Pam Becker, Executive Director – Canine Companions for Independence

One Team, Two Heroes

There are technologies available to help people with disabilities, but none compare to a Canine Companions assistance dog, transforming the art of healing through a cold nose and a warm heart. Learn how Canine Companions for Independence help people with physical disabilities, as well as veterans with PTSD, by providing service dogs, at no cost to the recipient. We will also meet a veteran whose life has been made better by his Canine Companions service dog, Hurley.

Pam Becker is Executive Director of the Southwest Region for Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, that breeds, raises, and trains expertly-trained assistance dogs at no cost to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, or professionals who work with clients who have special needs. The Southwest Region encompasses nine states and includes a training facility in Oceanside, where 32 staff members provide dog training and care for 60-80 dogs; deliver program support for applicants and graduates who receive a Canine Companions dog; provide fundraising, marketing and administrative support; and manage more than 850 volunteers who support the Canine Companions mission.