On Saturday, August 24, members, spouses and friends of Old Mission Rotary toured the impressive Canine Companions facility in Oceanside. Canine Companions unites people with service dogs in a powerful program that leads to greater independence and confidence. Since 1975, Canine Companions have placed 6,000 dogs across the United States.
The photo above shows a dog working with trainer, Sara, using one of the two wheelchairs donated to the Canine Companions Training Facility by the Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club. Dogs are raised by volunteers at home for 18 months and then trained at the facility for six to nine months to determine their aptitude and possible matches with applicants seeking dogs. While the cost of raising and training a dog is $50,000, the animals are awarded to deserving applicants for free!
Pictured below are members, spouses and friends of Old Mission Rotary Club on their outing to Canine Companions.
