Mission: Create a sustainable and replicable program that engages veterans throughout the U.S. to train dogs from high-kill shelters as cost-effective service, emotional therapy and companion dogs.
Results: Since our inception in September of 2010, we have placed 165 dogs in loving homes.
Target demographics: Shelter Dogs, Veterans and Children suffering with PTSD
Direct beneficiaries per year: 95 dogs, 71 Veterans
Geographic areas served: Utah
Programs: Assessment and placement of shelter dogs for Veterans and others in need of a well trained companion or emotional service dog. Free training program and support for those adopting through our "Train the Trainer Program". Dogs are also "pre-trained" in the Utah State Prison with inmate trainers.
Free adoptions and support for seniors wanting senior dogs and cats.
vigorishslc
Professional with expertise in this field
10/31/2013
Rating: 5
10/31/2013
I have been involved with this program for almost 2.5 years. I am constantly impressed by the commitment and drive of the wonderful volunteers. On a weekly basis I get to see veterans and their dogs making progress toward harmonious relationships and I am proud to be associated with CWAC.
shancicc
Professional with expertise in this field
10/31/2013
Rating: 5
10/31/2013
I have volunteered with CWAC, then hired a year ago. I have been working with shelter dogs and veterans closely. It is awesome to see how dogs can change a veterans life. I constantly point our to our participants any change I see in their own personality. I see a lot of smiles when thing go well. This is a great organization that I am happy to work for.
I used to train Seeing Eye dogs for the blind in NJ. I did this for 15 years. I loved the whole process of matching the right dog to the right person. Then, watching them blossom into a team was amazing to watch. The hard work I put into training a dog for a blind person and then watching what I did for someone was VERY rewarding. Because of my husband's job, I moved here to Utah and got involved with CWAC because of a good friend of mine. This program helps to match veterans with PTSD with the perfect dog that they themselves, through the expertise of a head trainer, will take classes to learn how to train there own service dog. Being involved with this whole process brings me back to my days working for The Seeing Eye. I feel the same reward for taking a shelter dog and matching them to a veteran who can change their life forever.
JMEM
Professional with expertise in this field
11/26/2012
Rating: 5
11/26/2012
I work with veterans everyday and recently became involved with Canines with a Cause. I have witnessed veterans improve greatly when they become involved in this program. Veterans feel connected to the work they are doing with their dog, it brings meaning and hope to their lives. The staff at CWAC is outstanding and have so much to offer both veterans and dogs. Thank you for the amazing work you are doing!
