On November 12 the Canine Companions for Independence held a graduation ceremony for seven assistance dogs. These dogs have completed their training and will now move on to homes of people with disabilities.
This ceremony was one of 4 held each year at the Dublin Community Recreation Center. Everyone in the community is invited to come watch as the dogs graduate from their 2 year program that is made up of a year and a half with a volunteer puppy raiser, obedience training and socialization followed by advanced training. During advanced training, the dogs learn to retrieve items, open and close doors, turn on and off lights and many other commands. For the last two weeks of training the dogs work with their new owners, who come from all over the region to find the right dog for them.
These dogs are free to those in need as long as they can attend the two-weeks of training. The funding comes from the national, non-profit organization Canine Companions for Independence.
Since the event took place the day after Veteran’s Day the group paid a special honor to Veterans that have taken part in the program since many dogs in the program have gone to Veterans who have been injured and need assistance. The dogs not only help with basic things around the house but they also help therapeutically.
More information can be found at www.cci.org.
