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Fat Tony's and Carolina Canines Team Up for ChowdaFest

Wilmington, N.C.- ChowdaFest has gone to the dogs. Fat Tony's Italian Pub has teamed up with Carolina Canines For Service, a non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities, to host the Seventh Annual ChowdaFest on November 7.

Starting at noon, festival-goers will gather on the back patio of Fat Tony's at 131 Front Street to enjoy a steaming cup of clam chowder. It's "chowda" any way you like it, with three styles to choose from: New England, Manhattan or local Down East. The $5 admission fee includes one cup of your choice. Additional cups may be purchased. Live music will be provided by The Phantom Playboys and Harbour Town Fest Band. For more information, check out the festival's website at http://www.chowdafest.com/Home_Page.html

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 37 service dogs, valued at more than $1.5 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Registration is now open for Carolina Canines for Service third annual Walk for Those Who Can't

WILMINGTON, N.C.- Registration is now open for the third annual fundraising walk benefiting Carolina Canines for Service, on Saturday, March 28 at 9 a.m., at "The Loop" in Wrightsville Beach. Teams and individuals can register for the Walk For Those Who Can't online by visiting www.walkforthosewhocant.org or calling (910) 362-8194.

A minimum donation of $20 is required to participate in the walk, and a minimum $30 donation is required to receive a walk t-shirt. On the day of the event, sign-in and on-site registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk around Wrightsville Beach's 2.45 mile loop begins at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their canine companions.

Last year more than 300 individuals participated in the Walk For Those Who Can't, raising more than $20,000 for Carolina Canines' programs. Funding was used to support growing programs within the organization such as the Carolina Canines for Veterans program. In the last three months of 2008 alone, three service dogs, valued at $38,000 each, were placed with wounded warriors. The dogs for the Veterans program are trained in the Camp Lejeune prison, making it the only program in the country in which military prisoners train rescued shelter dogs to become service dogs for their wounded comrades.

This year, as the Veterans program continues to grow, Carolina Canines will also launch its own therapy animal training program, with curriculum designed by Carolina Canines Founder and Executive Director Rick Hairston. Members of the public who have pets that have passed basic obedience courses can register to train as a pet therapy team and volunteer in children's reading programs (Paws for Reading), hospitals, nursing homes, Hospice and more. In 2009, Carolina Canines will also continue to operate its Domestic Violence Animal Awareness Program. As a part of that program, victims of domestic violence who are scared to leave their home for fear that harm will be inflicted on their pet, can call the police department, who in turn contacts Carolina Canines to pick up the pet and house it for up to 90 days, free of charge, while the victim seeks shelter.

"There has never been a greater demand for our programs, so to our end, there has never been a greater need for funding," said Executive Director Rick Hairston. "This walk is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our many programs and support our mission through a sponsorship or donation."

Support for the 2009 Walk For Those Who Can't comes in part from Merrill Lynch, Papa John's, NRL Builders, Inc. and Talk, Inc. Corporate sponsorship opportunities and volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals are still available by calling Carolina Canines at (910) 362-8194.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 31 service dogs, valued at more than $1.2 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Carolina Canines service dog leaves lasting legacy

WILMINGTON, N.C.- Saint, the first service dog trained and placed by Carolina Canines for Service (CCFS), passed away last week, but will leave behind a legacy of friendship and service that is not soon to be forgotten, said CCFS President & CEO Rick Hairston.

Saint was rescued by Southport Oak Island Animal Rescue from abusive owners and placed in the service dog training program in January 1997. The friendly mixed breed was trained as a mobility service dog who could pick up things as small as the back to an earring and open doors.

In December 1999, Saint was partnered with David Mickler and made his television debut on the University of North Carolina Wilmington program "Let's Talk" where he was given as a Christmas surprise to Mickler. Unable to find a parking space for his handicap accessible van, Mickler nearly gave up on attending the show. However, once inside he received a gift that changed his life, Saint.

Mickler said that one unexpected advantage of owning Saint was the way that Saint helped him to connect with other people. For example, when Saint accompanied Mickler to his son's soccer games, people would talk to Mickler about him which helped Mickler meet new people that might not have approached him otherwise.

"Saint could break down barriers," said Mickler, "People would see the dog and not the wheelchair and feel more comfortable approaching me."

Throughout his career Saint did many presentations in the community to educate the public about service dogs. After faithfully serving Mickler for nearly a decade and withstanding a spleen removal and cancer, Saint retired in 2007. During retirement he remained living with Mickler.

Saint's legacy consists not only of faithful service to Mickler but also of the education of the Wilmington community about the Carolina Canines For Service organization, service animals, friendship and compassion.

