Meet our future service dogs thanks to our sports, media and corporate partnerships. Each puppy is named and followed along as they grow, train and take the next step towards becoming a life-changing service dog.
AIKMAN
Our second CBS News Texas puppy is here - meet Aikman! Following in the paw prints of his predecessor, Service Dog Lonestar, Canine Companions puppy Aikman will be followed from puppy to service dog with regular pup-dates on air, live in studio and on social media. Aikman is being raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area through our longtime prison puppy raising program at FMC Carswell, and by his weekend raiser, Larry. Tune in to CBS News Texas to watch him grow and learn!
DEKE
Meet Deke, our team puppy with the AHL Texas Stars! Deke was named by Texas Stars fans in the Austin, Texas, area and is being raised by a local puppy raiser, Liz. The team is following his journey from puppy to service dog on their social media (@txstarspup), and through his attendance at games, practices, community events and more! He's already become a popular pup amongst players, staff and fans - and we can't wait to watch the rest of his journey unfold!
CHAMPION
Canine Companions and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum (USOPM) have teamed up in support of future service dog Champion. The Colorado Springs, Colorado-based USOPM is helping chronicle Champion’s journey with puppy raiser Laurel Prud’home, beginning with Champion’s debut at the museum’s July 30 anniversary event.
DIAMOND
The Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Canine Companions have teamed up once again to bring an adorable puppy to Blue Wahoos Stadium to begin its journey to becoming an expertly trained service dog: meet Diamond! Diamond will be raised by previous Pensacola Blue Wahoos puppy raisers of Watson and Bubba: Kathryn Daniel and Brion Crow. Watch Diamond on his journey as he attends baseball games, interacts with players and fans across the Pensacola area.
DOCKET
Welcome future service dog, Docket, who is being raised by Canine Companions national board member Leslie Hennessy and co-raiser, Dawn Rudolph. Docket is the second puppy to be partnered with the University of San Diego School of Law. Docket is following in the footsteps of Amicus, who in July became a facility dog in the Clerk of Court's office in Colorado's 23rd Judicial District.
MAZ
Just like her namesake, Canine Companions puppy Maz is beloved throughout Pittsburgh. Named by KDKA TV Pittsburgh Today Live viewers after Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski, Maz regularly appears on the air alongside her puppy raisers, Derek and Nan, to share updates in her journey. Viewers have cheered her on her journey to becoming a service dog, watching her demonstrate new cues and skills each time she's at the KDKA studio.
NATTY
Natty made his Major League debut on May 15 as the Washington Nationals’ official Team Dog in partnership with Canine Companions® and Eukanuba. The newest (and furriest) member of the Nationals is training alongside staff, players and fans as he practices his socialization skills and prepares for his future as a service dog. Excited to begin his big-league career, Natty is already familiarizing himself with bats, baseballs and gloves. Natty has already attended several games and community events this season. Natty's Volunteer Puppy Raisers, Jackie and Laura reside in Virginia, where Natty is learning good manners, basic cues and eating a nutritious diet to prepare for professional training with Canine Companions instructors in 18 months.
PARIS
From the moment Paris arrived at the airport in March 2024, viewers followed his journey on NBC4 WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio. Paris appeared on air every Friday morning, often helping Meteorologist Joe Speir with the "Furcast" and showing off cues he learned with the help of his puppy raiser, Elaine. Paris was named in honor of NBC's coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics and is well on his way to achieving big things! Paris began professional training at the North Central Training Center in August 2025, where he is continuing his path to becoming a service dog.
SCOOP
Puppy Scoop is being raised by Jennifer Williams, Executive Producer for CBS News in the CBS Bay Area (KPIX) building, and she's quickly become the most popular pup in the studio, both on and off camera! If that wasn't exciting enough, Scoop recently met PAW Patrol's Chase, who made her an honorary member of the PAW Patrol gang, thanks to our friends at Nickelodeon. Scoop is growing, learning and socializing to prepare her for life as a service dog. Get the scoop and follow her journey in segments on CBSnews.com!
Previous Partner Puppies
AMICUS
University of San Diego School of Law partner pup Amicus has graduated from professional service dog training and been placed as a facility dog with handler Heather, who works for the County Clerk in Colorado's 23rd Judicial District. He lives with his Heather and joins her daily at the Castle Rock Courthouse. He is regularly in court and, among other tasks, has learned the "all rise" cue when the judge or jury enter the courtroom. Amicus works with traditional criminal and civil courts, but also visits courts where veterans are required to appear. He is also a favorite in the Juvenile court. Jurors and court staff also get to visit with Amicus. Overall, the court system is a place that provokes anxiety so Amicus' appearance helps relieve stress for a variety of court attendees. Amicus' name means "friend of the court," so he is really living up to this name.
