Enhancing Independence

As we celebrate 50 years of Canine Companions, we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs at no cost. Our service dogs are trained to assist with daily tasks, offering independence and confidence to those in need. Whether it's a student achieving their dream of attending college, a veteran getting a restful night’s sleep, or a patient enduring an additional procedure, lives are transformed when matched with a Canine Companions service dog.

Dakota and Service Dog Whimsical

When Dakota began raising a future service dog while a student at the University of Pittsburgh, she dreamed that her puppy would one day change someone else's life.

Little did she know that another Canine Companions service dog would change hers.

Only three months after the dog she raised, Minerva, graduated with a young woman with a disability, Dakota graduated with her own service dog.

While a senior at Pitt, Dakota began experiencing health issues that led to extreme exhaustion, frequent joint dislocation and regular dizzy spells. After many tests, she learned that the symptoms stemmed from a genetic condition she was born with. There was no cure for her illness, but there was help available.

Dakota met another student with the same diagnosis, who happened to have a service dog from Canine Companions - the same organization through which Dakota was raising puppy Minerva. She encouraged Dakota to apply for her own service dog. After two years on the waitlist, Dakota was matched with Service Dog Whimsical.

Whimsical helps Dakota with everyday tasks like picking up dropped items and opening heavy doors, giving Dakota the confidence and independence to pursue her graduate degree from Northwestern University. As she graduated with Whimsical, Dakota said her new partner would give her the opportunity to "get through the challenges and barriers that prevent me from being the best version of myself."

"These dogs are anything but just dogs," Dakota said. "They are hard workers, they are eager and loving, they are the kind stranger who opens the door for you and grabs your keys when they fall on the ground, and they are our best friends. But above anything else, they are our independence and our hope."

Since our inception, Canine Companions has placed over 8,500 service dogs. Yet, hundreds of individuals with disabilities are still waiting for their very own perfect match. Your fundraising efforts through DogFest play a crucial role in supporting this mission and helping us extend our reach to those in need.

Get started today, and help  make a difference, as we mark 50 years of transforming lives!

Learn more about Canine Companions at canine.org.

National Service Dog Month

DogFest is our signature event, taking place in cities across the country. We hold DogFest in or around September to celebrate National Service Dog Month—a time dedicated to honoring the hard work and life-changing impact that service dogs have every day on people with disabilities. Together, let’s celebrate five decades of remarkable achievements and life-changing impacts we’ve made and will continue to make in the future! 

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, from working dogs to beloved pets. Did you know that service dogs have specific access rights and roles that differ from those of pets?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally allowed to accompany their handlers almost anywhere, including places where pets aren’t permitted. While you might see them out and about in the community, remember that service dogs are working and have important tasks to perform. Handlers often welcome questions and interaction, but keep in mind these important Service Dog etiquette tips.

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

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