In 1975, the idea of dogs providing assistance to people with physical disabilities was put into practice when the Canine Companions for Independence was established in Santa Rosa, California. The organization started small, holding operations in a home office and a garage, but it has since grown significantly through the help and dedication of the organization’s partners and supporters.
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| Image source: carecredit.com |
The program involves breeding, raising, and training assistance dogs to
- help adults with physical disabilities perform daily tasks,
- alert their completely or partially deaf owners to important sounds,
- provide adults with special needs valuable companionship in a visitation, education, criminal justice, or healthcare setting, or
- help children and adults with disabilities to gain skills that could enhance their independence.
Canine Companions typically employ Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and a cross of the two breeds. Volunteers take care of breeder dogs and raise puppies, which are taught to obey basic commands and socialize. Upon completion of their individualized training, the canines are subjected to team training to match them well with disabled children or adults, including veterans.
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| Image source: combiboilersleeds.com |
Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Canine Companions have seen 5,274 graduate teams.
Robert Bassam, Easterns Automotive CEO, supports and donates to various non-profit organizations. In January 2017, he helped the Canine Companions for Independence by joining a charity auction benefiting the organization. Visit this website to read more about Mr. Bassam’s philanthropic endeavors.
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