Would you be willing to give up your dog to help someone in need? A thousand families from around the country, including residents in Massapequa, are training dogs to help those with disabilities as part of Canine Companions for Independence, or CCI. This non-profit organization, founded in 1975, provides dogs for over 3500 people.
These dogs are given to people free of charge, and all costs involved are paid for by donations. The dogs help people with mental and physical disabilities gain greater independence; many also work in education and healthcare centers, according to cci.org.
Judy Carey, a puppy raiser from Massapequa, has raised a puppy that graduated from the CCI program. “The first dog I raised went to a little boy who’s nine years old with cerebral palsy and autism,” she said, “His mom always sends me pictures of how the dog is changing the life of this little boy. And how he smiles and how he’s more confident. It just makes my heart smile.”
Judy and her husband, Tom, decided to raise another puppy after seeing the effect their first dog had. The entire process of raising a puppy lasts eighteen months. When asked why he decided to become active in the program, Tom said, “I can walk, I can pick things up. And to be able to provide someone else with the tool to do that is very rewarding.”
CCI is a charitable organization that helps people with disabilities live independently, and extends the season of giving throughout the entire year.
QUICK FACTS
- CCI was founded in 1975
- The organization has provided dogs for over 3500 people.
- The dogs help people with mental and physical disabilities
- dogs are given to people free of charge
- All costs involved are paid for through donations
Link to Canine Companions for Independence Homepage: http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.3978475/k.3F1C/Canine_Companions_for_Independence.htm
