"I thought she was gonna be calmly walking toward me … nope."
-- TinaMarie Sifford
As four of Canine Companions’ golden retriever and Lab mixes walked across the makeshift stage, there were no diplomas, no caps and no gowns.
Instead, there were orange leashes, blue vests and wagging tails as Arugula, Chives, Bubba IV and Dawson VIII graduated to become official service dogs and walked, or in Arugula’s case, ran, right into their new owners’ arms.
Friday’s graduation ceremony was part of Canine Companions’ nearly 50-year mission to provide free service animals to people with disabilities. Florida’s Southeast Region chapter in Orlando, which hosted the ceremony, will celebrate 25 years of service on June 20.
Read more at the Orlando Sentinel