We are delighted to join Canine Companions in celebration of National Service Dog Month during a major milestone year. Founded in 1975, Canine Companions created the modern service dog concept for people with disabilities. This year, the national nonprofit is celebrating 50 years of service dogs!
Service dogs are integral to the independence of people with disabilities, and their life-changing work deserves recognition. Our daughter, Melanie Courtney, a wheelchair user, has been the recipient of two Canine Companions-trained service dogs since 2007, and they have truly enhanced her abilities and the quality of her life. On August 13 we went to Governor Tate Reeves’ office to watch as he issued a proclamation declaring September as National Service Dog Month in Mississippi. It is extremely meaningful to the several other Mississippians with CC service dogs as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Since their first placement in 1975, Canine Companions has provided task-trained service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. These dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients. Canine Companions puppies are specially bred, raised and trained for their future careers.
A few facts about service dogs and Canine Companions
There are more than 500 people on the Canine Companions waitlist to be matched with an expertly trained service dog and thousands more could benefit.
70 million American adults have a disability.
There are only 16,000 service dogs from accredited programs in the U.S. (2022. Assistance Dogs International)
Thousands are waiting for an expertly trained service dog to enhance their independence.
Canine Companions created the concept of service dogs for people with physical disabilities, training the first service dog, Adbul, in 1975.
The organization currently serves people with more than 65 different types of disabilities.
Canine Companions has eight locations serving the entire country.
Canine Companions has more than 2,800 active teams throughout the country and have placed more than 8,200 teams since their founding.