Canine Companions® DIY Fundraising

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions® is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

The service dogs we breed, raise and train aren’t just the ears, hands and legs of their human partners. They’re also goodwill ambassadors and often, their best friends. They open up new opportunities and new possibilities and spread incredible joy. We unite people with dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence.

We provide service dogs for:

Adults – Adults with disabilities are partnered with service or hearing dogs to increase independence.

Children – Service dogs perform physical tasks for children with a range of disabilities to increase independence with support from an adult.

Veterans – Wounded veterans and veterans with disabilities are matched with service dogs for greater independence*.

Professionals – Service dogs are expertly trained and partnered with a working professional in a health care, visitation, criminal justice or education setting.

Leigh & Nerf

Leigh Dittman was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, which makes her bones weaker than normal and more prone to fractures. When it was time for her to apply for college, she knew that she would need physical help. That’s where Service Dog Nerf enters the picture.

”Nerf was the perfect match for me and now, with him by side, I am able to attend The University of Tampa and achieve my college dream. This wouldn’t have happened without Canine Companions.” shares Leigh.

When Leigh is at school or running errands, she needs some physical assistance. Nerf assists by retrieving dropped items, pulling Leigh’s manual wheelchair and other tasks that enable Leigh to be more independent and involved around campus and in life.