Canine Partners For Life

Since 1989 the company has been providing Training Services, Pet And Animal Specialties (not Horses).

Although their website indicates that the initial meeting may occur via Skype or other electronic means if you live far aware, don't buy it. That should have been my first red flag. I live in CO, but I sucked it up and made the trip out for my 1 hour interview and tour of their facilities. I was put on the waitlist immediately, and 4 months later was offered a dog, to be received following completion of training in June. I began fundraising from strangers, my company executives and my fellow colleagues. Then, 2 weeks later I received a big packet in the mail with multiple other forms and a list of items required to be brought to training, some of which were name brand specific. A raincoat was suggested and doggie boots were required on the list. I spent hours filling in all of the paperwork, and turned it all back the very next day. I indicated that I had left comments on CPL's Agreement because it indicates that they own the dog and at all times and can demand it back for a variety of reasons, one of which is when the dog is ready to retire. I requested to have the first right to keep Topper as a pet after her years of service with me were deemed by CPL to be complete. Another item to discuss was their ability to take Topper from me if I put their vest and harness on another dog or if I had any other harness or vest on Topper without their insignia. I asked that the Agreement state that instead of taking Topper away, that I would agree to cease this behavior, if it occurred. If the dog is ever returned, or if CPL demands the dog back, as the owner, no money is refunded.

Ive spent the last 2 days scouring the internet and spent $300 buying all of the requested items on their list (brand name and all) except the doggie boots. I posted on my fundraising page that part of the additional $300 expenses I needed donated included the boots and name brand items, which I questioned the immediate necessity of. It WAS a question, but my bad for posing it publicly to my donors I was asking to fund. Apparently CPL stalks your internet presence because they saw the post. Fast forward to 2 days later:

This morning CPL's program director indicated that no changes could be made to the Agreement and that because of my post concerning the boots and the raincoat that they would NOT place Topper or any other dog with me because my communication would not make for a successful dog/human partnership.

I immediately left a voicemail and a follow up email to the Program Director indicating that my Agreement comments were for discussion, not hardline changes and that now that I understood the need for the items, I would be purchasing them immediately. I also informed her that I had already expended the costs of the items and nonrefundable airfare, as well as had my employer jumping through tons of hoops for accommodation (which has caused major, irreparable rifts with my colleagues) I offered, and did remove the offending post, however she emailed me back this evening to say that despite having the cost of the dog covered and these expenses, she was not comfortable placing a dog with me. Period. No further discussion. Not even the courtesy of a phone call in either instance. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black for improper "communication".

Since then I have found many other complaints against CPL for demanding the return of dogs, etc. on several sites, so I guess this is for the best. See ripoff.com and other scam warning sites. Now I am out hundreds of dollars, and my reputation marred before generous strangers and donors. Im ashamed I defended CPL when others were attacking them on other public forums.

Canine Partners For Life (CPL) is a nonprofit organization located in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. CPL trains and places dog...s to assist individuals with a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. CPL trains full-service dogs to provide physical assistance to their partner 24 hours a day, both at home and in public environments (for example, individuals with disabilities caused by...