AUDIO
We're proud to announce Service dog Audio graduated during ceremonies on Friday, February 10 in New York! Audio was raised by Ali Wolowitz, station Promotions Coordinator at 106.1 BLI Long Island. His radio-friendly name was chosen after a contest by station listeners. Audio was matched with successor graduate Jamie of Scranton, Pennsylvania, who says Audio will help him be more outgoing & confident in public. During his time at BLI, Audio got to meet two Long Island artists who were contestants on The Voice. Bella DiNapoli and Kaitlyn Velez visited the BLI studio and were charmed by Audio’s good behavior while they were being interviewed by Syke, the stations resident celebrity interviewer! Then Santa Audio attended BLI’s Syke on the Shelf event where BLI helped the John Theissen Children’s Foundation collect hundreds of toys for kids in need on Long Island. Congratulations Audio, Ali and 106.1 BLI!
BRISKET
Canine Companions Facility Dog Brisket was matched with Glendale Police Department Civilian Police Service Officer Amy. Brisket will assist Amy at community events, help support those in crisis and provide unconditional love and attention to those who need it most. Thank you to the Losa Angeles Chargers for their support of our mission! We are excited to share the great work that Brisket will do with the Glendale Police Department and the many lives he will impact. Go Brisket!
BRUTUS
Canine Companions puppy Brutus appeared on NBC4 WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio every Friday morning throughout his journey. His puppy raiser, Nicole, took Brutus to the station for his weekly morning segment, during which he was seen assisting Meteorologist McKenna King as she gave the weekend “Furcast.” Brutus’ name was chosen by viewers as a tribute to Ohio State Football and the one-and-only Brutus Buckeye. Like his namesake, Brutus is loved by Central Ohioans - particularly NBC4 Anchor Monica Day, who adopted Brutus as a change of career dog.
BUBBA
Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s Sports puppy Bubba is officially a Canine Companions service dog! Bubba was named in honor of Bubba Watson, co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s, and attended the 2023 and 2024 Blue Wahoos baseball season. Bubba matched with Marisol, a young woman who will use Bubba as a Hearing Dog, alerting her to sounds in her environment and give her the ability to walk around her house without her hearing aids. A big thank you to the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and Bubba Watson for supporting Service Dog Bubba and our mission!
BUCCELLA
The Ice Flyers’ second Sports team puppy’s name pays homage to the late Dan “Bucky” Buccella, one of the most beloved players in the history of Pensacola hockey, who passed away in 2022 after his fight against leukemia. Buccella was raised and socialized by long-time Canine Companions volunteer puppy raisers, LeAnne Pickering and Weston Cramer. “We are thrilled to be a part of this partnership with the Ice Flyers once again and have the privilege of raising Buccella,” stated LeAnne Pickering. “We are excited to see what this puppy has in store and look forward to introducing him to his teammates and the fans.” Buccella found his perfect match, Rosemary, and was the first Veteran service dog team for the Veteran Program in the Southeast Region.
CAPTAIN
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks soccer team named and are following their second puppy, Captain VII. The Switchbacks are supporting Captain for 14 months on his journey to become a service dog. Captain, a black Labrador Retriever, attends games and team events to cheer on the Switchbacks during their season. The Switchbacks also followed puppy Striker in 2021-22.
CHAPPIE
Canine Companions Service Dog Chappie was matched with Ellile, a young girl from Georgia. Chappie was named after Pensacola hero General Chappie James by WEAR TV viewers. They watched him learn, grow, head to professional training and were thrilled to learn when he was matched with his forever family. Chappie will help Ellie in many ways, by opening and closing drawers and doors, pulling off her socks, turning on lights and much more. His puppy raisers, Kathryn Daniel and Brion Crow say it’s a perfect match and they are thrilled and so proud.
DONNY
The Pittsburgh community watched Canine Companions puppy Donny grow up on KDKA TV’s Pittsburgh Today Live. He flourished under the guidance of his puppy raisers, The Sabo Family. From celebrating his first birthday with a puppy paw-ty, to showing out in support during local fundraising events, Pittsburgh residents were there every step of the way! Donny is now a certified Therapy Dog, who lives with The Sabo Family as a pet dog and accompanies them to a variety of settings, such as hospitals, to provide emotional support to patients.
FINN
Canine Companions Service Dog Finn was matched with Joan Ehrnstein. Joan, who lives in Idaho and is a big hockey fan, was thrilled to be matched with Finn. He helps her by turning on and off lights, opening and closing doors and drawers, and most importantly, by picking up dropped items. Finn is Joan’s fourth Canine Companions service dog. Joan shares, “I look forward to working with Finn for many years. He will enable me to be on my own.” She continues, “My life has been totally changed by a cold nose and a wagging tail who gives me freedom and independence.” Congratulations to Joan and Service Dog Finn and thank you all for following him on his journey to become a service dog! Many thanks to the San Jose Sharks for their support of our mission! We are excited to share some of the great work Finn is doing with Joan in the future. Good boy, Finn!
