DogFest DFW is going virtual to bring you… DogFest Texas! For precautionary reasons related to coronavirus (COVID-19), we are unable to gather in person as planned for DogFest DFW this year. But we can still gather together virtually from across the state to celebrate the human-canine bond. Join the fun virtually on our DogFest Texas Facebook event page beginning now and leading up to our virtual event October 3.
As a non-profit organization that relies 100% on fundraising and private donations, it is our hope that you will continue to fundraise using the DogFest Texas virtual platform. This will allow you to continue to support the mission of Canine Companions - to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing expertly trained assistance dogs free of charge. With the unforeseen economic changes tied to the coronavirus, your support of DogFest is even more critical this year.
Alli, retired U.S. Army Captain, received her new service dog from Canine Companions for Independence last November. Alli was partnered with a male yellow lab, Erik, who has already begun to impact her life.
On her second tour in Iraq in 2008, enemy fire severed Alli’s spinal cord. She is an incomplete quadriplegic T7, C5&6. Her injury left her in a wheelchair, with muscle spasms in her hands, legs and back, grip issues, and PTSD. Because of this, she drops items a lot, struggles to open doors, and has other mobility challenges. However, all of these things have just become easier with the addition of her service dog, Erik. He will do all of these things for Alli and more, giving her new energy and increased independence.
Alli decided to apply for a service dog after learning about Canine Companions through RISE and veteran teams at the Fort Worth VA. She researched several assistance dog organizations, and selected Canine Companions because of the 100 percent match rate and no cost to the recipients.
Alli lives in Keller with her husband, Don, and daughter, Amber. She stays busy, working for the Texas Department of State Health Services Vaccines for Children Program. She also enjoys making jewelry, sewing, and spending time with friends and family. Alli is excited that Erik has become her partner in all of this and more.
Canine Companions assistance dogs like Erik are trained in up to 50 commands before they are ready to become permanent helpers for people with disabilities. Thanks to generous donors, the dogs, their training, and ongoing follow-up support are provided completely free of charge to the recipients.
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BSWIF has raised more than $63 million since 1977 to help keep people from Irving and neighboring cities healthy. Read about how we've used these grants most recently here.
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