Canine Support Teams, Inc

On this solemn day, as we remember and reflect on the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we also take time to honor the unsung heroes who contributed so much during that dark time—our four-legged companions. Amidst the chaos and destruction, hundreds of specially trained dogs were deployed to Ground Zero, working alongside first responders to bring hope and support in unimaginable circumstances.

Within hours of the attacks, search and rescue dogs, police K-9 units, therapy dogs, and other specially trained canines were tirelessly at work. The search and rescue dogs combed through the debris for survivors, often working 12-hour shifts in challenging conditions. Alongside them, therapy and comfort dogs provided much-needed solace to the brave men and women sifting through the rubble, offering moments of emotional relief during an overwhelming tragedy.

Today, we honor not only the 2,977 innocent lives lost in the attacks but also the nearly 9,000 responders and the 300 dedicated dogs who gave their all in the aftermath. These four-legged heroes symbolize resilience, strength, and the unwavering bond between humans and animals in the face of adversity. Their contributions, just like those of the human responders, remain etched in our hearts and memories.

Before receiving Domino, Guiseppe faced numerous challenges managing his day-to-day activities. Like many people who rely on service dogs, he experienced difficulties that often limited his independence. But once Domino entered his life, things began to change dramatically.

“After suffering a life changing brain injury (hemorrhagic stroke due to blunt force trauma) which took me 15 years to get properly diagnosed, that period of time led to a lack of much needed care and rehabilitation. Which in the end made my injury worse and deteriorated my cognitive and executive functioning abilities over time. The last medical resort was getting a life changing service dog from Canine Support Teams to give me the much needed support that was essential out in the world.
That’s when I met Domino. Thanks to many who banded together with their outreach to help raise funds to help Domino, I have found new purpose in life when everything came tumbling down.
I have a silent guardian and watchful protector in my need for gaining more independence in daily life and a new physical counterpart to my own physical needs relating to my injury. He is able to provide life changing task work (over 60) that helps me more than any doctor or human could.
He is an experience of non-verbal communication and connection that I did not know existed before. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and to CST for being a program that has a wide reach to those with disabilities that may not be visible to the naked eye.”

The impact of service dogs is profound and extends far beyond the tasks they perform. They provide a renewed sense of independence and the companionship that can transform lives. Guiseppe’s journey with Domino is just one example of the life-changing connection that exists between service dogs and their handlers.

🦮Honoring Our Beloved Service Animals on National Pet Memorial Day🐕‍🦺

While we celebrate Service Dog Appreciation Month, we take a moment to remember those who have passed on. Tahoe, pictured, survived the loss of his first handler and passed away earlier this year. Animals touch our lives in ways words often can't capture. The bond between service dogs and their handlers is profound and everlasting—a connection that endures forever.

Today, on National Pet Memorial Day, we honor all the animals who live on in our memories. Service dogs have a life-changing impact on their handlers, and their passing leaves an unimaginable void. Beyond companionship and comfort, they empower handlers to lead independent lives. When a handler loses their dog, their entire world shifts.

We invite you to make a memorial gift to support our mission of saving lives, one dog at a time. Service dogs typically work 8-9 years; with an average lifespan of 13 years, handlers may partner with several dogs throughout their lives to maintain independence. Your support will help us meet the needs of these handlers and provide service dogs to those who need them most.

Donate today and make a lasting difference in the lives of handlers and their incredible service dogs by visiting https://caninesupportteams.org/donate/
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Canine Support Teams, Inc Canine Support Teams provides specially trained Service Dogs to support the personal, social, and oc

Celebrating Service Dog Appreciation Month: A Tribute to Puppy Raisers

During Service Dog Appreciation Month, we honor the incredible service dogs, their handlers, and the life-changing impact they create together. But we must not forget where it all begins.

The dedication of our volunteer puppy raisers is at the heart of Canine Support Teams’ mission. These volunteers open their homes and hearts to young puppies, teaching them basic obedience, socialization, trust, bravery, and—most importantly—love.

The first year of a puppy’s life is critical to its future success as a service dog. Our puppy raisers ensure that the puppies are exposed to various environments and experiences, preparing them for what they will encounter in their future roles. This nurturing and education lay the groundwork for formal service dog training.