GILL
Gill, who was named and followed by the San Jose Sharks NHL team in his puppyhood, was matched with 15-year-old Chase! Chase has autism, and Gill’s calm presence in public places allows Chase the ability to go on more adventures! Service Dog Gill uses his "cover" cue to calmly lay his body on Chase to provide deep pressure when needed. Now, Chase and Gill are lifelong partners, as Gill provides greater independence, confidence and love, so Chase can live his life to the fullest! Huge thanks to the San Jose Sharks for their support of our mission!
GOALIE
Goalie, a yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever and a partner of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, became a professional service dog in May 2026. Goalie successfully built on the socialization and cues learned in his time with volunteer puppy raiser Nick Kemp and as a Switchbacks partner, to the Southwest Region Training Center in Oceanside where he was matched with Liam and facilitators Lisette and Raymond. Team Liam graduated after completing his professional training, which began upon matriculation in August 2025.
LONESTAR
CBS News Texas pup Lonestar has graduated as a Canine Companions service dog! Lonestar was named and followed by viewers in Dallas-Fort Worth for nearly two years. With weekly pup-dates and monthly appearances in-studio, CBS News Texas chronicled the impressive and emotional journey from puppy to service dog. Now matched with his new partner, Tori, Lonestar is using his skills and big, bright personality to provide her with greater independence, confidence and joy. Check out his journey here: www.cbsnews.com/texas/tag/lonestars-journey/
OCHO
Ocho arrived in Tampa, Florida and became a fan favorite at WFLA TV. Along his puppy raising journey, viewers watched him grow and learn new tasks and skills each week right before their eyes. Ocho visited the television station at least once a week to join the morning newscasts and was a local celebrity around the Tampa Bay area. Ocho graduated as a service dog and matched with Mari, who will use Ocho to help carry and pick up dropped objects.
PLINY
Canine Companions supporters Russian River Brewing Company named puppy Pliny after their most famous beers. But they didn’t stop there - Pliny was raised by a Russian River Brewing Company employee in the offices of their Windsor, CA location! Over the past two years, Pliny has stolen hearts of beer lovers all over the country. We’re thrilled to share that Pliny was recently certified as a Canine Companions therapy dog! We can’t wait to see how Therapy Dog Pliny helps people in his community. Be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram @plinypup!
RANGER
Ranger is a black Labrador/Golden Retriever cross sponsored by the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Ranger arrived in Pensacola and was raised and socialized by long-time volunteer puppy raisers, Leanne Pickering and Weston Cramer. It was a perfect name as Cramer was an Army Ranger who served from 2003 to 2008 with the 3rd Infantry Division and was deployed in 2005 for Operation Iraqi Freedom III with his operation being East Baghdad. “As a volunteer puppy raiser, it is a rewarding experience with selfless service to raise a Canine Companions dog that can help adults, children, and veterans with disabilities,” Cramer said. “The partnership with the Ice Flyers will bring a greater awareness of Canine Companions to the Pensacola area and surrounding communities.” Ranger was matched with a young boy named David, who will use Ranger to gain more independence and confidence and help doing tasks David cannot do himself.
SCARLET "SCARLETTA"
Big news! Scarlet, officially known as Scarletta, has graduated! On January 31, Abby drove from Florence, Kentucky, nervous, but excited to begin Team Training at the North Central Training Center in New Albany, Ohio. She was being matched with her first Canine Companions service dog. While spending 11 days on campus, she not only was perfectly matched with Service Dog Scarletta, but she made life-long best friends with the other families graduating. Now back home together as a new team, Abby says Scarletta will help her retrieve dropped items, whether from the ground or from high up. “I was extremely excited to introduce her to my family and friends; so far everything has gone smoothly, and we continue short training sessions in the evenings. It’s been fun scheduling my new life with her by my side and she has molded into my family seamlessly,” Abby said. Congrats to Abby and Scarletta!
WATSON
PGA golfer Bubba Watson is an all-American superstar. He is also known as a true philanthropist and supports people in need. Bubba is the co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team and was honored with a future service dog sharing his name, Watson. Puppy Watson was sponsored by the Blue Wahoos and joined them at games to raise awareness of our mission. “It warms my heart that we can be part of Watson’s journey to become a service dog,” Bubba shares. We are grateful for the support of Bubba and the Blue Wahoos!
Audio
Meet the newest, and undoubtably most popular staff member at 106.9 BLI Long Island!
