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About
C.O.P.E. Mission Through the training and subsequent placement of special service dogs, Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (C.O.P.E.) helps people with disabilities, challenged youth, children and people in the community achieve positive changes and growth in their lives. History In 2000, Jane Boake founded Canine Opportunity, People Empowerment (C.O.P.E.) near Barrie, Ontario, Canada, after training with Dr. Bonnie Bergin. Dr. Bergin developed the concept of the Service Dog to assist people with mobility impairments in 1975. At that time she founded Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) the first non-profit organization to train and place Service Dogs. After leaving CCI in 1991, Dr. Bergin founded the Assistance Dog Institute (ADI). The Assistance Dog Institute is an educational and research institution concentrating on teaching and researching ways to “help dogs help people.” With several hundred graduates to date, the Institute has met its initial goal, although the demand for service dogs still exceeds the supply. Jane Boake completed training at the Assistance Dog Institute in 1999 and with the support of Dr. Bergin, began to implement the training methods and programs proven by ADI in order to launch C.O.P.E. Since 2003, C.O.P.E. has operated in Barrie, Ontario and has successfully graduated several assistance dog/life partners from our Service Dog Placement Program and implemented our High Schooled Assistance Dog Program. This program has two branches, namely, Young Minds Early Puppy Training Program, and L.E.A.D. – Leader Education Assistance Dog Program. The insight and support of the Simcoe County District School Board have been instrumental in the success of these programs. The C.O.P.E. dogs enrich the lives of all who interact with them. From the volunteer Puppy Petters and Raisers, to the youth who participate in their training and the children who take part in the reading and math assistance programs, to the final life partner, everyone benefits from the C.O.P.E. dogs. For more information on how you can help contact: C.O.P.E. Service Dogs P.O. Box 20035 Barrie, Ontario Canada L4M 6E9 Email: info@copedogs.org Phone: (705) 734-COPE (2673) |
