Upstate NY Supporting Canine Companions for Independence!

Canine Companions for Independence, the nation’s largest non-profit providers of highly trained assistance dogs for children, adults and veterans with disabilities has a new volunteer chapter in the Albany area. “The mission of the Upstate New York Chapter is to support Canine Companions for Independence through fundraising and community awareness”, says chapter president and Albany resident Lee Sheldon. “If you love dogs, and have ever wanted to find out more about how assistance dogs help people with disabilities, we encourage you to get involved with our chapter. The Upstate NY Volunteer Chapter is an extension of the Northeast Regional Training Center based in Medford, New York. We work to raise awareness, recruit new puppy raisers and volunteers, and support one another’s work on behalf of the Canine Companions’ mission.”

Sheldon says, “We are a lively network filled with opportunities for social engagement, and fundraising. Beyond the satisfaction of doing good work for Canine Companions for Independence, lifelong friendships are often formed among chapter members. If you are interested in working with our chapter, contact us. We have monthly meetings, and all are welcome. We’d love to meet you!”

For more information, contact Lee Sheldon: cciupstatenychapter@gmail.com or John Bentzinger: jbentzinger@cci.org High resolution photos available on request.

About Canine Companions for Independence: Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country, including Calif., Fla., Ohio, N.Y. and Texas. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training and ongoing follow-up services. For more information, call 1-800-572-BARK or visit www.cci.org.