The largest single fund raiser of the year for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit organization providing highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults with disabilities and veterans for free, will bring together golfers and dog lovers at the Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic on Friday, September 20 at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale.
Registration for the four-person scramble format tournament begins at 7 a.m. Golfers will tee off at 8 a.m. with an awards luncheon and silent auction to follow. Registration (ccigolf.dojiggy.com) is $175 per person or $700 per team and includes golf, a tournament shirt, a goody bag, contests and the awards luncheon. Sponsorships also are available.
CCI is privately funded from individuals, businesses, civic groups, service clubs, grants and fund raising activities. There is no government funding. CCI breeds labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and crosses of the two to become assistance dogs.
Highly trained volunteers train dogs to provide services such as:
• Service dogs to assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks
• Skilled companions to enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities
• Hearing dogs to alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds
• Facility dogs to work with a professional in a visitation, education or healthcare setting
The average service life for each dog is eight years, and retired dogs are adopted as pets. For more information about Canine Companions for Independence or to apply for a dog, visit cci.org.
