Nonprofit Spotlight: Canine Companions
Canine Companions is the oldest and largest service dog organization in the country, matching expertly trained service dogs with clients, free of charge. The nonprofit also matches facility dogs with professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and education settings. These dogs enhance the independence of children, adults, veterans, and individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes. Through ACF's grant support, Canine Companions has built a Summit County presence, with four active service dog teams and four active facility dog teams, including a local school and a local courthouse, there to help children who are stressed or traumatized.
"I'm motivated by the belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live life to their full potential, and Canine Companions addresses that by placing highly trained service dogs as partners in independence," said Emily Bell, executive director of the North Central Region of Canine Companions. "We are a human service organization working with the power of the human and canine bond. Witnessing our work in action each day - but especially at our quarterly graduation ceremonies - is extremely fulfilling."
Clients attend a two-week camp with their partnered canine, where they learn 40-plus cues, along with canine care. The clients also practice taking their dog into public spaces during class field trips, along with taking the Assistance Dog International public access certification exam. And Canine Companions provides follow-up care throughout this partnership, even after the dog retires, at which point the client gets the choice to adopt the dog as a pet.
To do this work requires a wide network of volunteers. "Canine Companions has an active Northern Ohio Volunteer Chapter who are raising puppies, raising funds, and raising awareness of our organization," added Bell. "We have a network of dedicated volunteer puppy raisers in our communities, in colleges including Kent State University, and at prisons throughout the country."