Wanted: Dog-loving walkers to support CCI

In just over a month, Canine Companions for Independence will hold its annual DogFest Walk ‘n Roll in Orlando, and more people are needed to support this vital organization.

Six months ago, J.P. was matched with his skilled companion dog, Karina, at team training at the Southeast Regional Center for CCI in Orlando.

Paige and I were amazed at the dedication shown by the staff at the center, and the amount of work they put into every dog that enters the program.

There’s a ton of work involved to turn a puppy into a service dog. and the organization estimates the cost of training each dog at about $60,000.

Beyond the training, there’s plenty of paperwork involved. It took about a year for us to go through the application process and interviews before the right dog was found for J.P.’s needs.

It’s a nonprofit organization that began in California in 1975 and has placed more than 4,000 service dogs to disabled individuals across the country at no cost to them.

The organization is funded entirely through private contributions from the public, gifts from businesses, civic groups and service clubs.

That’s where you come in: I would deeply appreciate your support of Team J.P. at the DogFest Walk ‘n Roll at the University of Central Florida on Nov. 9.

Lace up your walking shoes and join us for a fun-filled afternoon. You can even bring your own dog to walk at the event — at least those who are well-behaved.

Please take time to register for the walk and let me know. I’ll add you to our team.

If you can’t join us for the event, there is a big need to help our Southeast Regional Center to train and place more Canine Companions. Please consider a donation to Team J.P.

I can’t thank you enough for even considering joining us and supporting this worthy organization.

Karina, J.P. and Paige thank you, as well.

If you have questions, just leave them as a comment to this post, and I’ll do my best to get answers.