Custom Canines Service Dog Academy

02/15/2025

Guide Dog in Training Johnny got to meet his name sponsor! Johnny was named in memory of her husband. ❤️ We love when the stars align and opportunities like these arise.

Huge shout-out to Leslie Blading and South Padre Island for your love and support!

If you are interested in naming a dog, send us a message, and we'll get you set up with more information!

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Video description: President of Custom Canines, Nicole, walks up to a registration desk with her yellow lab guide dog in training, Johnny. Nicole cues Johnny to put his paws up on the desk so he can greet the woman on the other side. They share a special moment.

02/14/2025

Service Dog Violet is just stopping by to kiss- I mean, WISH- you a very happy Valentine's Day!

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Image Description: Violet, a 2 year old golden retriever in a red service dog vest, gives kisses through a kissing booth to a happy human!

02/13/2025

💔 End of Watch: Boomer 🐾🌈

Today, our hearts are heavy as we prepare to say goodbye to a true hero—Boomer, the devoted service dog who has been the rock, protector, and unwavering source of love for veteran Samantha and her family. Boomer has fought bravely, but terminal cancer is calling him home. Today, he will cross the Rainbow Bridge, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service, unconditional love, and unwavering loyalty.

Boomer’s journey began with Leann Vick and her family, who poured their hearts and souls into raising him from a newborn pup into the incredible service dog he became. Their dedication and love shaped Boomer into the life-changing partner he was for Samantha. When Boomer met Samantha and her family, he became more than a service dog—he became part of their lives, offering not only independence but also deep companionship, protection, and endless love.

This loss is devastating for both Samantha’s family and Leann’s family, as they each played an essential role in Boomer’s incredible journey. We ask for all prayer warriors to lift them up during this incredibly painful time.

This is the hardest part of our mission at Custom Canines—knowing that while our service dogs change lives, their time with us is never long enough. Boomer’s End of Watch has come, but his impact will never fade. His paws may be still, but his spirit will forever walk beside those who loved him.

Samantha, we are here for you. Leann, we honor you. Boomer, Godspeed. You were more than a service dog—you were a hero and family to so many.

Please join us in sending love, prayers, and strength to Samantha and Leann’s family as they say their final goodbyes.

02/13/2025

02/11/2025

This Valentine's Day, we wish to give every service puppy in our program a little something to say "I woof you!" Help support our trainees by sending a toy or bag of treats to our Madison facility!

You can checkout our wishlists on Amazon and Chewy here:
🐾 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1OLJQ6Q7Z3NIO?ref_=wl_share
🐾 Chewy: https://www.chewy.com/g/custom-canines-service-dog-academy_b75664978

Please share! Let's thank these hard-working pups and their dedicated raisers!
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Image Description: White and pink graphic with 8 small polaroids of CCSDA dogs scattered. The CCSDA logo is on top of the graphic. Additional text says, "Love is a 4-legged word" and "Treat a trainee with love and send a gift this Valentine's Day!"

02/10/2025

Custom Canines Service Dog and Chief Happiness Officer, Swartz, is waiting patiently for the meeting to commence!

We love seeing the joy that our graduates bring!

Swartz has taken a seat at the table and is paws-itively ready to lead this meeting! 🐶💼

02/06/2025

This , we'd like to recognize and thank the wonderful group Operation Ruck 22 who sponsored service puppy Ruck!

This week, Ruck 22 presented a check to sponsor yet another Custom Canines dog, who will be raised and trained for a military veteran or first responder in need.

Thank you for your kindness, hard work, and dedication to our veterans. We admire your mission!

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Image Description: 5 individuals stand together, holding a check for Custom Canines Service Dog Academy. Three service dogs in training are pictured: two black labs, Ruck and Keta, and Digs, a small yellow lab puppy in the arms of his raiser.

02/04/2025

Huge shoutout to Slice's Bar & Grill for hosting a wonderful meat raffle last weekend! We greatly appreciate your generosity and support! Service pups Louise, Keta, Ruck, Digs, and Linus had a blast!

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Image descriptions:
Photo 1: 3 CCSDA dogs are posing at Slice's. Digs, a yellow lab puppy is laying next to Ruck, a black lab pup. Louise, an adult golden retriever sits behind them. All 3 dogs are wearing red Custom Canines vests.
Photo 2: 12 week old yellow lab puppy, Digs, lays in his puppy raiser's lap. Digs is wearing a little vest.
Photo 3: Linus, a medium-sized white and brown poodle mix sits next to his puppy raiser.
Photo 4: Keta, an adult black lab, gives a hug on the ground to one of our favorite people! Keta is wearing her vest.

01/31/2025

Did you know that today is "National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day"?

At our Madison facility, we have a wall of art that inspires our hearts! After many visits last spring, the students at the Mount Horeb Area School District surprised us with these handmade thank you cards.

