 |
|
|
|
|
About Canine Companions for Independence
"Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence pioneered the concept of training dogs to assist people with disabilities. The achievements of these first service dogs and the increased independence they brought to their human partners, came at a time in America’s history when people with disabilities were charting new courses for their lives. Instead of being taken care of, they wanted opportunities to take charge of their lives. For hundreds of men, women and children since then, Canine Companions for Independence has opened the door to just such opportunities.CCI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is funded by private contributions and receives no government funding. There is no charge for the dog. People with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine Companion will enhance their independence or their quality of life are eligible to apply. Also eligible are professionals working for organizations that provide physical or mental health care to clients who could benefit from interaction with a facility dog. Canine Companions for Independence provides assistance dogs to those people with developmental or physical disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine Companion will enhance their independence or quality of life. CCI dogs are provided at no cost to the graduates. All the expenses of breeding, raising, and training a Canine Companion is funded through private donations. At CCI, our dogs begin their journey when they are whelped in the homes of volunteer breeder caretakers with whom the parent dogs live. When the puppies are two months old, they are brought to the Schulz campus that houses a fulltime veterinary staff and kennel care staff. Following examination and vaccination, the pups are placed in the homes of volunteer puppy raisers through one of our five regional centers. The dogs are turned into their regional centers at approximately 14 months old and will begin a six- to nine-month program of Advanced Training. The dogs are fully trained when they are introduced to the people who may become their partners. The training of the person in the use of one of our dogs is called Team Training and lasts for two very full weeks. At the end of the training, a public graduation ceremony takes place marking the beginning of a long-term relationship between person and dog and between the team and CCI. Graduates remain in touch with CCI through regular follow-up programs, workshops and reunions." Source: © Canine Companions for Independence
|
|
Lions International |
LionNet International |
Canine Companions for Independence
|
