DogFest North Central 2021

Canine Companions transforms the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained service dogs. Our dogs perform practical tasks that enhance independence and reduce reliance on others. They aren't just the eyes and ears, hands and legs of their human partners, they're also goodwill ambassadors and often, our best friends. A student achieves their dreams of attending college. A veteran gets a good night sleep. A patient can endure an additional procedure. Lives are transformed after being matched and working with a Canine Companions service dog.

According to the U.S. Census, nearly 1 in 4 people in the U.S. have a disability. While it costs approximately $50,000 to raise and train every Canine Companions service dog and provide ongoing support to the human-canine team, each dog is provided to the recipient completely FREE of charge. Canine Companions has placed over 6,800 service dogs, but more than 400 people with disabilities are still waiting for a match.  

Our service dogs open up new opportunities and spread incredible joy. By raising funds through DogFest, you support our mission and the people we serve. Thank you.

Canine Companions in the North Central region

• ​500 active graduates as of May 2021
• 150 active puppy raisers 

Meet Lisa and Facility Dog Luna

“The response from our patients has been almost magical to see just how well they’ve taken to her,” shares Lisa, Facility Dog Luna’s handler. Luna began her journey with the Mayo Clinic in November and has had a huge impact in just a short time. “Luna adds a depth to our care we can’t otherwise provide on a physical or emotional level — it’s a sixth dimension of care.” Luna is lending a helping paw around the Mayo Clinic however she can and wherever she is needed. She helps patients work on puzzles by handing them pieces. Her presence reduces stress during therapies. “We’ve been making regular rounds through our cardiac rehab department where Luna will go on walks with patients, and she has participated in exercise programs by bringing lightweight dumbbells to patients while they do their exercises,” Lisa explains. “We also do rounds over in the cancer center where Luna carries a basket of treats for patients. She has been with some end-of-life patients, too.” “It has been incredible so far,” says Lisa. Luna’s work with the Mayo Clinic and Lisa has just begun, and her impact will only continue to grow as she helps patients on their path to recovery with loving eyes, helping paws and a wagging tail. “We’re just getting started.”

Meet Kian and Service Dog Buckeye​

In August 2018, Canine Companions puppy Buckeye stole the hearts of the central Ohio community when he joined the NBC4 morning team. After working with his volunteer puppy raiser and then completing Canine Companions professional training, Buckeye is now a service dog for new partner and best friend, Kian. Buckeye has made a huge impact in Kian’s life. He is utilizing his commands and playtime to help Kian with his physical therapy and range of motion. Kian’s (and Buckeye’s) favorite way to do this is to throw a frisbee. Buckeye’s impact isn’t just physical. Kian’s mom shares that Buckeye has made a difference emotionally too. “Buckeye gets up in Kian’s lap and allows him to pet him and love on him. It has always been hard for Kian to have an affectionate relationship with an animal because of his equipment, but Buckeye has changed that.” Kian’s mom also went on to share, “Kian has really shown a whole new side to himself. He is very loving; he has a cute voice that he does when he talks to Buckeye.” Kian and Buckeye have created an amazing bond, and it can be summed up by Kian in three words, “I love him.”