Custom Canines Service Dog Academy

08/25/2024

HUGE thank you to Springdale Lutheran for having us and supporting our mission at the 2024 Springdale Car Show! We are beyond thankful for your generosity!

08/24/2024

We’re at the Mount Horeb car show until 3 today! Come stop by and get some puppy love!

08/22/2024

Last night was a blast at the Cottage Grove National Night Out! Thank you to everyone that stopped by! 🚒

08/21/2024

This year's proceeds at the Annual Springdale Car Show will support Custom Canines Service Dog Academy! Come enjoy the show in Mount Horeb this Saturday, August 24th.

-Free admission!
-Food and beverages available for purchase
-Trophies awarded in each class
-Best in Show, Spectator's Choice, and Pastor's Choice awards!

We'll see you there!

08/20/2024

Come visit our booth at Cottage Grove's Community Night Out tomorrow evening! We'll have numerous trainees available for you to meet!

What: Puppies, live music, Chamber booths, splash pad, med flight, police/fire/EMS, Blackhawk helicopter, food trucks, and more!
When: 5:00pm
Where: Bakken Park (4064 Vilas Road in Cottage Grove)

08/19/2024

Are you a dog lover looking for a way to give back to those who have are serving or who have served?

By opening your heart and home to a service puppy trainee, you can make a real difference in life of these individuals.

Our puppy raisers bring home an adorable 8 week old puppy and positively expose the trainee to the world. These volunteers learn how to train the puppy to CCSDA standards with the help of an in-depth training manual, through 1:1 support sessions, and in group classes with other service puppies. You learn how to teach both obedience and task-oriented skills, and after 18-24 months, you have the honor of passing the leash over to a person in need.

If you are interested, please message us with any questions! You can apply to be a volunteer puppy raiser here: https://www.customcanines.org/raise-a-puppy

We couldn't do this without you!

Custom Canines is a network of dedicated, volunteer professionals and individuals working in sync to custom train highly skilled service dogs.

08/16/2024

Come meet Mac!

Custom Canines Service Puppy Mac is being raised at the Oregon Correctional Center. On August 31st, you can meet him while shopping at the in Oregon, Wisconsin! 10% of that day's sales will go towards building a fence for Mac at OCC!

We'll see you there!

08/15/2024

Thanks for having us at your National Night Out, Mount Horeb Police Department! We had a blast!

08/14/2024

Want free puppy kisses? Come visit with our dogs tonight at the Mount Horeb Night Out!

08/13/2024

It's time for another National Night Out! Tomorrow night, we will be in Mount Horeb at Grundahl Park supporting the local first responders. Come meet many of our trainees, enjoy free hot dogs, a k-9 demo, petting zoo, dunk tank, see the UW medflight, live music, and more!

We'll see you there, 5-7pm!

08/12/2024

Tonight is the night! Come visit us at Watertown-Beaver Dam Elks Lodge 666 to benefit CCSDA! The funds raised will assist the Watertown Elks in sponsoring a hero in training! There will be live music by Leslie Blasing, a taco bar, an opportunity to meet some of our trainees and placed service dogs, and more!

See you there!

Visit the link below to learn more, and purchase your tickets for the event:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-elks-veteran-service-dog-fundraiser-featuring-leslie-blasing-tickets-927574619657?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term&utm-share-source=mobile-search-results&fbclid=IwY2xjawEm7g9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ6z0AWsU4n7dgNIt4VxP7GG5G8krveN1jXI-fP7reKgrf1QVKtTTe22nQ_aem_NfKZ6tM3y_TajpT2OocIyQ

08/11/2024

Let's wish Service Puppy Tibby a very happy first birthday!

08/07/2024

08/07/2024

We had a wonderful time last night at Dane County's National Night Out in Mazo! Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our nonprofit and how you can help us continue enhancing lives.❤️🐾

08/02/2024

MAC

We have a new hero to welcome to our service dog program, Mac! He is a shining example of all that can be accomplished, and the impact people can have when they come together to support our veterans.

The Elvidge family, along with many other generous people, joined forces to raise the money needed to sponsor this little pup, named in honor of Kate Elvidge’s dad, Mac. Her father has proved to be an impactful force in her life, leading with kindness and generosity in servitude of others. Kate speaks fondly of her father, and the role he has played in shaping her morals and values that have made her who she is today.

And what makes this hero in training that much more special, he is blazing a trail as the first Custom Canines program dog to be placed in the Oregon Correctional Facility! Their staff has carefully selected two individuals to raise and train Mac for the next 18 months, which is incredibly special for Kate who has dedicated her career to working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system. They have already shared how much joy Mac has brought to their facility, and the impact he will continue to have as he trains for a very important job as a service dog for a veteran in need. Such an incredible, full-circle moment for Kate and a fabulous opportunity for our nonprofit. Custom Canines is very excited and hopeful for this partnership to continue growing in the months to come!

