CareCredit Awards $25,000 Grant to Canine Companions for Independence

CareCredit, a healthcare credit card for people and pets, has awarded a $25,000 grant to Canine Companions for Independence in recognition of the organization's commitment to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through highly trained assistance dogs. The grant, awarded through the CareCredit Caring Communities program, supports Canine Companions' ongoing mission to enhance the lives of children with disabilities.

Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and children looking for increased independence and loving companionship.

The grant was presented at a ceremony on November 8, 2013, in Santa Rosa, Calif., where 17 assistance dog teams, including "Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional Children" participants, graduated from a two-week intensive training program. The new graduates and their families also had the chance to meet the volunteers who raised these dogs as puppies for 18 months before beginning the six-month Canine Companions advanced training program.

"We thank CareCredit for their generous support of Canine Companions for Independence and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and the assistance dogs matched with them," said Nicole Mouton, executive director, Canine Companions - Northwest Region.

"Canine Companions for Independence is an invaluable resource for children with disabilities seeking greater independence through the unconditional love and enriching companionship of these very special dogs," said Patrick Keefe, veterinary sales leader at CareCredit. "CareCredit is proud to award this gift to this worthy organization and to help make a positive difference in the lives of others."

CareCredit Caring Communities provides financial support to organizations in five healthcare professions, including the veterinarian market, to help U.S. families gain access to necessary care that might otherwise not be feasible.

About Canine Companions for Independence:

Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. For more information about Canine Companions, please visit www.cci.org.