In a celebration of 50 years, Canine Companions has turned a viral animated short into a worldwide sensation, drawing nearly 17 million views to the story of a service dog named Andy.
The 50-Year Legacy
Canine Companions began in 1975, offering free service animals to children and veterans with physical, auditory or cognitive disabilities. The nonprofit also serves veterans with PTSD and professionals in health care, visitation, criminal justice, or education settings. Over its half-century, it has graduated more than 8,000 teams.
The Animated Story
Award-winning animator Jamy Wheless, known for work on Yoda, Iron Man, Hulk and Optimus Prime, created the short film “Andy: A Dog’s Tale.” The film follows a puppy who must overcome obstacles and find his real purpose in life. “Really, the story is about a puppy who has to overcome obstacles and find his real purpose in life,” Wheless said.
The Book and Its Purpose
Wheless and his wife expanded the film into a children’s book of the same title. They pledged that a portion of all book sales will support Canine Companions. The couple also volunteer with the nonprofit, raising a service-dog puppy that will eventually benefit someone in need.
The Training Journey
Each dog spends the first year-and-a-half with a volunteer puppy raiser, learning basic tasks and socializing in public and private settings. After the puppy is returned, the dog enters professional training at a regional center for five to nine months, mastering advanced commands to support its future role. “The beautiful thing is that our donors get to see the direct impact of what their contribution makes. We are able to place these dogs – that are estimated to be about $50,000 when they’re finished with training – we’re able to give them to our clients 100% free of charge,” Incremona said.
Impact and Volunteer Work
Kate Incremona, a trainer with Canine Companions, joined Wheless at KXAN’s studio to discuss the film’s effect. “We had a whole viewing party when it first came out, and you know, I’ve been doing this for eight years, so I’m not going to say I’m desensitized to it – but it’s part of my everyday job. So, seeing the way this was put into animation and the emotions of both the clients and the human side of it – and just what our dogs go through and the resilience and confidence and the stories that they have in their transition to becoming a service dog – was really very incredible to see,” she said. She added, “I’m so excited to finally be meeting [Wheless] because I just think it paints the perfect picture of the magic that is Canine Companions.”
Wheless echoed the sentiment, noting the life-changing impact of the dogs. “They are changing lives, which is why I love the story,” Wheless added.
Key Takeaways
- Canine Companions celebrates 50 years with a viral short film that has amassed nearly 17 million views.
- The nonprofit has trained over 8,000 service-dog teams since 1975, offering dogs free of charge.
- A new children’s book and volunteer puppy-raising program support the organization’s mission.
Canine Companions’ blend of heartfelt storytelling and dedicated training continues to inspire and transform lives across the community.
