Canine Companions for Independence is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975 that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

People with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that an assistance dog will enhance their independence or quality of life are qualified to apply. Also eligible are professionals working for organizations that provide physical or mental health care to clients who will benefit from interaction with a facility dog.There is no charge for an assistance dog to the individual who receives it. Canine Companions is funded by private contributions from people; gifts from businesses, civic groups, and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings.Canine Companions can only accept a limited number of applications per year. Although many people with disabilities are eligible and in need of an assistance dog, Canine Companions will determine where the highly trained dogs will be of the greatest benefit.The program uses golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and crosses of these two breeds. Most of the dogs come from Canine Companions' selective breeding program.Puppies are raised by volunteers who take them to puppy classes and teach them house manners and public etiquette. When they are old enough to enter the formal training program, dogs come to one of its five regional training centers. There they spend six to nine months training. They learn over 40 specialized commands. They are then matched to an adult or child with a disability, to enhance their independence and improve their quality of life.The average service life of each dog is eight years. After that time the dog is retired and will live out its golden years as a pet.Visit the Apply for a Dog section of

www.cci.org for more information.Each candidate must successfully complete a two-week educational course at the regional center designed to match the person and dog. Each candidate is also responsible for the proper care, feeding, housing and medical needs of the canine. The dog must be used in the working capacity for which it was intended.To learn more about Canine Companions for Independence, visit the website at

www.cci.org or call toll free, 800-572-BARK (2275).