Canine Companions will take part in the 136th annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, kicking off the first of many celebrations to commemorate our organization’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
This exciting opportunity, made possible through the generous support of Lions Clubs International and The Lions Project for Canine Companions, will be nationally broadcast beginning at 8 a.m. PT on January 1, 2025.
As part of the celebration, retired US Army Sergeant Steve Blackman will ride on the parade float, alongside his Canine Companions service dog, Priscilla. 
Blackman enlisted in 2004 and served in Iraq beginning in 2005. During his time in service, he suffered numerous concussions, many from IED explosions, as well as additional injuries that affected his memory, speech and mobility. Everything changed when he discovered Canine Companions. According to Blackman, his first service dog, Gottlieb, saved his life and now Priscilla is teaching him how to relax and enjoy it.
Along with Blackman and Priscilla, several puppy raisers will walk along the float with the future service dogs they are raising.
The theme of the parade, “Best Day Ever” aligns with Canine Companions’ mission to enhance independence for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to live each day to the fullest.
Canine Companions created the concept of the modern service dog when founded in 1975. Since then, our organization has placed more than 8,000 service and facility dog teams.
To learn how you can tune into the parade, click here.*
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