Mattress Discounters Goes to the Dogs

January 30, 2014  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

The program, in partnership with Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit that provides assistance dogs and support services at no charge to their clients, will raise awareness and money to support Canine Companions’ efforts to train and make available assistance dogs that can enhance the lives of people with disabilities and wounded veterans.

“He has eased daily tasks that were sometimes difficult, and pulls my wheelchair when I’m tired," said Marv Tuttle of his service dog Yara. "I heard that getting an assistance dog would help me regain my independence, but I think that is an understatement - Yara has changed my whole life."

The program also raises funds for facility dogs that are skilled in 40 commands which are utilized in hospitals and special education classrooms. Unlike therapy dogs who typically act as a comfort tool, facility dogs are integrated into treatment and rehabilitation plans. Some examples of a facility dog’s special task-based work include improving range of motion and balance through controlled tugging; working on gross and fine motor skills through grooming and retrieving; and improving speech and articulation through interaction with the facility dog. “These dogs are life changing for a person with a disability,” said Corey Hudson, CEO of Canine Companions. “The stories of the positive impact these dogs have on the lives of their human partners are astounding.”

Donations to Good Deed Dogs can be made at any Mattress Discounters store as well as online. In addition to raising funds for facility dogs, Good Deed Dogs donations will support training and availability of service dogs that assist those with disabilities such as spinal cord injury, deafness, multiple sclerosis, autism, and cerebral palsy and service dogs for Veterans that help active and retired military members put their lives back together after a severe injury. Each type of assistance dog is trained in the commands and skills necessary to support a wide range of client needs, both physical and psychological.

Now until March 9, Good Deed Dogs’ first donation drive will support all three types of assistance dogs. All of the donations collected, less processing fees, are given to Mattress Discounters’ partner Canine Companions to train assistance dogs.

“As a company, we’re committed to giving back, and through our partner, Canine Companions, we’ve seen firsthand the huge impact assistant dogs have on those living with disabilities,” said Gina Davis, director of branding for Mattress Discounters. “We’re thrilled to share this program with the communities we serve and believe they will be excited for the opportunity to support such an important cause.”