Canine Companions hosts hearing dog graduation in Ocoee

Winter Garden residents Chris and Erika Dold have always been animal lovers.

The Dold's became volunteer puppy raisers for Canine Companions 10 years ago as a way to share that love by giving back to the community. 

Since its founding in 1975, Canine Companions has provided service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings, according to the organization's website.

Recently, the Dold's have raised King, an 18-month puppy who has been with the family since he was eight weeks old. 

King was turned into Canine Companions in August 2022 for professional training and was matched as a hearing dog. 

On Friday, March 3, King took the next step in his journey when he graduated from the program. 

The dogs who complete the program are provided free of charge and have been in training for more than two years. The dogs know 45 tasks in order to enable people with disabilities to live a more independent life.

Nancy Marino, from Yorktown, Virginia, was matched with King, who will continue to make a life-changing impact with his new owner.