While being a puppy raiser is undoubtedly challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding. Those who take on this responsibility do so out of love for dogs and a desire to grant independence to people with disabilities.

During Service Dog Appreciation Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our puppy raisers. Without your selfless contributions, Canine Support Teams could not have provided life-changing support to individuals for over 35 years.
If you're interested in becoming a puppy raiser and making a difference in the lives of those with disabilities, please visit our puppy raiser page at https://caninesupportteams.org/puppy-raisers/.

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It is generally understood that service dogs perform a task for the handler to help mitigate a disability. While that is true, having a service dog can also improve emotional health and social, work, or school experiences. Those with a service dog report an overall higher quality of life.

That is the case with Brian and his dog Champ. He explains:

“Having a service dog has dramatically impacted my daily life for the better. Besides assisting me with daily tasks, such as opening doors, turning on lights, retrieving dropped objects, assisting me to stand, and help encourage me to walk more often, Champ has given me mental confidence to live a normal public life again. I was never able to comfortably go out in public before. I had given up on traveling or hiking outdoors, which were activities I truly enjoyed. Champ has helped give me the ability and confidence to be able to do those things again. Champ is more than just a service dog to me, he is my partner and my best friend. The value a service dog brings to a person’s life is priceless. I am truly grateful and blessed.”

Brian's experience underscores the deep bond that can develop between a service dog and their handler, transforming the relationship into one of partnership and friendship. This bond often leads to an improved quality of life, greater independence, and a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in daily life.

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Celebrating National Service Dog Appreciation Month highlights the incredible bond between service dogs and the people they support. Brendan and his dog, Eclipse, offer a powerful testimony to this connection:

"Dogs are indeed humans’ best friends. Eclipse is my best friend. The last few years have been a blur, and I struggle to remember how fast my life has changed. I was partnered with Eclipse, who [was] generously donated to me by Canine Support Teams in the summer of 2022. In these past two years, Eclipse and I have grown to understand each other. She knows me better than I know myself. My days are very different than they were just two years ago. Most days, I’m hooked up to an IV for 20 hours. She knows when I’m not feeling great. She goes with me almost everywhere I go; she’s always right by my side. My family calls her my doctor with paws. Eclipse has walked down the halls of Congress and Senate and has helped thousands of veterans like myself fight for veterans' and servicemembers' rights. With Eclipse by my side, I know everything will be okay. Thank you, Canine Support Teams."

Testimonials like this truly reflect our mission of transforming lives, one dog at a time. With your support, we can continue to build amazing teams like Brendan and Eclipse. Please consider making a donation to help us create more success stories like theirs.
https://caninesupportteams.org/donate/

Everyone here at Canine Support Teams is wagging their tails in celebration and wishing you a fantastic Labor Day! Whether you're soaking up the sun with friends and family, grilling up some tasty treats, or just kicking back and relaxing (we see you, couch potatoes!), we hope your weekend is filled with joy and peace.
Just a friendly reminder: our offices will be closed on Monday to observe the holiday, but don’t fret! We’ll be back and ready to assist you on Tuesday morning, recharged and excited!
Enjoy all the fun this weekend brings, and we can't wait to catch up when we return!

Join us in celebrating National Service Dog Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the incredible contributions of service dogs and their handlers. These loyal companions are highly trained professionals who provide indispensable assistance to individuals with disabilities, enhancing their quality of life and fostering independence. From guiding the visually impaired to alerting those with hearing loss or detecting medical conditions, service dogs perform a variety of tasks that require intelligence, dedication, and an unwavering bond with their handlers. This month, let's raise awareness about the vital role these amazing animals play in our communities and express our gratitude for their unwavering service and companionship. Whether through social media shoutouts, donations to service dog organizations, or simply educating others, there are many ways to show your appreciation and support.

And this is how it all begins.

