Canine Companions LTD

Responsibility with the Reward of Unconditional Love
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Canine Companions, LTD Mission

At Canine Companions, Ltd it is our mission to empower veterans with PTSD and children with autism spectrum disorder to live a life full of achievement and self-esteem.  By providing veterans and children with service dogs, we will not only boost their confidence but also enable them to live a life full of achievement and self-actualization. We can also arm them with a marketable skill that will allow them to give back to their communities as dog trainers.

About Us

Founded by Walter Hart, Jr. in 2001, Canine Companions, Ltd began its journey in the state of Michigan. We are a registered 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization that has been serving veterans for 20 years. Canine Companions, Ltd mission started with a focus of providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD and working with the veterans  to empower them to engage with their local communities and give back to their fellow veterans. We teach our veterans how to become dog trainers so they can train dogs that will provide invaluable emotional, mental, and physical support to their future veteran owners. Canine Companions, Ltd has accomplished this mission through working with the Los Angeles and Phoenix Dream Centers, which serve our nations veterans.

In 2021, Canine Companions, Ltd discovered another population that needs the help and empowerment that these service dogs can provide. Children with autism spectrum disorder face a special set of challenges in living daily life to their fullest potential. Canine Companions, Ltd has decided to meet this need by adding a program that will provide autistic children with service dogs trained to perform specific tasks that will enable the child to meet their full potential. Please see our Autism Program page to learn more about how a service dog can accomplish this amazing mission.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, we are an approved 501(c)(3) and can provide you with a receipt. Our IRS ID is 383591544 for your tax records.

How Effective is this for PTSD?
Sophie is a trained pit bull canine rescue animal who was given to Nick, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sophie was trained to be a service dog by Canine Companions to help Nick with his post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Service dogs can be trained to recognize various stressors and to intervene with dog magic. Sophie is there to keep her charge calm.
“I work three jobs, two of them are my own businesses, so there is plenty of stress,” Nick said. “In less than a month, she’s helped me more than the VA or any of the other groups I have gone to.”
How Effective is this for Autism?

Having a service dog that is trained properly can help a child feel safe and confident which decreases cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and reduces anxiety and improves sleep (Burrows and Adams, 2005).

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), ASD “is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges”. Having a service dog can help those who are experiencing these challenges.

Burrows, K. E., & Adams, C. L. (2005). Evaluating the benefits of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved on September 16, 2021, at www.cnaf.net/documents/NationalServiceDogsStudy.pdf

“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”, 2020; Retrieved from:     https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html

Is Your Organization Endorsed by Anyone?
Yes, we have had generous support and partnership in our mission from Pinal County Animal Care and Control. We are also endorsed by the California K-9 Academy, K.O.P.S. Kennel, Abbott German Shepards, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. We have references from the Agape International Spiritual Center, The Dream Centers of Phoenix and Los Angeles, and we have worked closely with Superstition Harley-Davidson on fundraising activities.
What Does My Donation Provide?
We receive some of our services for dogs through volunteer efforts and county support, but we still need to provide clean and safe environments for our rescued animals, as well as food, medical care, and supplies. Great trainers are also worth investing in, and we need dog trainers with many years of experience to provide the specialized training required by service dogs.
Are there other ways I can help?
Like all non-profit organizations, we need great board members, volunteers who can help with our fundraising car washes and other events, and our community to help share the message about our mission. We love our dogs and our veterans and we know that many of you also feel the need to give rescue dogs a second chance and to make sure our veterans get the services that make a difference in their lives. Please share our site with your friends and encourage them to donate. Even a little bit helps. If you want to volunteer, please reach out to find out how you can be of service. Email caninecompanionsltd0@gmail.com
“We have … a Belgium Malinois puppy we named Faith. She will provide an invaluable service to our veterans giving comfort, peace, and joy to all of our residents she comes in contact with some of whom cope daily with the effects of trauma and other combat related issues. As a trained Therapy Dog through Canine Companions LTD she will also provide us with an opportunity to reach out to other organizations and use her to benefit others by providing therapy to hospital residents and anyone else who might benefit from animal companionship.” Los Angeles Dream Center

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Open Hours

M-F: 9am – 5pm
S-S: by appt. only

Phone & Email

704-879-9220
staff@caninecompanionsltd.org

Where We Are

While Canine Companions, Ltd can work with individuals and families across the nation, our headquarters is currently located in Gastonia, North Carolina. We are incorporated in a total of 5 states to include Michigan, North Carolina, Mississippi, Arizona, and California. We currently have permission in all states to utilize the space of certain facilities for the purpose of training and boarding pups but have the goal to obtain the funds to purchase our own properties so that we can provide this amazing service more readily by having kennels and training facilities that are fully staffed by our nation’s veterans. Please click the “Donate Now” button or visit one of our Go Fund Me links to help contribute to this amazing goal.