Since 1975, Canine Companions® has bred, raised, and expertly trained service dogs in over 40 commands designed to assist and motivate clients with special needs. Yosa, a two-year-old Labrador / Golden Retriever mix, has been selected to work for the Seal Beach Police Department because of her unobtrusive and calm demeanor necessary in a criminal justice setting.

The Seal Beach Police Department will utilize Police Facility Dog Yosa to:

• aid in the investigation of crimes,
• provide comfort to victims and witnesses during interviews and court proceedings,
• help victims process grief and loss,
• lower tension and stress of community members and staff after traumatic events,
• work with children to build relationships,
• conduct senior citizen visits and welfare checks
• engage with the public during community events,
• and so much more!

For nearly 46 years, Canine Companions has been enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by training and placing more than 6,700 service dogs with program graduates, including more than 230 dogs with military veterans and more than 2,000 dogs with children. The estimated cost of a highly trained Canine Companions facility dog like Yosa, and all follow up support, is $50,000, however each facility dog is provided at no cost. Canine Companions depends on the support of tens of thousands of donors and volunteers to match facilities and people in need with a service dog like Yosa entirely free of charge.

ABOUT CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE

Canine Companions for Independence provides highly trained service dogs to children and adults with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six regional training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. For more information, visit www.cci.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.