Canine Assistants

08/26/2026

It’s the best day of the year; National Dog Day! There is simply nothing better on Earth than dogs, and we celebrate them today (and every day!). 🥳🙌🏼🐾

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

FEATURE FRIDAY: Hospital edition! 🏥 Meet Rainier, from our National Parks litter. As one of our most recent graduates, Rainier has been working USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital in Mobile, AL, since June. Rainier’s handlers are Emma (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and Brenda (Certified Child Life Specialist). They shared, “Rainier assists children and women with coping, conversations, therapeutic play, alternative focus, procedural preparation and support. She assists in clinical treatment goals, bereavement support, service recovery, ambulation, and non-pharmacological pain management. 

“Rainier often visits the USS Hope Infusion Center and offers comfort and support to patients who experience port accesses, IV placements, and vital signs. Rainier loves to help her friends through difficult times, offer unconditional love, motivate patients to reach goals and help overcome challenges.” Good girl, Rainier! ❤️🐾🗻

08/21/2026

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🔦 Meet Carolyn! She became certified in February of this year, and she has made an incredible impact in her first 7 months with us. It all started five years ago. “I met the cutest black lab puppy in his little green vest while he was walking with a CA volunteer. With my love for dogs, I knew I would be a volunteer one day,” she said. “I have enjoyed being a part of each dog’s story and sharing their story with all the people we meet. I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces - the dog, child or adult, with each interaction. Each of the dogs I have worked with have brought me so much joy while doing everyday things. Although each dog is different, they all are so gentle, sweet, and sometimes a little silly.” Thank you, Carolyn! Between fostering, outings, donations, and Kids Camp, you have done so much for CA already. We can only imagine how much more of an impact you’ll make over time! ❤️🐕‍🦺

08/19/2026

We have very exciting news to share! 🥳📣 Mama Lizzie delivered a litter of sweet puppies yesterday! We can’t wait to watch these puppies grow into dogs who will make impacts beyond what we can even imagine. With a new family moving into our nursery very soon, and a hospital camp right around the corner (!), we are in great need of your support through our wishlist. There are many items on the list under $10! If you can help, shop here 🛒 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2B3I4V7ZK78P7?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much for your support! 🙏🏼

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day. We are beyond grateful to all of our supporters; without you, we can’t do what we do. Our organization relies 100% on the support of people who believe in us. Thank you! ❤️

08/11/2026

Kinda chic to give your dog Milk-Bone treats on National Spoil Your Dog Day 😏🦴

(For the record, we believe every day is Spoil Your Dog Day)

07/31/2026

We are in great need for paper towels! 🚨 Can you help? There are some under $7! Shop and send directly to us here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2B3I4V7ZK78P7?ref_=wl_share. Thanks for helping us take the very best care of the very best dogs! 🙏🏼🐾

07/24/2026

We’re thrilled to announce our newest graduating class of service dogs from the Ted Lasso litter. 🦮🎓 It’s always bittersweet to say our “see you later”s, but it was an absolute pleasure to see this group doing so well with their dogs. They were truly wonderful! Happy trails! 🐾

07/17/2026

Volunteer spotlight 🔦 Meet Ellen, a certified Canine Assistants volunteer since Spring of 2025. “When I was News Director at WXIA (the NBC Affiliate in Atlanta), we did several stories on Canine Assistants that touched my soul! I fell in love with the mission and with the beautiful dogs. I told myself, ‘when I retire, I am going to volunteer there.’ 15 years later, the day after I retired, I emailed Canine Assistants and asked how I could volunteer!” she shared.
When asked what she enjoys about volunteering with us, Ellen said, “Someone once said that happiness is when you have peace in your heart. Being around these gentle, kind, and goofy souls evokes such a sense of peace and joy. With all that's going on in the world, to be around such caring people working toward a mission to serve others through these bundles of love and happiness is an honor. I've mostly worked in the nursery and that is so much fun. Opening the gates and seeing all the puppies run out to get their food is beyond adorable. I've loved taking the newborns on their first outings... it's like walking around with a tiny ball of pure cuteness! Being a dog lover all my life, I've truly enjoyed learning about the science of educating and caring for dogs. I've learned so much! I also had a ball helping with the recent Canine Assistants gala... fundraising for such a great team and cause was rewarding.” Thank you for all you do, Ellen! You’ve made such an impact! 🦮❤️