Colorado Desk - Canine Companions Celebrates Milestone Pairing Its 8,000th Service Dog Team During National Graduation Ceremonies

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OCEANSIDE, Calif., Aug. 9, 2024 ~ Canine Companions, the nation's leading service dog organization, has reached a significant milestone today as they celebrate their 8,000th service dog team placement. The Southwest graduation ceremony, one of six regional ceremonies being held across the country, will honor Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt of Denver and her service dog Cabo as the 8,000th graduating team.

Since its establishment in 1975, Canine Companions has remained dedicated to its mission of improving independence and confidence for individuals with disabilities. This milestone is a testament to their commitment and hard work over the past 50 years.

CEO Paige Mazzoni expressed her pride in the organization's achievement, stating, "As the pioneers of the service dog model, reaching our 8,000th team placement is a remarkable accomplishment. Canine Companions has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities by providing them with best-in-class service dogs tailored to their unique needs. This milestone would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our volunteers, donors, clients, and staff."

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Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt and her service dog Cabo will be among 65 teams graduating at ceremonies nationwide on August 9th. The events will also introduce 186 dogs who will begin their six months of professional training to learn up to 45 skills such as retrieving items, pulling wheelchairs, and assisting individuals with PTSD.

Cabo is Dr. Forber-Pratt's second Canine Companions service dog. Born in Kolkata, India and adopted as an infant, Dr. Forber-Pratt contracted transverse myelitis which led to paralysis and her use of a wheelchair. Despite this challenge, she excelled in wheelchair track and field and even won two bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. She now serves as the director of research for the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) and is recognized for her advocacy and research in the disability community.

Dr. Forber-Pratt shared her experience with service dogs, saying, "Having a service dog was the missing piece of the puzzle for my accessibility needs. Service dogs help people live their best lives by allowing them to accomplish things they didn't think were possible."

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Cabo's journey to becoming a service dog involved rigorous training. After being cared for by volunteers for the first eight weeks, Cabo spent 18 months with her puppy raiser who socialized and prepared her for service. She then returned to Canine Companions for six months of professional training where she mastered essential skills to assist Dr. Forber-Pratt. The organization invests over $50,000 in each service dog and provides ongoing support to ensure their clients incur no costs for these life-changing partnerships.

Mazzoni added, "Dr. Forber-Pratt's role in this milestone team is truly inspiring. We are confident that having Cabo by her side will significantly enhance her life for many years to come."

Canine Companions continues to make a positive impact on individuals with disabilities through their dedication and hard work, and this milestone is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their mission.

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