Juggling and Balancing - It's All Good

Sometimes in life, even the life of a non-profit, one is pulled in many directions almost all at the same time.  The day-to-day mission becomes a balancing act of what has to get done, what needs to get done and what would just be nice to do.  One month into the new year and  Canines for Service has already been presented with wonderful opportunities.  


We are planning are 6th Annual Walk for Those Who Can't on March 24th at Hugh MacRae Park in Wilmington, NC.  In-kind sponsors have been generous and include CBS 10WILM, Sunrise Broadcasting and the radio groups of Sunny 104.5, Z 107.5, Jammin 99.9, 98.7 Modern Rock, ESPN Radio, Carrabba's Italian Grill, DogLiving Magazine, StarNews Media, Queensboro, PawPrints Magazine, Indian Springs Water Company, Port City Java and Dock Street Printing.  These donation help tremendously, but we also need financial sponsors that can help with the costs of providing services in our community.  Registration is open for the Walk and people are beginning to register and raise money.  Some of the folks are being quite creative like StarNews Media holding a pet photo session on February 4th at 11 am or Blissful Living challenging all their Facebook fans to donate just $5.00.    Our goal is to raise $60,000 that will help us provide service dogs to people who are waiting, continue to offer a comprehensive animal assisted therapy program for owners and their dogs to volunteer in the community and support our children through the Canines for Literacy program.   None of this can happen without funds to make it possible. 

Rick and Pat Hairston were recently invited to Ft. Myers, VA to share an afternoon with some of the countries bravest as we gathered to enjoy the American pastime of football. One of our clients, Leslie Smith and Service Dog Issac were on Days of Our Lives.  Canines for Veterans was recently honored as a finalist in the Joining Forces Community Challenge for our innovative program supporting military members and their families.  People can continue to help us with this honor by voting daily for as a the People's Choice.  Representatives of the organization will be invited to the White House to celebrate the honor of being a finalist later this spring. 


Grant research and writing is in full swing with the hope of funding opportunities that will help us to continue our work.  The Harry Barker Canines for Veterans product line continues to gain attention in the retail world, Raising the communities awareness with attendance at upcoming events like the Conscience Fair in Wilmington on February 4th, Run for the Roses on February 12th in Raleigh, the Southeast Wildlife Expo in Charleston February 17-19th,  Coastal Living Show March 17-18th, the Walk on March 24th and a Pet Expo in Jacksonville, NC on March 31st. 


Our mission is only possible through the support of people in our communities.  People who show that support by volunteering and donating to the programs.  It's going to be a banner year, join us, you don't want to miss out!

Celebrating Independence

Injured in a training exercise, Andrew Goodrich has come a long way since his injury. Having spent the first 5+ months paralyzed from the neck down, Goodrich is thankful for the ability to walk once again. Now, his walking will be aided by a special companion, Charity. Charity was trained by the prison handlers at the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune in the Carolina Canines for Veterans program. She will help Goodrich by being his moving hand rail to assist with his balance, pick up dropped items, and navigate just a little easier. Charity, previously named Dixie, came from Carteret County Humane Society as an 8 month old in November 2008. In just 8 months, with the guidance of the prison handlers, she has turned her life around from a throw-away canine to one valued at $38,000 knowing over 70 tasks. Charity is the fifth placement from the Carolina Canines for Veterans program providing just under $200,000 in services to our wounded warriors.

So, how can you get involved in this triple-win program? We do need your financial support to continue to provide wounded warriors and others with quality trained service dogs. All of the costs for the Carolina Canines for Veterans program are the responsibility of Carolina Canines. From food and treats to vet care and leashes, we do need your help to continue to serve those that defend our freedom. PetSmart or PetCo gift cards would help to provide food and treats for the dogs in training.

In our civilian program the wait list is 2-4 years. We need your help to raise and train a service dog and give someone the gift of independence. If you can’t raise a dog for someone in need, sponsor one by making a monthly donation of $100. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and you are giving the benefit of independence to someone in need.