Covetrus delivers 2,000th puppy care packageJune 4, 2019Covetrus has delivered its 2,000th puppy care package to volunteers who train assistance dogs in support of Canine Companions for Independence. For the last four years, the company has equipped volunteer puppy raisers, who are responsible for socializing and training the puppies, with a puppy care package supplied with vital products for raising the puppy during the first 18 months of its life. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing highly trained assistance dogs at no charge to recipients with disabilities. "We are thrilled to have delivered our 2,000th Puppy Care Package in support of Canine Companions for Independence," says Davey Stone, Covetrus vice president of specialty markets and corporate philanthropy. "This philanthropic initiative was designed and managed by Covetrus employees wanting to support volunteers who raise puppies for Canine Companions and the veterinarians who provide their care. It has been a rewarding mission for our employees, and a wonderful channel for their compassionate philanthropic spirit." During the 18 months with their puppy raiser, the future assistance dogs must learn 25 commands to enable them to assist their future partners, including opening doors, retrieving items, or pulling a wheelchair. Afterward, the puppies move to professional training for four to six …
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Merck Animal Health, NEADS launch educational service dog campaignMay 22, 2019A new educational campaign highlights the importance of keeping service dogs healthy from fleas and ticks. Through Bravecto Cares, Merck Animal Health will donate a portion of every Bravecto sale to National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) World Class Service Dogs from now until June 30. The funds raised will be used to support the training of NEADS Service Dogs. "Merck Animal Health knows how important it is to protect our pets, especially those that work for us," says Mark Pelham, DVM, companion animal professional services, Merck Animal Health. "More than just a nuisance, fleas and ticks can carry illness, such as Lyme disease, to our pets and our families. We are proud to collaborate with NEADS, an organization that shares our dedication to keeping pets healthy as part of their extensive service dog training program." According to NEADS, being in top health is a major factor for a world-class service dog. "The health of our dogs is as important as their task training—if they are not at optimal health, they will not be at ideal performance and can potentially put their handlers at risk," says Cathy Zemaitis, NEADS director of development. As part of the campaign, Merck is …
