Canine Companions for Independence

Canine Companions for Independence puppies have a special purpose in life, growing up to provide independence to a person with a disability. These dogs are trained service animals who specialize in a variety of tasks to assist the special needs of their human handlers. A CCI Service Dog not only assists with physical tasks, but also provides social support. Prior to going to live with their permanent human companion, CCI puppies must go through detailed training and socialization.

One somewhat unconventional location where these puppy students are always undergoing this training is at The Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, OR. The Canine Companions prison puppy raising program has made great strides since its inception 13 years ago, enriching the lives of the puppies as well as the inmates who have fed sheltered, toileted, and provided love and attention to the puppies that have passed through the program.

Rose City Veterinary Hospital is always sponsoring one such puppy, who receives his or her veterinary care from us at no charge. Currently, our sponsored pup is a brilliant yellow Labrador Retriever named Mitch, the sweetest and most mellow dog you’ll ever meet!

To learn more about this fascinating organization, please visit CCI’s website.

Here is a gallery of our past graduates!