Thank you, students. ❤

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Image Description: Approximately 100 colorful thank you cards with words and drawings cover a beige wall. The cards overflow the bulletin board.

01/30/2025

💡Staff Spotlight 💡

If you've been by the office, you've likely met Debbie and Courage! Debbie is our C.A.R.E. Team Coordinator, and she is usually accompanied by ambassador dog, Courage! Courage greets all visitors with a happy tail and brings a smile to everyones' faces.

Thank you for what you do, Debbie!

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Image Description: Debbie and Courage (a dark golden retriever with a red vest) pose in front of plants and patio furniture at Menards. Courage is looking lovingly at Debbie as she pets her.

01/29/2025

🐾 Meet Ruth: The Sweetest Pup Looking for Her Forever Home! 🐾

Introducing Ruth, our amazing female German Shepherd... or should we say, a golden retriever in German Shepherd clothes! 🐶❤️ At just 3 years old, Ruth is a bundle of joy who adores people and gets along wonderfully with other dogs.

While she didn't pass her elbow x-rays to be placed as a working service dog, she is ready to share her love and companionship with a family who needs her! Ruth is searching for a loving forever home where she can shine bright and fill hearts with joy.

🐾 Adoption Details:
- Age: 3 years
- Spay contract required
- Adoption fee: $800

If you’re interested in making Ruth a part of your family, please reach out to Nicole at [email protected]. Help us find this sweet girl the loving home she deserves! Share this post to spread the word, and let’s make Ruth’s dreams come true! 🌟💖

01/28/2025

❤️

01/27/2025

Introducing... Sir-Digs-A Lot, or Digs for short! Digs is sponsored by Dean Health Plan by Medica, and is being raised in Madison, WI. We are so excited to see this little man take on the world!

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Image description: a tiny 8 week old yellow lab puppy sits on a red/white/blue American flag blanket. He is wearing a red CCSDA vest with a chest strap that says "Service Dog Puppy."

01/24/2025

Update: It is JACK! Great guessing, everyone!

This , we have a fun game for you! Which dog, now grown up, is pictured as puppy? Your options are...

🐾 Valor
🐾 Margo
🐾 Jack
🐾 Ace

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Image Descriptions:
Photo 1: A light golden 8 week old puppy, wearing a CCSDA vest, is sitting with their tongue out in front of a patriotic blanket. Text reads, "Mystery Puppy"
Photo 2: An adult golden retriever wearing a CCSDA vest is sitting in the training gym, posing for the camera. Text reads and identifies dog as "Valor"
Photo 3: An adult golden retriever wearing a CCSDA vest is sitting in public on a colorful rug. Text reads and identifies dog as "Margo"
Photo 4: An adult golden retriever wearing a CCSDA vest is sitting outside on the green grass with a white fence in the background. Text reads and identifies dog as "Jack"
Photo 5: Headshot of an adult golden retriever with a big, goofy smile! Text reads and identifies dog as "Ace"

01/23/2025

Have you ever wondered how our program pups get their names? Well, from you!

When you sponsor a service dog at Custom Canines, you get the opportunity to name a hero in the making! You also get the opportunity to follow your pup's progress throughout their training journey, from 8 weeks old to around 2 years old.

Pictured is sweet Mia, a 2 year old golden retriever who was sponsored by Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 Wisconsin! We are so grateful for your support!

01/21/2025

The Custom Canines facility is CLOSED today due to the cold! We will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, January 22nd.

Stay warm, stay home, and stay safe!

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Image Description: Courage, CCSDA ambassador dog, is pictured laying on a brown sofa with a red and gray tie blanket draped over her. The graphic says, "Closed due to weather" and "January 21, 2025."

01/20/2025

Temperatures are below freezing here in the Midwest! Read on to see what steps you can take to keep your pup safe in this frigid weather!

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Image Descriptions:

Photo 1: A smiling golden retriever with a pink winter hat outside in the snow. Text reads "Winter Safety"
Photo 2: On a blue background, the infographic says "Know their limits: Be aware of your dog's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. Every dog is different!"
Photo 3: On a light blue background, it reads "Provide Warmth: If appropriate, provide a dry and properly-fitted coat or booties for your dog."
Photo 4: Dark Teal background with text that says, "Protect Paws: Your dog's feet may pick up chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe them down!"
Photo 5: Gray-blue background that says, "Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water."
Photo 6: Teal background, reading "Stay Inside: There are plenty of ways to enrich and exercise your dog at home!"
Photo 7: Golden retriever wearing scarf outside. The dog looks like s/he is taking a selfie and has its tongue out. CCSDA logo on photo.

01/15/2025

Let's give a warm welcome to service puppy, Knight! Knight was so generously sponsored by the Watertown-Beaver Dam Elks Lodge 666!

We are so excited to watch this sweet little lady learn and grow!