Can-Do Canines Benefits

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“It is more blessed to give, than to receive” - Acts 20:35. For the longest time I thought I knew the true meaning of “it is more blessed to give, than to receive,” but my experience volunteering with Can-Do-Canines has changed my overall perspective of giving to others less fortunate than myself. My family and I work with Can-Do-Canines to help train dogs that will assist people with disabilities. As volunteers in the program, my family and I get to graduate the assistance dogs with their new owners at a graduation ceremony held by Can-Do-Canines three times a year. Not only has Can-Do-Canines impacted my life for the better, but everyday impacts the lives of people with disabilities who own a Can-Do-Canine assist dog. Four years ago, our …show more content…
Six months prior to the dog’s graduation, they go into specialty training for what they will be specifically assisting their new owner with. As long term trainers we get to meet the person the dog will be assisting and work personally with them, while training the dog. Working personally with the person's life I’m affecting brings me as much joy and happiness, as a kid in a candy store. Since my family is also a puppy raisers we get the honor and pleasure to hand off the dog we trained to their forever owner. I remember the first time I graduated a dog like it was yesterday. My family and I stepped on to the stage, bright lights shining in our eyes. I gave one more pat on the back and to Phoenix the dog, tears rolling down my face like a rainstorm while handing of the dog. Seeing how much comfort one dog can bring to a person after all the time and effort you have put into the dog makes it all worth it. As a volunteer I have been blessed to be able to say I have taken part in all the good Can-Do-Canines does for people. The program has impacted so many people’s lives by providing them a free companion, helper, and best buddy and you can clearly see how much good they are doing at a