Thank You for an Incredible DogFest Washington DC 2024!

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What an amazing day at Reston Town Center! A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 11th Annual DogFest Washington DC on October 5, 2025. Because of your enthusiasm and generosity, we came together as a community to celebrate the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs—all while supporting Canine Companions’ mission to provide expertly trained service dogs to people with disabilities, free of charge.

From the wagging tails to the incredible energy, DogFest was truly a special day. Whether you fundraised, volunteered, or cheered us on, your participation helped make a real difference.

We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you on October 4th at Reston Town Center! Stay connected with us for more ways to stay involved.

Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so our clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since our founding in 1975, our dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to our clients. 

“My biggest life lesson is to see MS as an inconvenience rather than a roadblock.  With Samantha’s help I can do anything anyone else can—I just have to figure out how to do it differently, and, yes, I live life to the fullest every day.” ~ Nancy Lagasse with Service Dog Samantha

When you raise funds through DogFest, you make a direct impact and make the gift of enhanced independence possible for the people we serve. Get started now!

Click here to learn more about this important cause.

Sgt. Michael Carrasquillo was an airborne infantryman, and fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was severely wounded in a firefight in Sept. 2005 during an air assault mission in Afghanistan. He was attempting to pull an injured member of his unit to safety when he was hit with a barrage of enemy gunfire. He spent two years recovering at Walter Reed, with more than 40 surgeries. Sgt. Carrasquillo received a Purple Heart for his heroics. In May Of 2016, Mike was matched with his much loved service dog Ojai IV. Today, Mike lives in Maryland and is a standup comedian, getting his start through the Armed Services Arts Partnership. He is also active in veterans outreach programs such as Wounded Warrior Project, Mission Continues, Disabled Sports USA and Team Red, White and Blue. Mike is an active advocate for Canine Companions Veterans Initiative!