🎉 Happy Birthday, Blossom and Oakley! 🎉

We're sending all our love and best wishes to these two on their special day! 🎂🐾 They celebrated in style with all their friends, enjoying a fantastic outing and indulging in some delicious pup cups! 🐶🍦

Here's to many more adventures! 🥳🎈

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Well-raised puppies are the heart of our organization, and you can be part of this vital journey! Without dedicated puppy raisers, our mission wouldn’t be possible.
Do you love dogs?
Do you want to make a difference in others' lives?
Raising a puppy for service work requires dedication and care but is essential to the success of Canine Support Teams. If you are ready to commit to training a puppy and exposing them to various experiences, you are on the path to becoming a successful puppy raiser. It is a significant responsibility, but the rewards are immense. You’ll be shaping the future of these dogs and the lives they will touch.
To learn more about how you can become a puppy raiser, visit the PUPPY RAISER PAGE on our website.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Canine Support Teams family!

Canine Support Teams, Inc Canine Support Teams provides specially trained Service Dogs to support the personal, social, and oc

Happy National Dog Day! 🎉🐶
Today is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the incredible contributions of our canine companions, especially service dogs who go above and beyond in their support. Here are some fascinating facts about these amazing animals:
Historical Helpers: Dogs have been working alongside humans for thousands of years. From ancient hunting partners to modern-day service animals, they've continually adapted to meet our needs.
Veteran Assistance: Since the Civil War, dogs have played a crucial role in assisting veterans. They've provided emotional support, helped build camaraderie, and served as comforting reminders of home.
Pioneering Service: The first organization dedicated to training service dogs was established in Germany over a century ago, specifically to support veterans. Today, service dogs have positively impacted millions of lives. In the U.S. alone, there are around 500,000 working service dogs.
Versatile Tasks: Service dogs are trained to perform a vast array of tasks tailored to individual needs. Whether it's alerting someone to low blood sugar, providing assistance after a seizure, or even simple tasks like opening a door, their capabilities are remarkable.
Breed and Size Diversity: There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to service dogs. While different breeds and sizes may excel in different tasks, any dog with the right training can offer specialized assistance.
Beyond their specific duties, dogs contribute to our overall well-being. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, lower blood pressure, motivate physical activity, alleviate stress, and enhance mental and cognitive health.
So, today, let’s honor our four-legged friends by giving them a little extra love and maybe an extra treat. They truly make our lives better every day! 🐕❤️

As students continue to go back to school, we want to highlight one of our puppy raisers who went back to school with her puppy.
Deborah, from La Crescenta, is raising Sierra. When asked about her experience, she said “When Brendan, a recipient of a CST Service Dog asked me if I would ever consider being a puppy raiser, I didn't have to think about it very long. As a parent of a young adult with a service dog, I have seen first hand the difference these dogs can make in a person's life. I also knew what a positive impact Sierra would have on my students with special needs. My school district was onboard, as they have a few teachers in the district that are puppy raisers for other agencies. To say this was an amazing opportunity for both my personal life and work life is an understatement. Sierra has already brought joy to my students with significant disabilities, as well as the staff and administration at our campus. She can teach my students so much more about life skills and social skills than any curriculum can.”
Deborah, thank you for raising Sierra and for helping teach the next generation about service dogs.

Rachelle is one of our local, first-time puppy raisers. As millions of children head back to school, we asked Rachelle about her experience raising a puppy while being the parents of two kids starting school.

Rachelle explained:

How do I juggle training a puppy for Canine Support with a 12 year old and a 13 year old with school starting? I use dog training Moose as a time to reflect on our energy and how it affects the dog during our training sessions. When we are calm the dog listens and performs much better and when we are worried and anxious, Moose is more rambunctious and doesn't follow the commands. It has helped us grow closer because we train him together. When we attend the monthly training sessions either at the facility or out in public the other puppy trainers have welcomed us into the class like an extended family. My girls and I really enjoy the other puppy trainers and their pups. It has been a very fulfilling experience.
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Gigi, currently raising Peaches in Reno, Nevada, has 4 girls heading back to school. Gigi and her family have “been involved with CST in other aspects, raising money and monthly donations. My daughters and I have seen Brenda raise puppies over the years and it's something we've wanted to be a part of and experience to help people that have a need for a service dog.”
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🎉🐾 Welcome to the family, Helene! 🎉🐾
We’re thrilled to introduce our newest trainee, the adorable 8-week-old Golden Retriever who is sure to steal your heart! Helene has joined us from the wonderful Tammy at Blessed Goldens, and we can't wait to see her shine!
Over the next few days, Helene will be settling into our facility, where our dedicated trainers and kennel staff will ensure she is healthy and ready for her exciting journey with her puppy raiser. During this special time, we’ll be focusing on socializing her and teaching her the foundational skills she’ll need.
Her incredible puppy raiser, Ruben from Moreno Valley, is eagerly waiting to meet her. We’re all bursting with excitement as we look forward to watching Helene grow and master all her new skills. Get ready for some adorable moments ahead!
Let's make this journey unforgettable! 🐶❤️✨