The Elvidge family would also like to extend a special thank you to Carole B and the Sundown Saloon for hosting the fundraising events needed to make this sponsorship possible. They would also like to show their appreciation for Kathy C. Who was instrumental in gathering financial contributions from Thrivent Financial. It takes so many big-hearted people and businesses to make these endeavors possible!

We are wishing Mac the best of luck as he embarks on this journey of becoming a service dog. There are so many fantastic people cheering him on, we know he will do great things!

08/01/2024

"It is so hard to put into translatable words how much I appreciate our small staff and invaluable volunteers that make our mission move forward at Custom Canines. You probably see the amazing dogs and clients we put out into the community, but the story behind how it happened is not always told. It’s a hard story to tell! It’s a long story!

Volunteers at our organization welcome baby puppies into their homes with the sole purpose of loving them, training them, and socializing them to be bombproof battle buddies for their military veterans or first responder clients they will get placed with at the end of their training journey. This usually takes 18 to 24 months to accomplish. It takes a very special individual or family to take on this overwhelming and responsible task. And then, as an organization, we ask this individual family to give up the dog that they have loved, trained, and raised for almost 2 years and let them save and change the life of someone else. Meanwhile, this hero in the making, the canine in training, has most likely changed the individual or family that trained them to do such a task.

It is challenging to find new volunteers willing to open their hearts and homes to such a puppy, knowing that their hearts will break at some point when they pass the leash to a military veteran or first responder who will start the journey to a life filled with joy and abundance. It is truly the most rewarding, challenging, and bittersweet experience an individual or family will go through. At first, it does feel very bitter as they say “so long” to the puppy they have raised and trained for two years, but the sweet part comes when they witness the results of their hard work, dedication, and love poured into a dog who will ultimately save and enhance the life of a military veteran or first responder. As a leader and the President of this amazing organization, my heart also bleeds and celebrates with these amazing volunteers. I have the privilege of seeing our puppies start from little babies who know nothing and watching them turn into life-changing and life-saving canine heroes for individuals and their families. These dogs help make daily life possible and more enjoyable. They help save relationships, keep families together, and ultimately enhance the life of the individual they have been matched with.

Until you have gone through the process of either raising a canine hero for someone or you are the recipient of one of our Service dogs, it is really hard to translate into words how significant our job is.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of our staff and volunteers for the hard work and dedication they have to our mission. We could not realize our mission without you. I also want to thank the clients and their families who trust us to offer a service dog that will save and change their lives.

If you have raised a puppy through our program, or you have been a recipient of a canine hero that was raised and trained through Custom Canines, I truly encourage you to share your story here. There are so many people that can benefit from the services we provide, and your stories need to be told.

I personally feel truly blessed to have worked with all of our staff and volunteers and the clients that we have served over 15 years of service to our community. I am still today astonished by the generosity of volunteers, our very minimal staff, and the clients who entrust us to help make their lives better.

Thank you for making the past 15 years a “pinch me” moment and my reason to “keep on moving on!”"

07/31/2024

We look forward to this event every year! Join us on Monday, August 12th at Watertown-Beaver Dam Elks Lodge 666 for an evening benefitting CCSDA. Each summer, Leslie Blasing makes the trip north to assist the Watertown Elks in fundraising to sponsor a hero in training. We are honored they choose to honor our veterans each year, by supporting our service dogs on their journey to enhancing the life of a veteran in need.

Visit the link below to learn more, and purchase your tickets for the event!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-elks-veteran-service-dog-fundraiser-featuring-leslie-blasing-tickets-927574619657?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term&utm-share-source=mobile-search-results&fbclid=IwY2xjawEVDnFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQOm9pIUrBsmL6FIRi_1Rh-iT6CWA40yBkkx1xHjxwgCRxBSrXbCIsnTrg_aem_0ZMoryNmoAIYLumEHPWU4g

07/30/2024

Today is , and there's nothing quite like the love of a dog.❤ Whether you feel a calling to make a difference, want to teach your children the importance of giving back, or simply love the company of a dog puppy raising a hero in training is one of the most eye-opening, rewarding experiences you can ever take part in. Our volunteer puppy raisers are the heart of our organization, and allow us the privilege of continuing to provide highly-trained service dogs to veterans, first-responders, and disabled individuals in need. Please consider opening your heart to a service dog in training in celebration of , and visit customcanines.org/raise-a-puppy to learn more!

07/29/2024

"War Bonds: A Veteran's Path to Peace"

Premieres at 7am ( Central Time) July 29:

https://youtu.be/5LwpGsUV1cI?si=DJ0blPRdydzO69BJ

In the documentary "War Bonds: A Veteran's Path to Peace,” we follow the incredible true story of a Bob Wendler, (Custom Canines) a Vietnam War veteran who faced the unthinkable: leaving behind his beloved service dog in the chaos of war. This loyal companion, left to face a tragic end in Vietnam, haunts Wendler as he returns home to a country that has changed forever.

