Countdown to our Golden Anniversary

Actor Scott Foley partnered with Canine Companions for the large-scale social media campaign #iheartmydog. Foley is most famously known for his leading role in ABC’s primetime drama “Scandal,” as well as for other roles he has played in shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scrubs.”

The popular children’s show, PAW Patrol, has worked with Canine Companions over the years to raise awareness around working dogs. Our partnership has included everything from creating a PSA, to naming CBS Puppy Scoop as an honorary Paw Patrol member.

Canine Companions proudly serves veterans and first responders who can benefit from a service dog. In 2007, Canine Companions launched the Veteran’s Initiative to provide life-changing service dogs to injured U.S. war veterans. We are also humbled to serve first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line when responding to the September 11th attacks.

A Canine Companions team guest starred on the National Geographic show ‘Is Your Dog a Genius’. Graduate Wallis and Service Dog Caspin appeared on the show in 2015.

In 1975, Canine Companions became the first organization to train a service dog to assist someone with a physical disability. This July, we’re celebrating 50 Years of Service Dogs and the enhanced independence they provide.

Renowned animal conservationist Jack Hanna is a long-time supporter of Canine Companions. Famously known as “Jungle Jack”, Hanna lives in Central Ohio near our North Central Training Center and has done much to support our organization over the years.

Sesame Street partnered with Canine Companions in 2012 to debut the first ever service dog muppet, Brandeis. Canine Companions service dog in training Hercules also made an appearance in the episode, showing off his skills to help Brandeis find the perfect job.

Laura Numeroff, best-selling author of ‘If You Give a Mouse a Cookie’, partnered with Canine Companions to write a children’s book about puppy raising. ‘Raising a Hero’ tells the story of a Canine Companions puppy on his journey to becoming a service dog.

Canine Companions was the first organization to place a facility dog in a courtroom setting. Facility dog Ellie made history in 2004 when she graduated from the program and went to work at a prosecutor’s office in Seattle, Washington.

Betty White was a supporter of Canine Companions. It’s no secret that the beloved actress and comedian was an animal lover, and she worked for decades to support related causes, including in the service dog industry. Betty partnered with Canine Companions for the Heart of a Hero event in 1992, using her platform to spread awareness for the mission.