Canine Companions

Sep 20 - Jackie and Leon, her 11 week old trainee dog, Linden and Thor, her companion dog of 18 months, and Jerry Mosteller, a charter member of the club, explained the workings of this nonprofit organization. Canine Companions breeds, trains and places dogs with people who need a companion that can perform numerous tasks for them. 30-40% of trainee dogs become companions and serve their owners for approximately 10 years. Retired dogs and those that don't make the grade become pets. In the initial 15-18 weeks of training the dogs learn 30 commands and attend classes twice a month. That's followed by 6 months of intense training, included the last 2 weeks `with their new owner. Persons needing a companion dog come from all walks of life. 52 dogs were placed with wounded veterans during the last 2 years. See www.cci.org for more information. Sean Morrison, president of Tires Direst in Tempe, joined the club today. His father is a member of the Lake Havasu Rotary Club. John Lentz, our assistant district governor, also visited today.