Canine Companions hosts graduation ceremony for new service dogs

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Friday was an exciting day for a group of dogs who not only found their forever homes, but homes where they’ll be able to help those who really need them.

The Southeast Region of Canine Companions held its graduation ceremony on Friday.

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The companion dogs help people with disabilities live a more independent life.

The organization said the dogs, which are provided free of charge, have been in training for more than two years and know 45 tasks to enable people with disabilities to live a more independent life.

Read: UCF program helps provide free service dogs for people with disabilities

Nancy Marino said she has trouble hearing, and her new dog, King, is a blessing.

“This is a huge, opening the door of independence for me,” she said.

Read: Meet Parks, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children’s first-ever facility dog

King will be trained to let Marino know when her phone rings, if someone is at the door and will be trained to do a lot more down the road.

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