Our Dogs

We adopt dogs from area shelters and rescue groups.  This not only saves the life of a dog, it sends a positive message to our students – that you don’t have to come from a perfect home to have value.  This is a strong message that resonates well with some of our students, especially those who have found themselves living in group homes and foster care.  We find the bond between student and dog to be a strong one.  The students often become very protective, and patient, with the rescued dogs.  

While the focus of our programs is to help at-risk youth, we continue to serve people in need.  Once a dog is trained they are placed with individuals in the community. These dogs go on to empower others through their service providing emotional support to those suffering from PTSD or anxieties and children with autism … giving them the chance to regain their independence and resume a more productive life.

Dogs are evaluated and will graduate at appropriately trained intervals. We graduate our dogs at one of three levels:

• Companions – If a dog graduates at the Basic Training level they are placed as a companion dog to families, elderly or individuals looking for a well behaved companion.
• Comfort Pets – Dogs that pass the Canine Good Citizen test are placed as comfort dogs to those with a need for such a dog. These dogs are often placed with those seeking a dog for therapeutic value and can include clients suffering from anxieties, PTSD and autism. Please note that dogs placed at this level do not have public access rights.
• Therapy Dogs – A dog that passes the Advance Canine Good Citizen test can be placed as with recipients like counselors and therapists who can benefit from a dog with advance training.

Interested in a one of our dogs?

Available dogs are announced through our e-newsletter and include the dog’s ability and personality traits. When a dog is available, and if that dog looks to be a good candidate for you, you will need to complete an online application. Applications are only open for a short period and applications will only be reviewed during this time.

Once the Open Application cycle starts the process is:

• Complete and return application during Open Application Cycle.
• Notification will be sent out to all those who inquired about adopting the dog. 
• Those selected, based on the dog’s ability and client’s needs, will participate in a short screening process to better understand the client’s needs.
• Meet and Greet with the dog is scheduled with potential matches.
• A Home Visit is scheduled after a successful Meet and Greet.
• Transfer of ownership takes place after a successful Home Visit and training session.