Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic to raise funds for Canine Companions for Independence, September 20th at Troon North

Dogs in training will be at each tournament hole; cost to train single dog is $45,000

Newest trainee “Cherish” checking out pin placement
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The largest single fund raiser of the year for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit organization providing highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities and veterans for free, will bring together golfers and dog lovers at the Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic, Friday, September 20th at Troon North Golf Club, 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd., in Scottsdale.

Registration for the four-person scramble format tournament begins at 7 a.m. Golfers will tee off at 8am with an awards luncheon and silent auction to follow. Registration (https://ccigolf.dojiggy.com) is $175 per person or $700 per team and includes golf, a tournament shirt, goody bag, contests and awards luncheon.  Sponsorships also are available.

CCI is privately funded from individuals, businesses, civic groups, service clubs, grants and fund raising activities.  There is no government funding.  CCI breeds labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and crosses of the two to become assistance dogs.

 Highly trained volunteers train dogs to provide services as: Service dogs to assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks • Skilled companions to enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities • Hearing dogs to alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds • Facility dogs to work with a professional in a visitation, education or healthcare setting.

Average service life for each dog is eight years.  Retired dogs are adopted as pets.

For more information about Canine Companions for Independence or to apply for a dog, visit www.cci.org.