Canine Companions® announced its partnership with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) in the summer of 2020, with WWP providing a generous grant in support of Canine Companions’ Veterans Initiative. The funding helped sponsor two post-9/11 veteran service dog teams who also are WWP Alumni.
For a veteran making a new start putting their life back together from an injury, a service dog can provide the help they need to regain independence. WWP* granted funds to organizations like Canine Companions for their recognition of the urgent and growing need for programs that provide support to veterans with disabilities.
Canine Companions started their Veterans Initiative in 2007 to meet the increasing needs of veterans with physical disabilities who could benefit from a service dog. They expanded this support in 2015 when they were selected to participate in a multi-year study with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to train and place dogs with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Through their success working with the VA and their work with dozens of experts, Canine Companions launched a new program to train and place dogs with veterans with PTSD in 2018. Retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charlie with service dog Devon shares, “Just having someone with me to help do things that are difficult for me really affects my life positively.”
“Through these partnerships, we expand the resources available to America’s injured post-9/11 veterans and help ensure they and their families are thriving long-term,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. “It takes a united effort and we’re proud to support other veteran and military service organizations assisting wounded veterans and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive in civilian life.”
Often, returning servicemen and women face difficult transitions back to civilian life as well as uncertain futures with new disabilities. Canine Companions service dogs can help veterans regain independence, pride and hope. Beyond much-needed physical assistance, the love, loyalty and positivity of a canine partner can make a profound, lasting impact on someone dealing with difficult emotions that are hard to communicate.
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About Canine Companions
Canine Companions® is the largest nonprofit provider of trained service dogs with six regional training centers across the country. Established in 1975, Canine Companions provides professionally trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training and on-going follow-up services. Learn more about the Veterans Initiative.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more*.
Canine Companions veterans program is powered in part by Wounded Warrior Project® to honor and empower post-9/11 injured service members, veterans, and their families.
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