Here at happytails we LOVE Canine Companions for Independence and they are our charity of record. It’s such a beautiful thing to see how dogs and humans working together can accomplish so much.  Every few weeks we are going to post inspirational stories from CCI, and who knows, if you are touched, think about adding CCI to your list of non-profits!

Maurice Harrison, Cory’s father. Ten year-old Cory was injured in an automobile acccident six years ago that rendered him paralyzed from the neck down.

Prior to Melly, Cory’s classmates would frequently focus all of their attention on Cory’s wheelchair and tracheotomy tube. But now, the attention has shifted away from his disability and towards his partenership with Melly.

"Now kids don’t look at the trach tube, but instead notice Cory and Melly as a pair. They wish that they had a dog llike Melly for themselves, " says Maurice.

Cory’s favorite part of having a Skilled Companion ? The kisses, constant love and attention. While Cory has no feeling from the neck down, and generally hates getting his face wet, he makes an exception for Melly. Cory’s dad marvels, "The joy in Cory’s face when Melly lavishes him with kisses is delightful to watch."

Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is the most amazing organization. It’s a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs like the one in the photo.

Basically, people in wheelchairs (children and adults) are given these highly trained dogs to help them with day to day tasks. The bond that the dog and student form is deep and very endearing.

Before we decided to make CCI our charity of record we went down to CCIs facility in San Diego and watched the new teams work together– it was like a first date. The dog and student were figuring each other out, how each other moved and reacted to the world. The dogs were so cute and so willing to work and help out. It literally brought tears to our eyes!

CCI is looking for volunteers…Every assistance dog starts as a puppy that needs a loving home. You can raise a dog and change a life. Volunteer puppy raising is an incredible way to help children and adults with disabilities live more independent lives.

How you can help:

• raise a puppy for 15 months
• feed it, love it and teach it
• tell a friend about us

To learn more go to www.cci.org

Los Angeles-based happytails sells and markets problem-solving spa, grooming & wellness for the dog about town. happytails Canine Spa Line uses the finest (“better than human quality”) ingredients available to pamper, soothe and beautify today’s harried hound.

To read about the boy in the photo, click here