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.

Hilary with Service Dog Data

Hilary Pircher has had three Canine Companions service dogs by her side over the years and credits each of them with a unique purpose in her life.

Growing up with cerebral palsy, Hilary was used to relying on her parents. Like any a teenager, she wanted nothing more than independence. She found that and more in her first service dog, Hudson.

“Hudson was a huge source of security for me for 10 years,” she shares. Matched at age 16, he allowed Hilary to live independently in four different cities, go out of state to college, and begin a professional career. All things that she and her parents had dreamed about.

Then came Service Dog Geiler, who Hilary credits as the “fun and silly” one. Geiler pushed Hilary to be more active and outgoing, allowing her to connect with the world around her in a new way.

Now, her most affectionate service dog, Data, is by her side each day as a young adult working and living in Houston, assisting with life-changing daily tasks.

Data carries items in his mouth so that Hilary can propel her wheelchair, tugs open doors, pushes push plates at her office, and retrieves any item that is dropped or out of reach, all with a wagging tail.

“My service dogs helped me realize who I am as a person. Hudson made me brave, Geiler made me fun, and Data made me affectionate,” says Hilary. “They allowed me to chase my dreams.”

Hear the rest of Hilary's story when you attend DogFest Houston on October 5!

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. 

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!