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.

Kimberly and Noodle's Story

Every morning for 27 years, Kimberly got ready for her work as an educator: showering, dressing and cooking her breakfast. Then, she didn’t. Kimberly awakened in the hospital to learn she had been in a coma. She was in septic shock despite having had no symptoms of illness before going unconscious. Kimberly would lose her hands and her legs – but she survived. 

As she started looking for support from other survivors, she came upon Canine Companions.

“I knew there was a wait to get a service dog,” Kimberly says. “I was just starting to second-guess whether I should accept a service dog since so many others were waiting. Two weeks later, I was invited to Team Training, and it was like a divine intervention.”

Kimberly was partnered with Service Dog Noodle, a mellow, calming dog that would enhance her independence far beyond Kimberly’s expectations. Noodle takes the place of Kimberly’s hands; opening the pantry door, retrieving cans from the shelf and ensuring a dropped spatula doesn’t ruin dinner.

“I worked hard to regain independence before Noodle and refused to ask for assistance,” Kimberly remarks. “But he’s given me the confidence to ask for help and not be shy about my disability. Together, we meet up with friends and go grocery shopping. Without him, I would be homebound. He motivates me to get out and try.”

“Noodle is a gift. He helps me carry the load of living as a quadruple amputee. I’m so grateful.”

Since our inception, Canine Companions has placed over 8,000  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 a few essential etiquette tips.

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 to keep these important tips in mind!

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