JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As chants of “Duuuuval!” reverberate around TIAA Bank Field, Canine Companions future service dog in training Duval, is suited up and cheering on the team.
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“Duval is a very special puppy with a purpose, growing up to provide independence to a person with a disability,” says his Jacksonville volunteer co-puppy raisers Jan Goodhue and Ella Brock. Duval was a cute yellow ball of fur and just 8 weeks-old when he arrived in Jacksonville, straight from his litter in Santa Rosa, California.
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Many people wonder how Canine Companions generate such a diverse range of names for its dogs. Canine Companions has its own breeding program, and each puppy litter is assigned a letter, progressing alphabetically from A to Z.
Each puppy is given a name that begins with a letter. Duval is from the D litter and was named by long-time Jacksonville resident and Canine Companions advocate Joanne Cellar, in honor of her Jacksonville roots, and for her love of the Jaguars.
Canine Companions provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities at no charge. The steadfast commitment from volunteers such as Goodhue and Brock are what helps Canine Companions to offer hope, joy and independence to thousands of adults, children, and veterans around the country.
Read: Service dog gives Jacksonville veteran second chance at the holidays
As volunteer puppy raisers for Canine Companions, Goodhue and Broch must take Duval to many places, allowing him to socialize with strangers, walk amid crowds and traffic, and otherwise become familiar with the world around him. During these outing, he has become the 12th man for the Jaguars, while cheering on his favorite team.
Canine Companions assistance dogs can exceed $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and provide ongoing support. Charitable contributions, grants, special events and corporate support fund the substantial costs involved with this process.