Who we are

Carolina Canines for Service (CCFS) is a non-profit health and human services organization that provides people with disability quality trained service dogs. CCFS is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained dogs.

History

Since its inception in 1996 by President/CEO and co-founder Rick Hairston, CCFS has provided almost $3 million in services throughout the entire east coast.  To help people live a more independent life with their disabilities, service dogs can take up to 36 months to become fully trained before being placed with individuals with mobility impairments such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, spinal cord injury, stroke/traumatic brain injury, severe heart conditions, arthritis and poor balance.  Operating entirely on private donations as well as community and corporate grants, service dogs are placed at no cost to the recipient and valued at over $38,000.

CCFS programs include

Carolina Canines for Veterans is a national pilot program that teaches prisoners at the Camp Lejeune brig in Jacksonville, N.C. to train service dogs for wounded veterans.  Within 18 months of the program five (5) wounded warriors have received their service dogs.

Carolina Canines for Therapy program trains owners and their dogs to provide animal-assisted visitations in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, group homes and treatment facilities.

Paws for Reading is part of the Carolina Canines for Therapy program, where therapy dogs help children struggling  to improve their reading and communication skills

Foster Puppy program finds volunteers to raise a service dog in their home for 24 months while undergoing a service dog program

Upcoming Events

Join us on Friday, October 2, 2009 for and Fall Italian Feast at Carrabba's Italian Grill benefitting Carolina Canines for Service.  Two seatings available one at 11:30 a.m. and the second at 12:30 p.m. take out available.  Tickets limited, reserve early, donation of $20.00 per ticket. Click here to register online!

In the News

3rd Annual Walk for Those Who Can't

March 28, 2009

Thank you to our Sponsors, Volunteers, Team and Individual Walkers for a great event!