"We couldn't have trained a more loyal companion for David and we couldn't have asked for a more noble spokesdog for our organization," said Hairston. "Saint touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be dearly missed."

For those who have been touched by Saint's story and would like to memorialize him, contributions can be made in Saint's name by visiting www.carolinacanines.org. These contributions can help someone have the love and assistance that service dogs provide, which they may not be able to afford otherwise.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 31 service dogs, valued at more than $1.2 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Carolina Canines for Service launches 100-day fundraising campaign

WILMINGTON, N.C.- Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. will launch the Power of 10 fundraising campaign on Monday, August 3. The goal of the 100-day initiative is to raise $60,000 - the cost to train and place three service dogs. Carolina Canines' is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained dogs.

The Power of 10 fundraising concept starts with 10 supporters donating 10 dollars each to Carolina Canines. They, in turn, ask ten of their friends to do the same, who in turn ask ten more friends -- creating a powerful wave of support and fundraising dollars.

To kick-off the campaign, Carolina Canines invites volunteers, friends and supporters to stop by their office, located at 1200 N. 23rd Street, Suite 101 in Wilmington, on Saturday, August 1 from noon to 2:00 p.m. for complimentary hotdogs and drinks. Service dogs, Carolina Canines staff and board members will be on hand to answer questions about service dog training and other programs, such as Paws for Reading, Carolina Canines for Veterans and Animal Assisted Therapy.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 34 service dogs, valued at more than $1.3 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Carolina Canines for Service receives grant that helps drive community service efforts

WILMINGTON, N.C.- Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. received a $15,700 grant in April from the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation for the replacement of its company vehicle.

For Carolina Canines, the grant couldn't come too soon. The worn-out company vehicle nearly left Carolina Canines President/CEO Rick Hairston stranded in the heat with a client and a service dog due to mechanical malfunctions just last year. Hairston drives to the Camp Lejeune Brig three to five days a week to teach inmates how to train canines to serve wounded warriors returning from duty. Hairston also drives to Myrtle Beach monthly to train service dogs and around the state to deliver presentations. Stevenson Chrysler in Jacksonville, NC is working with Carolina Canines to provide a vehicle that accommodates their tight budget.

"Without a dependable vehicle we could not offer many of the services that we do," says Hairston "We greatly appreciate the Cape Fear Memorial Foundation grant that will provide us a with new vehicle and enable us to get out and meet people, share our mission and to be more involved in the community."

The Cape Fear Memorial Foundation is a private foundation located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The primary purpose of the foundation is to serve the health and medical needs of the people of Southeastern North Carolina. It supports charitable not-for-profit organizations that provide health and medical services and health education.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 32 service dogs, valued at more than $1.2 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Carolina Canines for Service receives grant from Corning Incorporated Foundation

WILMINGTON, N.C.- Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. received a $3,000 grant in August from the Corning Incorporated Foundation for support of service dog training. Carolina Canines' is a non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs to people with disabilities. It costs $38,000 to train one dog, but dogs are provided free of charge to qualified recipients due to individual contributions and corporate grants.

Corning Incorporated Foundation makes grants in support of education, culture and community service programs at the local level, and to select national and international programs. Carolina Canines For Service was selected for the grant based on its mission to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained dogs.

The Corning Incorporated Foundation is a private foundation located in Corning, NY with local operations in Wilmington, NC. The primary focus of the foundation is on projects that help support the quality of life in or near communities where Corning Incorporated is an active corporate citizen. The Foundation especially seeks to support activities where its funds can encourage wider community participation and financial support.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 34 service dogs, valued at more than $1.3 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Carolina Canines for Service Participates in Coastal Hounds "Walk The Town"

WILMINGTON, N.C.- The Shallotte Rotary Club will host Coastal Hounds "Walk The Town" on Saturday, October 10, to benefit the service dogs of Carolina Canines for Service, the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department K9 Unit and the Shallotte Police Department K9 Unit. Carolina Canines is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence and an enhanced quality of life through the services of specially trained dogs.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Shallotte Middle School, two-legged and four-legged participants can walk 1.2 miles on the Basset Hound track or take on the Top Hound Track for a full 2 miles. Rules and regulations for the walk can be found at http://www.coastalhounds.com/

Proceeds from the event are split in several ways. 60% of funds raised by the Rotary's GIVE A DOG A BONE fundraiser, done in conjunction with local schools, goes directly to the specific dog sponsored at Carolina Canines or the local K9 units. In addition, day-of proceeds will benefit ASPCA, PAWs Place, B.A.R.K and Shallotte Rotary Club.

Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains certified service dogs with the help of volunteer foster families, matches the dog to an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Since its inception in 1996, Carolina Canines has placed 36 service dogs, valued at more than $1.4 million. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

Congressman Walter B. Jones visits the Carolina Canines Military Prison Dog Training Program at the Camp Lejeune Brig

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Congressman Jones is scheduled to visit the Camp Lejeune Brig to observe the Carolina Canines Military Prison Dog Training program this Friday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.

The Camp Lejeune Brig took delivery of the first dogs Jan. 16 and has plans to use prisoners to train the canines to be working dogs for injured Marines returning from combat. The Carolina Canines Military Prison Dog Training program was created by Carolina Canines for Services Inc. to not only promote the well-being of the prisoners but give them a chance to give back to the Marine Corps community. Fully training a service dog takes two to three years and results in the dog capable of performing approximately 70 tasks used to assist a person with a disability. The dogs are often taken from a shelter and trained to do ordinary tasks for the recovering person, such as:

retrieving dropped/distant objects
pulling wheelchairs
opening doors
carrying items
physical support for mobility and transfers to/from wheelchairs
physical assistance to recover from a fall
dressing and undressing
assisting with household tasks such as bed making and laundry

This particular program is unique because the dogs are being trained by inmates who are Marines for Marines. The Brig staff is hoping the dogs, who are completely cared for by the inmates, will not only help in the reformation of the prisoners but also aid in the recovery process for the injured Marine.

Carolina Canines for Service receives $4,000 for one-of-a-kind veterans program

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Carolina Canines for Service, Inc. recently received a $4,000 donation from the Friends of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association Foundation. Carolina Canines President Rick Hairston accepted the check on April 23 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C., where he spoke to 100 animal science students about training service dogs for people with disabilities.
The donation will be used to support the Carolina Canines for Veterans program, which teaches prisoners in the Camp Lejeune Brig in North Carolina to train service dogs for wounded veterans. The pilot program is the first of its kind in the United States and is funded by private donations and grants to Carolina Canines. It costs $38,000 to train one dog, but dogs are provided free of charge to veterans.

"Our Foundation is committed to helping organizations that make a difference in the lives of both animals and people," said Dr. Chessie Green, president of the Friends of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association. "What Carolina Canines does to strength the human-animal bond is extraordinary and we are proud to support this organization's efforts."
"This donation helps to grow a very important program that makes a difference in the lives of our wounded soldiers across the southeast United States," said Carolina Canines President Rick Hairston. "We deeply appreciate the support of the veterinary community, which has been a significant ally in our cause."

Friends of NCVMA Foundation is a 501(c)3 fully tax-deductible charity whose purpose is to educate the public and students at all levels as to the science and art of veterinary medicine. For more information, visit www.ncvma.org.
Carolina Canines for Service is a non-profit corporation dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The group trains and certifies service dogs, matches them with foster families, finds an eligible recipient and provides the dog free of charge. Besides its service dog program, Carolina Canines also sponsors an Animal Assisted Therapy, Paws for Reading in elementary schools, Carolina Canines for Veterans and Domestic Violence Animal Assistance programs. For more information, call (866) 910-3647 or visit www.carolinacanines.org.

First Wounded Warrior to receive service dog trained by fellow Marines

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Carolina Canines in coordination with Camp Lejeune Brig personnel is pleased to present the very first military prison trained service dog specifically trained for a wounded veteran Friday at the Camp Lejeune Brig at 10:30 a.m.

Wounded Warrior Cpl. Chris Gray is scheduled to take full custody of Rocio (pronounced Roxie), an 18-month-old lab mix. Through multiple weekly lessons from the Carolina Canines instructors, Rocio was trained by inmates who were able to spend 24 hours a day, seven days a week, training her with the necessary skills to assist the wounded warrior.

The Brig took delivery of the first dogs Jan. 16 and has used inmates to train the canines to be working dogs for injured service members returning from combat. The Carolina Canines Military Prison Dog Training program was created by Carolina Canines for Services Inc. to not only promote the well-being of the prisoners but give them a chance to give back to the Marine Corps community. Fully training a service dog takes large amounts of time and commitment, but the result is a dog capable of performing approximately 70 tasks used to assist a person with a disability. The dogs are often taken from a shelter and trained to do ordinary tasks for the recovering person, such as:

retrieving dropped/distant objects
pulling wheelchairs
opening doors
carrying items
physical support for mobility and transfers to/from wheelchairs
physical assistance to recover from a fall
dressing and undressing
assisting with household tasks such as bed making and laundry

This particular program is unique because the dogs are being trained by inmates who are Marines for their fellow Marines. The Brig staff is hoping the dogs, who are completely cared for by the inmates, will not only help in the reformation of the prisoners but also aid in the recovery process for the injured Marine.