A local organization is on a mission to help people with disabilities regain their independence.
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They’re doing that with the help of a highly skilled team.
The group “Canine Companions” connects dogs with disabled adults, children and veterans.
However, before a match is made, each companion goes through training in a facility in Central Florida.
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There, they learn all the cues they need, including when to switch off of service mode and act as a regular dog.
“A lot of things changed for me,” said college student Bailey Trinder. “The biggest thing is I really it took away stress and worry of like what ifs. If I fall out of my wheelchair, he’s actually able, a few days ago will be able to go and pull it back to me.”
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In our area alone, as many as 50 lives are changed each year with this training.
And the dogs also go to clients nationwide.
Last weekend the organization raised over $85,000 at the 2024 DogFest event in Winter Park.
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