosa, Calif.; Medford N.Y.; Dublin, Ohio; and tomorrow in Orlando, Fla. Mundell was on-hand in Ohio to officially kick off the anniversary celebration.

Over these 40 years, Canine Companions for Independence has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities with their four types of assistance dogs that master over 40 specialized commands: Service Dogs, Skilled Companions, Hearing Dogs and Facility Dogs. Canine Companions has trained and placed over 4,680 assistance dogs with program graduates, including 119 dogs with wounded military veterans and over 1200 dogs with children.

Canine Companions accepts applications from those with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that an assistance dog will enhance their independence or their quality of life. All Canine Companions dogs and services are provided free of charge. Individual participants in the program are not responsible for any of the substantial costs involved in the lengthy process of breeding, raising and training each Canine Companions assistance dog.

Following the two week period of matching a dog with an owner, hundreds of attendees across the country will witness the departure of one class and the ushering in of another; all while looking forward to the next 40 years.

About Canine Companions for Independence

Canine Companions for Independence provides highly-trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.

Canine Companions for Independence
Christina Saull, 202-518-6480
[email protected]

Source: Canine Companions for Independence

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