The Vision of Canine Companions

Steve Betando is a graduate of San Jose State University, where he majored in psychology with a minor in special education. In his 8-year role as Superintendent of Morgan Hill Unified School District, he was responsible for the general administration of all instructional, business, and other operations of the district. Prior to his positions as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Superintendent, Steve Betando served as the principal of Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School in Stanislaus County. While Superintendent, the Pandemic hit. Steve Betando reached out to Canine Companions to request comfort support from the therapy dogs for anxious children and adults while receiving their COVID-19 vaccine shots. When asked to support vaccine clinics throughout Santa Clara County, the Canine Companion handlers, trainers, and the dogs themselves provided comfort support to clinics throughout the 31 school districts, private schools, and charter schools in the area.

Canine Companions is a nonprofit that caters to adults and children with physical, auditory, or cognitive disabilities who need the assistance of others like a parent, caregiver, or spouse. They also specialize in working with veterans with PTSD and professionals who work in health, education, and criminal justice.

The organization used proven research to show that pairing humans with canines will improve the quality of life of people affected by physical and emotional trauma. The staff and supporters of Canine Companions act with compassion, integrity, and professional excellence to assist people living with disabilities. Their work in training and matching the highly trained and capable dog companions to those in need achieves a life of greater independence.