Help is a Four-Legged Word. Canine Companions for Independence

“Help is a four-legged word.” That’s how Canine Companions for Independence greets visitors to its website.

We were first introduced to this program by one of my co-workers who was a puppy raiser. We liked what she was doing so much that we contributed to the care of whichever puppy she was training at the time. And partly out of gratitude for being able to adopt one of her trainees who was released from the program and who didn’t get to graduate and serve.

CCI is an amazing organization which “enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Based in Santa Rosa, CA, CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs who serve and help physically and mobility challenged people get around and have productive lives.





Ways to help this worthwhile organization

Breeding program -- Either care for a male or a female. If one is a caretaker for a male, you should be prepared to take your dog to visit with a female dog when requested. If you’re  caring for a female, you will take care of the puppies and their mother until it’s time for the puppies to be raised by other volunteers.

Puppy raisers- Puppy raisers volunteer from all over the country, and participate in training programs with other puppy raisers. I remember seeing a class go to Sea World in Orlando for their first field trip. What a delight to see such well-trained dogs all in one place.

When the puppies are ready, then they are matched with their new “person” and together, they go through another round of intensive training.

Can’t do either? Then participate in fund-raising programs. Donate. Call attention to this organization. Like them on Facebook.Spread the word. Buy the book Love Heels -- Tales from Canine Companions for Independence.

Help is a Four-Legged Word. Canine Companions for Independence.

 
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15 Comments on Help is a Four-Legged Word. Canine Companions for Independence

APR
12
2012
381,312 Points 10 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

its amazing how smart and helpful these dogs are to people. Not to mention what great companions and friends.

Good post!
11:31pm • #1
564,362 Points 12 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

I agree with US Mortgages.  They are cute, loving and a best friend for real.  Thanks for sharing and oh I love that pic.
11:37pm • #2
APR
13
2012
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

David -- CCI is an incredible organization, and so are its volunteers. My friend paid for all the care for all of the puppies she raised. So the least we could do is donate to the cause as well as the care of her charges..we were rewarded when one of the dogs was released, and we got to adopt her.

Rosemary -- who ever said a dog is man's best friend said it well. And man is the better for it.

 
12:03am • #3
670,540 Points 16 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good morning Pacita. This program moves me and the people are incredible. A terrific post and video. Thank you for sharing this wonderful program with us.
6:32am • #4
535,178 Points 50 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pacita, I've often wondered about programs like this.  I too have asked...how can you part with these puppies and to hear the Puppy Raiser say "How Can I Not" was very powerful.  I can't even imagine what impact these dogs and the people who trained them have had on so many people.
7:20pm • #5
APR
14
2012
1,086,599 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

A  wonderful program...pets are family members and enrich lives beyond the scope of many humans.
3:05am • #6
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sheila ---- there are so many great organizations dedicated to helping people through animals. This is one. Glad you appreciate what CCI does.

Mona ---- when we adopted my friend's first puppy who was released from the program, her puppy raiser cried (they all do), but then they get another puppy and the pain subsides. But they always have a hole in their heart for all the puppies who move on.

Sally and David ---- you're absolutely right. They are part of our family. And they are the ones who won't judge, and who will always be happy being with us.
10:11am • #7
624,022 Points 43 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pacita, a much better story than the one from BC.  These dogs are so helpful and their trainers are such special people.  Thanks for an uplifting story.
10:59am • #8
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Juli ---

You're right..this story warms the heart.

The other shocks.

One helps the people.

The other helps the dogs.

Either way -- each organization is worth while, and needs our support :)
11:22am • #9
APR
16
2012
1,144,717 Points 107 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

at some point in my future I want to foster baby monkeys that are companions.  Bless your former co-worker and all those people who do give.
6:50pm • #10
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tammy

I had a former roommate who had a capuchin monkey --- they're the kind immortalized as a helper for the organ grinder. Really smart monkeys.
8:32pm • #11
APR
17
2012
202,276 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Service dogs provide so much independence, mobility and confidence to the persons who are fortunate enough to receive one of these companions, and the people who make that possible need all the support they can get!  Wonderful program. 
8:31pm • #12
APR
26
2012
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Marge

I have friends who are puppy raisers for Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence. Two of the best service organizations around.

2:47pm • #13
APR
27
2012
372,091 Points 49 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pacita,these remarkable companions give people that wholeness that they may be missing, not to mention that they sometimes get the "touch" that they may not get from other humans. The caring and unconditional love from the canine companion I AM SURE helps the owners' self worth and self-confidence become so much more than dealing with their disabilities without these amazing companions.
3:29pm • #14
620,180 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gayle, you are obviously someone with a good heart, and an animal lover, too. Yes, we have some amazing animals who do such wonders for humans. They certainly deserve attention, care and love. And if we can't volunteer or foster, we can help thorugh donations. Thanks for your kind words.
3:37pm • #15

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Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA (Alain Pinel) Rainmaker_large

Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA

Oakland, CA

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