Canines for Disabled Kids

 

Canines for Disabled Kids (CDK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with disabilities by providing assistance dogs. CDK focuses on matching specially trained service dogs with children with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities.

The organization works closely with families, educators, and healthcare professionals to identify children who could benefit from having a service dog as part of their support system. Once a child is accepted into the program, CDK assists in selecting, training, and placing a suitable assistance dog.

These service dogs are trained to perform various tasks based on each child’s specific needs, including retrieving dropped items, opening doors, providing stability while walking, alerting to medical conditions, and offering emotional support.

Canines for Disabled Kids plays a crucial role in encouraging the independence, confidence, and well-being of children with disabilities by empowering them with the support and companionship of a highly trained service dog.

 

Good Dogg’s Support

At Good Dogg, we are dedicated to supporting organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Through charitable donations, we proudly support Canines for Disabled Kids. By donating a portion of our revenue, Good Dogg helps CDK in its mission to provide specially trained service dogs to children with disabilities. This partnership allows CDK to match more children with the perfect service dog. Here’s is how our donations make a difference:

 

Financial Support:

By donating a portion of our profits to CDK, we provide essential financial support that enables the organization to continue its crucial work. From training assistance dogs to providing ongoing support to children and their families, our contributions help ensure that CDK can effectively fulfill its mission.

Empowering Children:

Service dogs are so impactful for children with disabilities. These dogs perform many tasks to complement each child’s needs, not to mention being a new best friend! Our support enables CDK to match more children with the perfect assistance dog, empowering them to live fuller, more independent lives.

Raising Awareness:

Through our partnership with CDK, we’re raising awareness about the importance of service dogs for children with disabilities. By sharing CDK’s story with our customers, we’re shining a spotlight on this incredible organization and inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.

Building Community:

Good Dogg’s commitment to giving back fosters community among our customers, employees, and partners. When you choose Good Dogg’s premium hard seltzers, you’re not just enjoying a refreshing beverage; you’re joining us in our mission to create positive change in the world.

 

Asher’s Story

Spring 2022 marked a significant milestone in the partnership between Good Dogg Beverage and Canines for Disabled Kids, as 7-year old Asher Waldrop of Mechanicsville, VA, became the inaugural CDK scholarship recipient. This scholarship, made possible through Good Dogg’s Leverage the Beverage™ program, represents the first step in a transformative collaboration between CDK and Good Dogg Beverage, poised to directly impact the lives of children facing rare diseases.

Faced with suspected mitochondrial disease, Asher encountered numerous challenges in her daily life. Mitochondrial disease is a group of genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, which are small structures within cells responsible for producing energy. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, coordination issues, seizures, migraines, and others. 

Thanks to the CDK scholarship facilitated by Good Dogg Beverage, Asher was matched with Gatsby, a specially trained medical alert and response service dog. Gatsby’s role in Asher’s life extends beyond mere companionship; he is her steadfast partner, providing crucial support in various aspects of her health and well-being.

Gatsby’s training enables him to anticipate and respond to Asher’s needs with remarkable precision. From mobility assistance to alerting Asher to oncoming nausea and pain spikes, Gatsby’s keen senses serve as an early warning system, allowing Asher to navigate her condition more effectively. Moreover, Gatsby is trained to provide comfort and pain-relieving pressure, offering Asher solace during challenging moments.

Perhaps most importantly, Gatsby’s role as a medical alert and response service dog ensures Asher’s safety in emergencies. By retrieving medications and summoning assistance when needed, Gatsby provides Asher and her family with peace of mind. Gatsby empowers Asher to live her life with greater independence and confidence.

Asher’s story serves as an example of the life-changing impact that service dogs have on individuals facing health challenges. Through Canines for Disabled Kids, Asher’s journey is a testament to the power of partnership and philanthropy in making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Read more about Asher’s story in this article.

 

Your Purchase Helps Others

At Good Dogg, we believe in the transformative power of giving back, which is why a portion of our profits is dedicated to supporting Canines for Disabled Kids through a special scholarship program. The scholarship is funded through CDK in conjunction with Good Dogg’s Leverage the Beverage™ program, which allocates a part of every sale of Good Dogg’s premium hard seltzers to ensure children facing rare diseases have access to trained service dogs through CDK. Through this initiative, families living with disabilities can access the life-changing support of a specially trained service dog. These service dogs provide invaluable support and emotional comfort to children’s lives. By choosing Good Dogg, you’re not only enjoying a premium beverage but joining us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of children and families through the incredible work of Canines for Disabled Kids.