OCEANSIDE, Calif., Aug. 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Canine Companions, the nation's first and largest
service dog organization, marks a significant milestone today
placing its 8,000th service dog team during its Southwest
graduation ceremony, one of the six regional ceremonies being held
across the country. Since 1975, Canine Companions has stayed
faithful to its mission to improve independence and confidence for
individuals with disabilities.
Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine
Companions said of the milestone, "As the organization that
pioneered the service dog model nearly 50 years ago, the placement
of our 8,000th team is a remarkable achievement. Canine Companions
has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals with
disabilities, providing best-in-class service dogs tailored to
their unique needs. This milestone is possible due to the hard work
and support from our volunteers, donors, clients, and dedicated
staff."
Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt of
Denver, and her service dog, Cabo,
will be honored as the 8,000th graduating team (video). They are
among 65 teams graduating at the ceremonies nationwide. The events
also introduce 186 dogs beginning their six months of professional
training, where they will learn up to 45 skills, including
retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, and assisting individuals
with PTSD.
Cabo is Anjali's second Canine Companions service dog. Born in
Kolkata, India and adopted as an
infant, Anjali and contracted transverse myelitis, leading to
paralysis and the use of a wheelchair. She excelled in wheelchair
track and field, earning two bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing
Paralympic Games. Recently, Anjali became the director of research
for the American Association on Health and Disability, (AAHD) and
is recognized for her advocacy and research in the disability
community.
Anjali says of her service dogs, "Having a service dog was the
missing piece of the puzzle for my accessibility needs. Service
dogs help people live their best lives by allowing them to
accomplish things they didn't think were possible."
Cabo's journey to becoming a service dog involved rigorous
training. After being cared for during her first eight weeks by
volunteers, Cabo spent 18 months with her volunteer puppy raiser,
who socialized and prepared her for service. After returning to
Canine Companions for six months of professional training, Cabo
mastered essential skills to assist Anjali. The investment for each
Canine Companions service dog and their ongoing support exceeds
$50,000. Generous donors and
volunteers ensure clients incur no costs for these life-changing
partnerships.
Ms. Mazzoni added, "Anjali's role in this milestone team is
truly inspiring. I'm confident that having Cabo by her side will
significantly enhance her life for many years to come."
About Canine Companions:
Canine Companions® leads the service dog industry, providing
service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities,
as well as facility dogs for professionals in healthcare, criminal
justice, and educational settings, all at no cost to clients.
Established in 1975, Canine Companions has seven locations across
the country, serving all 50 states. Learn more at canine.org.
Media Contact: Caroline
Andoscia, 381590@email4pr.com,
917-207-4060
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SOURCE Canine Companions