Ava and Service Dog Hawaii

16-year-old Ava of San Francisco has a form of muscular dystrophy called nemaline myopathy, and she mostly uses a wheelchair for mobility. In 2018, Ava was matched with Service Dog Hawaii. Now, Ava has expertly trained Hawaii by her side to pick up dropped items, carry her backpack, turn on lights and much more! “Hawaii tugs me out of bed, it’s the best,” Ava says with a smile. Hawaii has even learned to help Ava walk up the stairs using “tug” task.

“Ava has completely blossomed. She’s more willing to use her muscles, and I think it’s because of the bond she has with Service Dog Hawaii. If she needs help, she can ask Hawaii, not mom, dad or one of her brothers,” says Ava's mom, Cynthia. “It’s like a weight has been lifted off all of our shoulders, because I know that she has a connection with her dog. Hawaii brings hope to Ava and motivates her.” Cynthia continues, “The amount of change and hope that Canine Companions has brought to our family and will bring to other families – it’s priceless.”

Ava shares, “Hawaii is the perfect dog for me.”

Daniel and Service Dog Diya

In 2023, U.S. Marine veteran and Silicon Valley resident Daniel Rhyne was matched with Service Dog Diya. Diya is expertly trained to perform tasks that mitigate symptoms of Daniel’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Diya performs positional commands to provide Daniel more space in public, retrieves items from a distance, interrupts anxiety behaviors and nightmares and more.

While incarcerated at California Health Care Facility in Stockton, California, Aaron Hargrove was making a difference, diligently training future service dog Diya to be ready to change a life. Diya was also helping Aaron prepare for his exit from the Stockton facility, providing unconditional love and purpose. Aaron was able to reunite with Diya as she and Daniel graduated, ceremoniously passing the leash along to Daniel, helping him regain his independence.

Daniel shares, “She’s the most loving and gentle dog that I’ve ever had the privilege of being around.”

Enhancing Independence 

Canine Companions enhances the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost. Our dogs are trained to assist with daily tasks to provide independence and confidence. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night's sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.

Canine Companions has placed more than 8,000 service dogs, but hundreds of people with disabilities are still waiting for their match. Your DogFest fundraising efforts support this important mission – get started today!

Learn more about Canine Companions at canine.org. 

About Service Dogs

DogFest is a day to celebrate the joy that all dogs bring to our lives, whether working dogs or loving pets. But did you know that service dogs have different access rights and roles than pets do?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally allowed to go almost anywhere with their handler, even where pets cannot. This means you may see them out and about in your community. Remember that they have a job to do. Often, handlers welcome questions and enjoy interacting with the public, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Click here to learn more about Service Dog etiquette.

We encourage you to meet some of our Canine Companions clients and their service dogs at DogFest, and remember these important tips!

Register yourself and your pups for DogFest to receive your free bandana and join the fun!