Canine Companions shared a social media video showing a poignant step in its service-dog program.
Before being placed with new handlers, the dogs get to see the volunteers who helped raise them one final time.
Here's what to know
The video shows dogs nearing their service-animal "graduation" reuniting one last time with the puppy raisers who cared for them at Canine Companions.
Canine Companions PR representative Tami Kelly told Good Good Good that these reunions are a familiar part of the nonprofit's process.
The clip shows wagging dogs rushing toward familiar people — including an especially enthusiastic black Labrador whose greeting sends both dog and former trainer toppling backward.
"Right before they graduate as service dogs matched with a person who needs them, most of our dogs reunite with the volunteers who raised them from eight weeks to about 18 months of age," Kelly said via email. "These reunions are so heartwarming."
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Puppy raisers help guide dogs through a critical stage of development, laying the foundation for the advanced training that comes next.
Where can I learn more?
That bond shows up in all kinds of ways. From a service dog honored at a college graduation to rescue and conservation dogs protecting people and wildlife, these stories highlight the range of work dogs can do.
• At Texas Tech, a service dog receiving a diploma made graduation day even more emotional.
• At home, a shelter rescue dog alerted its owner to a dangerous propane leak.
• In the field, a talented Labrador sniffed out rare turtle species for conservationists.
• Researchers found training dogs to detect diseases also transformed conservation work.
• In Wisconsin, former lab beagles found homes after a remarkable rescue effort.
Each one offers a different window into how closely dogs and people can work together. It also helps explain the deep loyalty programs like Canine Companions inspire in volunteers and handlers.
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