• Since 1988, Kids and Canines has been helping at-risk students succeed
  in school - and life.
• The program pairs students with an assistance-dog-in-training, teaching
  them basic and advanced commands over the course of 18 - 24 months.
• Once fully trained, dogs graduate from the program and are matched with
  individuals in central Florida with disabilities or children with autism. And
  our students move on to high school with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The Dorothy Thomas School is part of the Hillsborough County Florida Public School System and relies on the support of the community to fulfill the Kids and Canines mission. It costs approximately $80,000 to keep the program running each year. We have numerous sponsorship packages available to individuals and corporations to help keep Kids and Canines in action.

One Student + One Dog = Three Beautiful Futures

Although the math classrooms at the Dorothy Thomas School teach proper arithmetic, the experiences students gain extend beyond basic math.

We see it time after time - the bonds between students and dogs help at-risk students succeed... and then, we are privileged to see the dogs graduate and bestow independence to those with disabilities.

That's how, at our school, 1 + 1 = 3. (But don't tell the math teachers.)

Although our students train the dogs throughout the school day, nighttime and weekend care is provided by "puppy raisers" and "puppy sitters" who reinforce their training. We are always looking for volunteers to help with the puppies! Kids and Canines regularly hosts events to celebrate and share our program successes, such as: Open Houses, Puppy Showers, and Graduation Ceremonies. We welcome the public to attend and learn more about us. Call (813) 558-5406 to reserve your spot.

Inquiries from individuals in Central Florida seeking an assistance dog are always welcome, as well.

 

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