Community Corner
Hard to say goodbye...
But Ridgewood Volunteer Puppy Raising family is ecstatic Assistance Dog Tinsel selected for breeding program at CCI
Photo: Cate Shipee and Tinsel
Canine Companions for Independence – a national non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilities – is proud to announce that Tinsel, a labrador retriever raised by Ridgewood volunteer Puppy Raiser mother and daughter Christine and Cate Shippee has recently been chosen for the organizations breeding program. This is quite an honor because it means Tinsel’s genes will be passed along to countless service dogs that are given to children and adults with disabilities at no charge.
Christine and Cate worked tirelessly with Tinsel, teaching her basic commands, and the all-important socialization skills. When she was old enough to begin advanced training, Tinsel was returned to the Canine Companions Northeast Regional Headquarters in Medford, NY where staff recognized outstanding traits that would make her an excellent member of the organizations breeding program.
Canine Companions for Independence Northeast Region Executive Director Debra Dougherty says, “Tinsel is a very special dog and we’re pleased her offspring will be part of the future of our organization. We can’t thank the Shippee family enough”.
ABOUT CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE: Canine Companions for Independence is the largest non-profit provider of trained assistance dogs with six regional training centers across the country. Established in 1975, Canine Companions provides highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training and on-going follow-up services. For more information, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