Dear Canine Support Teams Community,
We are thrilled to announce an important leadership transition within our organization. After 37 years of
visionary leadership, our beloved Founder and CEO, Carol Roquemore, is passing the baton to Darryl
Howard, who will be stepping in as our new CEO.
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To read the full announcement, please visit our website:
https://caninesupportteams.org/cst-announces-appointment-of-new-ceo/

For all of our bike riding friends, consider taking part in the “Ride The Vines” event! If you register under Canine Support Teams, 100% of the proceeds go directly to our cause. To sign up, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.tvbikecoalition.com🐶❤️

Today’s goes out to Ruben!
He not only committed to puppy raise for us, but has also worked tirelessly to assist on property with maintenance requests. We appreciate your hard work and dedication! 🥳

Meet the newest additions to CST’s puppies in training! 🐶❤️
(In order: Reno, Sierra, and Lake)
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*Interested in learning more about becoming a puppy raiser? Click the link in our bio to visit our website!

With the 4th of July festivities right around the corner, we want to give some tips on pet safety and wellness during fireworks 🎆:

1️⃣ Keep them indoors: Ensure your dog is inside the house during fireworks displays. Create a safe and comfortable space for them to retreat to, such as a quiet room with familiar bedding.

2️⃣ Provide distractions: Use calming distractions like background noise from a TV or radio to help drown out the fireworks sounds. Offering toys or treats can also help redirect their focus.

4️⃣ Identification: Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag that has your current contact information. In case they escape due to fear, this will help others return them to you.

5️⃣ Stay with your dog: If possible, stay with your dog during fireworks to provide comfort and reassurance. Your presence can help them feel more secure.

We hope you all have a safe and Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Disability Pride Month is observed in July to celebrate the diversity and achievements of people with disabilities.
At Canine Support Teams we are proud to provide our services to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and to advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities!
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June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day, a time to talk about and understand post-traumatic stress disorder.
Typical symptoms of PTSD include distressing dreams, persistent thoughts and recurring flashbacks about the traumatic event(s), numbing or avoidance of memories of the trauma, and triggered emotional responses.

At Canine Support Teams we understand that our service dogs provide invaluable support to individuals with PTSD, offering comfort, companionship, and a path to healing. 🐾💙

A special thank you to for sponsoring future service dog Jack at the Bronze level!

*Interested in sponsoring/naming a future service dog? Visit our website (link in bio) and under “raise a puppy” click the “sponsor a puppy” tab!

🌈 Celebrating Pride month with our amazing service dogs! 🐾🏳️‍🌈 These loyal companions support love, equality, and inclusivity every day. ❤️

🇺🇸 Happy Flag Day! 🇺🇸

A special thank you to one of our board members for generously sponsoring a Padres outing for a group of CST staff, puppy raiser, clients, and prison staff!
One of our clients who attended had not been to a ball game in over a decade, but was finally comfortable enough to attend one thanks to this outing! ⚾️

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength of survivors, raise awareness, and foster understanding. 💚
At Canine Support Teams, we understand and acknowledge Veterans who live with PTSD, and we work tirelessly to provide service dogs free of charge to them. These service dogs, through our PAWZ For Wounded Veterans Program, are specially trained to each unique person’s stressors and can perform tasks that disrupt the escalation of symptoms.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about our program and how to apply, click the link in our bio.
Let’s support each other and break the stigma surrounding mental health 💚

At CST we take pride in offering our services to our Veterans and active duty military members with disabilites! 🇺🇸🎖️
To learn more about how to apply for a service dog, click the link in our bio 👆