Courageous Companions

06/14/2026

🐾 Did You Know? 🏥
Fully certified medical service dogs are permitted in hospitals to remain with their handlers and continue providing the support they rely on every day.
While service dogs are not allowed in sterile environments such as operating rooms or food preparation areas, they are generally permitted to accompany their handlers throughout most other areas of the hospital and even during some procedures. 🐾These highly trained dogs provide essential medical, psychological, and mobility support, helping their handlers navigate challenging situations with greater confidence and independence.
Service dogs are more than companions—they are vital members of their handler's healthcare team. ❤️🐕‍🦺🦮🇨🇦🎗We need your help, please share and donate today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CFRBVYQ99YXNL&fbclid=IwY2xjawSS0RxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFLZlNzdTFXY0FlWm5UNXlZc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrLU2qKttF4Tfk0_63mmSx4DqjKK5j7mlRRiIaycw5b9OclmPlVk9BmqL5ty_aem_hIucUMvIxlPBZT5i0l6YAA&ssrt=1728520441998

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

"🐶📸 Doggo Debut Challenge! — Drop a pic of your pup in the comments and tell us their name + their go-to move/pose- I’ll start: 👊Meet K9 Kenai, king of IGY6! ✨👇

06/11/2026

✨ Focus goes both ways! ✨
One of the first commands we teach our service dogs is “Focus.” This keeps the K9 checking in with their handler, offering eye contact, and staying calm even with distractions. 👀🐾 But it’s not just about the dog — the perfect focusing handler also plays a role! Acknowledging your dog’s eye contact, staying calm, and being consistent gives your K9 the reassurance they’re looking for. Together, that connection keeps the team strong and ready for anything. 💙🦮🇨🇦🎗We need your help, donate today:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CFRBVYQ99YXNL&fbclid=IwY2xjawR_IvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3b0hHN0Q4c3hackVJMlNBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk4GJ2sToV--pgRae8m67PmNbgjzfvYJtWzIO53u6ehWQPH7SRldgnoxA7MJ_aem_PnTOxRTQ3PIgU1AjOwYCzQ&ssrt=1728520441998

06/10/2026

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You to the Order of the Eastern Star! 🌟
We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation of $10,000 from the Order of the Eastern Star’s casino fund to Courageous Companions, a charity dedicated to providing service dogs for our Veterans. Your unwavering support has made a tremendous impact on our mission and the lives of those we serve.

We also want to take a moment to recognize our new Executive Director, Bonita Dykens, and our newly appointed Director of Training and Standards, John Dugas. We are excited to see how their leadership will continue to enhance our programs and make a difference in the lives of Veterans.

Thank you once again to the Order of the Eastern Star for your significant contributions. Together, we are making strides in providing essential support to those who have served our country. ❤️🐾

06/08/2026

🐾✨ Grooming Matters! ✨🐾
It’s important to have a well-groomed dog, especially when you’re out in public. 🐕‍🦺✨
Good grooming isn’t just about looking sharp — it’s about health, hygiene, and professionalism as a working team.
Start these habits when your dog is young. Regular brushing, nail trims, and handling their paws, ears, and mouth helps them feel comfortable and confident during care routines.
💛 Grooming and handling are vital parts of your dog’s overall safety, comfort, and trust in you as their handler. 🦮🇨🇦🎗We need your help, donate today: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CFRBVYQ99YXNL&fbclid=IwY2xjawR_IvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3b0hHN0Q4c3hackVJMlNBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk4GJ2sToV--pgRae8m67PmNbgjzfvYJtWzIO53u6ehWQPH7SRldgnoxA7MJ_aem_PnTOxRTQ3PIgU1AjOwYCzQ&ssrt=1728520441998

06/07/2026

One important skill we train into our K9s is remaining calm and steady when their handler stands over them. 🐾
This position is often used in real-life situations—whether a handler needs closer physical support, grounding during a stressful moment, or added stability in a crowded or confined space. Our service dogs are trained to stay relaxed, focused, and responsive in this position, without shifting, backing up, or becoming unsettled. This ensures they can continue to support their handler safely and effectively, no matter the environment.✨ It’s another example of how purposeful training builds trust, confidence, and reliability in every team.🦮🇨🇦🎗We need your help, donate today:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=CFRBVYQ99YXNL&fbclid=IwY2xjawR_IvFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3b0hHN0Q4c3hackVJMlNBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk4GJ2sToV--pgRae8m67PmNbgjzfvYJtWzIO53u6ehWQPH7SRldgnoxA7MJ_aem_PnTOxRTQ3PIgU1AjOwYCzQ&ssrt=1728520441998

06/05/2026

📸🐾 PHOTO CHALLENGE TIME 🐾📸
Let’s see those adorable close-ups of your pups! 👀🐶
Drop your favorite up-close picture in the comments — boopable noses, soulful eyes, goofy smiles… we want to see them all! 💛
Ready… set… COMMENT! 👇📷