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.
Jason and facilitators Tim and Nancy with Oasis:
The Gackstetter family has been involved with Canine Companions for over 20 years. It all started when Jason, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, was six years old and matched with his first service dog, Marisa, in 2004. Marisa provided a calming presence for Jason when out in public and a social bridge as Jason loved to tell people about his awesome service dog. Jason was then matched with Service Dog Taran in 2014 and most recently with Service Dog Oasis in 2023. All of his service dogs have provided key tasks such as opening doors, picking up dropped items as well as providing a social bridge.
The Gackstetters have also been active volunteers for Canine Companions giving presentations and helping with outreach at events and in the community. They also served on the Southwest Region Regional Board for 17 years.
Canine Companions has placed more than 7,600 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.
National Service Dog Month
DogFest is Canine Companions' signature event, taking place in cities across the country. DogFest falls during or near the month of September as a connection and celebration of National Service Dog Month, a month dedicated to honoring the hard work and life-changing impact service dogs make on people with disabilities every day. Join us as we celebrate this important work today and all year long!
Click here to learn more about National Service Dog Month!
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!