TYSONS, Va.— PenFed Credit Union has launched a new program in partnership with Canine Companions for Independence, and has welcomed two puppies, Admiral III and Clint III, as assistance dogs in training. The new partnership kicked off at the company’s Tysons Corner headquarters with a welcome party and tour for the new canine members of the PenFed team and was followed by the dogs visiting the company’s Alexandria Service Center location. Admiral will be based in Tysons Corner and Clint in Alexandria.
“PenFed is proud to work with Canine Companions and provide support to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. We are especially proud to support the men and women who have served our country and protected our freedoms,” said James Schenck, PenFed Credit Union president and CEO. “Admiral and Clint are part of a mission to help open doors for people with disabilities to become more independent. They also provide unconditional love, companionship, and loyalty. We are committed to this program and making it work for our employees who are donating their time to raise these dogs for a very noble cause and plan to expand the program to our Omaha and Eugene locations.”
PenFed has provided $60,000 in funding to Canine Companions in the last year and is covering all costs associated with the puppies for the two employee volunteer dog raisers.
The puppies will learn basic commands and socialization skills by accompanying PenFed’s first volunteer assistance dog raisers Lisa Jennings, senior executive vice president, and Emma Phillips, university relations and campus recruitment lead, to work every day and by joining all of their personal activities.
“With every gift given there is a responsibility to give to others,” said Jennings, who is also a volunteer member of “Pets on Wheels,” an organization of the Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging where pets visit and support people living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. “I’m excited to raise Admiral as one of PenFed’s first volunteer dog raisers as it’s an opportunity to improve a life not just for a few moments, but for years to come.”
Part of Clint’s mission to become an assistance dog will also include accompanying Phillips on college campus visits this fall to recruit future PenFed employees. It’s part of how the company is showing up differently on campus.
“I strive to give back to others and am delighted to take on this opportunity to show my children what it takes to have a heart of service,” said Phillips, an experienced show dog trainer. “I look forward to traveling with Clint to college campuses this fall to recruit future PenFed employees because it shows our company’s commitment to bettering the lives of others, in all that we say and do.”
The PenFed volunteer dog raisers will spend the next 18 months raising Admiral and Clint as part of the PenFed family to prepare them for the next step in the program, where they will spend an additional six months with Canine Companions professional instructors learning over 40 advanced commands that are useful to a person with disabilities.
Below, from left: Clint, Emma Phillips, Lisa Jennings, Admiral, Debra Dougherty (Canine Companions for Independence).