CCI is a national non-profit organization that breeds and trains puppies to become hearing, facility and service dogs. The program utilizes trained volunteer puppy raisers to raise the puppies in structured home environments during the critical first 24 months.
Lando at 2 months
As Assistance Dogs in Training, they are entitled to special status and accompany the Volunteer Puppy Raisers through all aspects of daily routines, including work, errands, travel, dining, etc.
Puppy Raisers must commit to participating in ongoing training and regular assessments for their assistance dog during the progression. In addition, they must be able to regularly bring their dog to their office, restaurants, cars, subways and other common environments to prepare the puppy for future roles as Assistance Dogs.
I was accepted into the program and matched with my first puppy, Lando, in December 2005. He completed the rigorous 6 month advanced training program in November 2007.
Philip Kiracofe · Adventure Capitalist 