Students from the Meadowbrook Alternative Program and Calhoun High School’s PREP special education program in the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District recently collaborated on a donation effort for Canine Companions for Independence. 

CCI provides people with disabilities highly trained assistance dogs.

“The visit included an informational talk by the CCI staff, a tour of the training facility and a presentation on how a service dog assists individuals,” said MAP psychologist Dr. Joseph Netto. “The purpose of this visit to CCI was to expose students to service dogs and to visit an organization that was designated as a beneficiary of MAP’s donated pet goods.”

Since their November visit to the Medford-based training facility, the students collected items for their new furry friends. On Jan. 12, Canine Companions’ staff members and two service dogs visited MAP to collect the items. The effort was in participation of the district wide Day of Service, which was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
“After listening to and taking part in the interactive presentation, the students presented the CCI staff with over 25 bags of dog food, toys, supplies and animal care products,” Dr. Netto explained.