Canine Companions for Independence, the Medford-based non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities, has created their own IPO, an Initial Puppy Offering, to help meet the skyrocketing demand for assistance dogs. Thursday morning Canine Companions supporters, graduates and volunteers were invited to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange thanks to Procter and Gamble’s Eukanuba Dog Foods. They’re the “Angel Investor” for the IPO and doubled the impact of this IPO by matching shares dollar-for-dollar with a generous donation of $100,000.
New York businessman, entrepreneur, and Canine Companions National Board Vice-Chair John Miller helped kick off the release of a limited supply of shares of “Not So Common Stock” to fund the next great class of Canine Companions assistance dogs.
Canine Companions Graduate Capt. James Van Thach (USA Ret.) of Queens, NY, also attend with his assistance dog Liz. Capt. Van Thach is a Purple Heart winner who was twice wounded while serving our country in Iraq. Also attending Thursday’s ceremonies was Eukanuba’s Julie Franklin, Canine Companions representatives, assistance dogs and puppies. One of the most popular characters that has been seen on the floor of the Stock Exchange in some time was Snoopy, with Jean Schulz being a longtime Canine Companions supporter.
Canine Companions has recently been honored by the Obama Administration with an invitation to participate in the Inaugural Day Parade on Jan. 21st.
About Canine Companions for Independence
Canine Companions for Independence is the largest non-profit provider of trained
assistance dogs with five regional training centers across the country. Established in 1975, Canine Companions provides highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. There is no charge for the dog, its training and on-going follow-up services. For more information, visit cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