Future service dog Audio is being raised by station Promotions Coordinator Ali Wolowitz. His radio-friendly name was chosen after a contest by station listeners. One of Audio’s first public appearances was at DogFest Long Island, where he patiently greeted fans and posed for a ton of pictures! Ali says Audio is loving New York, and meeting fans along the way is a great way to prepare for life as a highly trained service dog. Follow Audio on Instagram at @blipuppy.
Bolt
Canine Companions puppy Bolt quickly captured the hearts of Los Angeles Chargers fans and beyond when he was introduced in July 2020. This sweet pup grew to have more than 12,000 followers on Instagram and is regularly featured on the Chargers’ page with more than 849,000 followers. Bolt even got his very own commercial that played throughout the 2020-2021 season on CBS Los Angeles, and a feature on Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl. You can say that he has had quite the adventure during his first year and a half of life. Bolt will now be entering professional training, so stay tuned for more from Bolt and the Chargers!
Chappie
Chappie has graduated! Canine Companions Service Dog Chappie was matched with a young girl to provide enhanced independence and joy. Congratulations!
Dak
Canine Companions “puppy” Dak, named by the Dallas Cowboys in collaboration with Baylor Scott & White Health, may not be a puppy anymore… but there are Dak puppies in the future! We are excited to share that Dak has been selected for the Canine Companions breeding program. In this important role, Dak will have the chance to impact countless lives, producing many future service dog puppies who will go on to change the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities.
Max
Max, the WFLA TV Tampa puppy has returned to Canine Companions’ Southeast Region Training Center in Orlando, Florida to begin professional training where he will learn the skills and tasks he needs to become a Canine Companions service dog.
Maverick
“It means everything. You can’t put a price on independence,” says US Air Force veteran Joshua, who was matched with service dog Maverick earlier this year. Maverick was raised by Andrea McCarren, Vice-president and Chief Content Officer for PenFed Credit Union, a Canine Companions national corporate partner.
Maverick is one of five Canine Companions future service dogs raised by PenFed employees to date. “We are SO, SO happy with Mav’s placement!” says Andrea. Fellow PenFed employees were kept up to date on Maverick’s progress throughout his professional training, and there was much rejoicing at their Tysons, Virginia headquarters on graduation day. “Health and independence is definitely everything,” says Joshua. Especially when you have it, and it’s taken away from you. Maverick is helping me bring that independence back.” Thank you, Andrea, and PenFed!”
Ocho
The newest sponsored puppy, Ocho, arrived in Tampa, Florida to his volunteer puppy raisers. He will appear every Friday on his sponsor news station WFLA TV. We look forward to Ocho’s journey!
Pliny
Canine Companions supporters Russian River Brewing Company named puppy Pliny after their most famous beers. But they didn’t stop there - Pliny was raised by a Russian River Brewing Company employee in the offices of their Windsor, CA location! Over the past year and a half, Pliny has stolen hearts of beer lovers all over the country. Join us in wishing him good luck as he enters professional training at our Jean and Charles Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa, CA.
Scarlet
In April of 2020, volunteer puppy raiser Paula Barrett started raising Canine Companions puppy (Scarletta) Scarlet, who was featured by NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio. Every Friday, Scarlet was live-streamed on NBC4 from Paula’s home. “Raising Scarlet during a pandemic was anything but typical. With a lot of patience and determination, Scarlet and I had to be creative working on her commands at home and in the yard. My home became an obstacle course – creating training opportunities in every room and on all different types of surfaces,” Paula said. Paula also worked hard with Scarlet in online puppy classes created by Canine Companions staff. “As restrictions lifted, Scarlet and I began exploring, she needed exposure to people, places and things. We went into stores, parks, restaurants, outdoor concerts, farms. We went to the beach, we boated and begin to attend volunteer events,” Paula said. Scarlet officially began professional training at the North Central Training Region in August.
Striker
Canine Companions puppy Striker’s journey to become a service dog is being followed by the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. He is growing fast and starting to attend more events where he can work on socialization skills and focus. Striker even has his very own trading cards that were a huge hit when Canine Companions was the featured nonprofit of the night at the Switchbacks’ home game on September 8. We’re excited to continue to watch Striker grow and learn over the next year!
Watson
PGA golfer Bubba Watson is an all-American superstar. He is also known as a true philanthropist and supports people in need. Bubba is the co-owner of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos baseball team and was honored with a future service dog sharing his name, Watson. Puppy Watson is sponsored by the Blue Wahoos and joins them at games to raise awareness of our mission. “It warms my heart that we can be part of Watson’s journey to become a service dog,” Bubba shares. We are grateful for the support of Bubba and the Blue Wahoos!