Tag Archives: service dog

National Service Dog Month is commemorated in September and shines the spotlight on the contributions being made by trained and helpful hounds that are assisting individuals with disabilities live more independently.

Last Friday, Canine Companions, which is celebrating its 50-year anniversary, invited the media to see its devoted dogs in action at its Southeast Region Training Center in Orlando. The event included an opportunity to watch demonstrations and meet trainers and their service dogs, and learn how these pups with a purpose are impacting lives. Orange County Government also presented Canine Companions with a National Service Dog Month proclamation during the festivities.

The service dogs are Golden and Labrador Retrievers and crossbreeds of these two Sporting Group types, and are bred at Canine Companions’ headquarters in Santa Rosa, California before they are flown to the nonprofit organization’s regional offices, which include Alabama; Florida; Georgia; North and South Carolina; Mississippi; and Tennessee.

When the dogs arrive at a regional office, they are trained by puppy raisers for 16-18 months. Afterwards, the dogs receive enhanced, professional training before graduating and being assigned to an individual with disabilities.

“Canine Companions has placed more than 8,300 service dogs with individuals with disabilities since our organization was founded in 1975,” said Southeast Region Public Relations and Marketing Manager Adam Goldman. “These dogs are trained to help people get back into the world, regain their independence and help them with their disabilities.”

Trainer Juliana Sequeira has been training service dogs at Canine Companions’ Southeast Region Training Center for nearly a year. She has also been raising puppies and volunteering at the facility since high school.

“I love working with the dogs and seeing the progress they have made,” said Sequeira. “Trainers put so much love, care and effort in training service dogs. My favorite part is seeing the service dogs work with the recipients and make a difference in their lives.”

Sequeira has been training Hestia, a nearly two-year-old Golden Retriever and Labrador crossbreed, since May.

“Hestia is a very energetic, learns quickly and loves to work,” said Sequeira. “She’s very happy and willing to do anything I ask during the training process.”

Thanks to Canine Companions, seven-year-old Jack Widbin receives a free, helping paw from his nearly three-year-old service dog, Charlie. The Golden Retriever and Labrador mix performs specific, trained tasks like retrieving fallen items and positioning himself next to Widbin so he doesn’t slide off the couch.

“Charlie has been the greatest gift from Canine Companions, which is helping Jack build his independence,” said dad Jeremy Widbin. “Having this kind of support system has been absolutely amazing for our family. Jack takes pride in having a service dog and loves him very much.”