Back in the United States, he struggles to navigate the emotional and psychological aftermath of war. Amidst personal tragedies and the battle against PTS, he finds solace and a new purpose in helping fellow veterans by pairing them with service dogs. This mission becomes a turning point, bringing him closer to a sense of peace he thought he had lost forever.

As the documentary unfolds, we witness his transformative journey, culminating in a poignant moment when he receives his own service dog via American Warrior Initiative.

In a touching tribute, he names the new companion in honor of the dog he lost in Vietnam, symbolizing a full circle of healing, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds. "War Bonds" is a powerful testament to the enduring connection between humans and their canine companions, and the profound impact of service dogs on the lives of veterans.

. . . . . . . . .

In the inspiring documentary "War Bonds: A Veteran's Path to Peace,” we follow the incredible true story of a Bob Wendler, a Vietnam War veteran who faced th...

07/20/2024

MAPLE

We’re about to make your Friday even better, with the introduction of one of our newest heroes in training, Maple. This girl is as sweet as the story behind how she got her name.

Maple was named in honor of Jesse, a remarkable individual who battled Maple Syrup Disease (MSUD). Jesse's journey with MSUD was marked by a significant milestone in 2012 when he underwent a life-saving transplant. Despite this triumph, Jesse faced another formidable challenge in 2022 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Sadly, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage and resilience.

The naming of Maple was a heartfelt tribute sponsored by Jesse's employer, SoundOff Signal. This gesture not only commemorates Jesse's strength and spirit but also serves as a reminder of the community's support and encouragement during his struggles. Maple now carries a name rich with meaning, symbolizing the sweetness and tenacity of Jesse's life story.

A big thank you to the those at SoundOff who contributed to Maple’s sponsorship. Because of your kindness, generosity, and touching tribute to your beloved friend this hero has the best start on her journey to becoming a life-enhancing service dog. And thank you to the Coke family, who opened their hearts and their home to this little girl and will be raising her. We are always grateful for our volunteer puppy raisers who believe so strongly in our mission.

Welcome, Maple! We know you will do great things.💕

07/17/2024

Prime Day ends today! As you're doing some shopping, please consider pawing-it-forward by purchasing a few items for our heroes in training. Our puppy raiser pantry needs restocking, and we would greatly appreciate some slow feeder bowls, p**p bags, treats, brushes, toys and other basic dog supplies. All donations will be shared with our volunteer puppy raisers!

Our amazon wishlist contains our preferred items, but we would be grateful for any donations of pet supplies you might find on sale. Our pups aren't picky on which brand of treats, they just want some yummy snacks to motivate during their training sessions. Thank you in advance for your support!

CCSDA amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1OLJQ6Q7Z3NIO?ref_=wl_share--

07/11/2024

We had so much fun on Tuesday night at Watertown’s Lights ‘N Sirens event! Thanks to all of our puppy raisers who came out, and thank you to the community members who stopped by and said hello. Such a wonderful socialization opportunity for our heroes in training!

07/09/2024

CCSDA was honored to spend 4th of July with our friends at American Warrior Initiative, who celebrated by helping us match 4 service dogs with veterans and first responders. AWI and Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation’s sponsorship of these working teams will gift these deserving individuals with newfound independence. These teams will now begin their placement training, and start to learn how to navigate the world with their service dog by their side.

We are forever grateful for AWI and Fairway’s belief in and continued support of our mission of enhancing lives. What an incredible day!

07/06/2024

Join us this Tuesday at Watertown's Lights N Sirens event! CCSDA has participated in this event for many years, and absolutely loves sharing our mission of enhancing lives with our local community members. Stop by to learn more about our nonprofit, and meet some of our current heroes in training!

This year's Lights N Sirens will be on July 9th at Riverside Park from 6p to 8p! Please note that 6p-6:30p will be Lights N Silence for persons with sound sensitivity. The Austism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin will be on site to answer questions and provide the community information. See you on the 9th!

07/04/2024

Wishing all of you a very happy and safe 4th of July!🇺🇸🎆 Our CCSDA pups are enjoying the day, and rocking their red, white, and blue.❤️🤍💙

06/30/2024

4th of July can be a busy and scary time for our pups! Check out the blog post below for some helpful tips on how to keep your dog safe this week.

Fourth of July can be a very fun, while also extremely stressful time of year for our pets. Sadly, each summer shelters experience, a noticeable increase in stray animals in the days proceeding Fourth of July celebrations. Unsure how to prepare for the festivities and ensure your dog stays safe and....