Stories Archive - Canine Companions

A young boy wearing glasses in a red t-shirt leans against a sitting yellow Labrador Retriever, smiling at the camera while in a grassy field during sunset.

Jett’s Dream Come True

Jett was born with a rare, terminal genetic illness. There are no survivors called Hurler Syndrome. But with service dog Clark’s support, he is persevering.

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A person's hand is holding a black dog's paw, with a colorful leash extending in the background, set against a wooden railing.

Generosity Above and Beyond

Every hour of the day, our incarcerated handlers provide loving, expert care
and training to our future service dogs as a way to give back to their
communities.

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A woman in a wheelchair holding a large black dog with a toy in its mouth, wearing a backpack. They are seated next to a wooden table in a cheerful indoor setting.

Discover the inspiring story of Kerry and Abdul, the world’s first Canine Companions service dog team in 1975. Learn how this groundbreaking partnership transformed independence for people with disabilities and paved the way for thousands of life-changing service dog teams.

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A smiling woman and a young boy in a wheelchair are outdoors, with a golden retriever dog sitting beside them wearing a blue service vest. The background features greenery and hills in the distance.

More Smiles with Santana

Service Dog Santana bridges a gap between Ryden–who has cerebral palsy–and other kids his age and provides unbeatable, unconditional love.

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Man in a wheelchair with a service dog, set against a blue and yellow background.

Norwood Makes Anything Possible

The impact Service Dog Norwood would have on Daniel was beyond anything he expected. Norwood has become Daniel’s partner in every sense.

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A woman smiling and sitting next to a Labrador wearing a blue service dog vest.

Breaking Down Barriers With Halpert’s Expert Training

This facility where I work is often filled with hostility, anger and complex emotions. That is, until my wiggly, silly partner, a Canine Companions facility dog named Halpert, walks through the door of my classroom.

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A child hugging a sitting Labrador Retriever wearing a blue vest on a sidewalk.

Service Dog Nia’s Secret Power

Childhood is when we learn the meaning of friendship and connection. But for some children with disabilities, including 10-year-old James, bridging that social gap can be challenging.

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A young girl in a wheelchair being pushed by a man, accompanied by a woman and a service dog on a leash, walking on a path in a park.

Preparing for a Lifetime of Independence

Sophie hopes to be a veterinarian and has recently taken serious steps to learn more about dogs – especially her Canine Companions service dog named Webster.

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