Canine Assistants

10/09/2026

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ❌2️⃣🔦 Meet Brian and Lauren, a married couple who volunteers at Canine Assistants together. They were certified in 2023 after learning about CA through a volunteer who regularly had dogs with him at the gym. “The dogs were so friendly and well-behaved that we found ourselves asking more and more questions about the program. The more we learned about the difference it makes in people’s lives, the more interested we became. Before long, we decided that we wanted to be part of it and applied to become volunteers,” Brian shared.
 
“Our family loves volunteering together. We have three boys who enjoy playing with the dogs outdoors and get especially excited when we bring them to sporting events or school functions where they can visit with their friends.
For Lauren and me, one of the most rewarding parts is getting to know each dog’s unique personality and watching them grow throughout the program. Knowing that these dogs will go on to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others makes the experience incredibly fulfilling. Volunteering has given our family an opportunity to serve together, build new relationships, and be part of something that truly makes a difference.” Thank you, Brian and Lauren! You are truly a power couple and we’re lucky to have you! 🦮♥️

09/25/2026

FEATURE FRIDAY: Childhood Cancer Awareness Month edition🎗️🏥🐾 Meet facility dog Opry and her child life specialist handler, Kate. They have been working together at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston since 2024. When asked about Opry’s impact, Kate shared, “As our first facility dog, Opry’s impact is felt throughout Dana-Farber and beyond. Supporting our pediatric patients through the many demands of treatment, Opry’s ability to bring joy and comfort is unmatched. In a recent quality improvement study, one caregiver noted, ‘I saw my daughter go from completely terrified walking into doctor’s appointment to just running to get the chance to see Opry. She legitimately saved my daughter’s life if you ask me.’” Good girl, Opry! ♥️🦮

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Jimmy Fund

09/20/2026

Today is National Service Dog Day! The love, loyalty, and selflessness that service dogs share with their people is second to none. We could simply never celebrate these incredible dogs enough! We don’t deserve dogs, but we spend every day trying to be worthy. 🦮🐕‍🦺♥️ We’d love for you to share the name of an amazing service dog you know in the comments below.

09/18/2026

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🔦 Meet Kary, a Canine Assistants volunteer since 2022. When we asked about her experience, she shared, “l absolutely LOVE working with the CA dogs! They are all so wonderful. I enjoy bringing the dogs home, loving on them, socializing them and just having fun with the dogs. I feel lucky to be able to be a part of the process that allows these amazing dogs to go on to have such a positive impact on so many people. I follow all of the dogs I work with on social media, and I love seeing their successes.” Thank you, Kary, for all the love, time and attention you put into the dogs. We are so lucky to have you! ♥️🦮

08/26/2026

It’s the best day of the year; National Dog Day! There is simply nothing better on Earth than dogs, and we celebrate them today (and every day!). 🥳🙌🏼🐾

08/22/2026

08/21/2026

FEATURE FRIDAY: Hospital edition! 🏥 Meet Rainier, from our National Parks litter. As one of our most recent graduates, Rainier has been working USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital in Mobile, AL, since June. Rainier’s handlers are Emma (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist) and Brenda (Certified Child Life Specialist). They shared, “Rainier assists children and women with coping, conversations, therapeutic play, alternative focus, procedural preparation and support. She assists in clinical treatment goals, bereavement support, service recovery, ambulation, and non-pharmacological pain management. 

“Rainier often visits the USS Hope Infusion Center and offers comfort and support to patients who experience port accesses, IV placements, and vital signs. Rainier loves to help her friends through difficult times, offer unconditional love, motivate patients to reach goals and help overcome challenges.” Good girl, Rainier! ❤️🐾🗻

08/21/2026

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🔦 Meet Carolyn! She became certified in February of this year, and she has made an incredible impact in her first 7 months with us. It all started five years ago. “I met the cutest black lab puppy in his little green vest while he was walking with a CA volunteer. With my love for dogs, I knew I would be a volunteer one day,” she said. “I have enjoyed being a part of each dog’s story and sharing their story with all the people we meet. I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces - the dog, child or adult, with each interaction. Each of the dogs I have worked with have brought me so much joy while doing everyday things. Although each dog is different, they all are so gentle, sweet, and sometimes a little silly.” Thank you, Carolyn! Between fostering, outings, donations, and Kids Camp, you have done so much for CA already. We can only imagine how much more of an impact you’ll make over time! ❤️🐕‍🦺

08/19/2026

We have very exciting news to share! 🥳📣 Mama Lizzie delivered a litter of sweet puppies yesterday! We can’t wait to watch these puppies grow into dogs who will make impacts beyond what we can even imagine. With a new family moving into our nursery very soon, and a hospital camp right around the corner (!), we are in great need of your support through our wishlist. There are many items on the list under $10! If you can help, shop here 🛒 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2B3I4V7ZK78P7?ref_=wl_share Thank you so much for your support! 🙏🏼

08/17/2026

Today is National Nonprofit Day. We are beyond grateful to all of our supporters; without you, we can’t do what we do. Our organization relies 100% on the support of people who believe in us. Thank you! ❤️