Getting Social…Puppy-Style

Espana, a Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) lab that the Joe Verde Group was honored to ‘name’, is in the first step of her ‘puppy training’ phase to become an assistance dog that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities, including wounded veterans…

Her volunteer CCI puppy raisers sent over these pictures of Espana out exploring the community and learning how to ice skate with the San Diego Gulls this season…In this phase of her training, puppy raisers play a critical role to provide basic obedience training, lots of socialization and extra TLC.

CCI is a non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs to recipients – free of charge since 1975. The organization is launching a special new program in September to help veterans with PTSD by utilizing assistance dogs. For more information on their Veterans Initiative, visit CCI.

Go Gulls! Go Espana!