Coming Together for Greater Independence: Lazy Dog x Canine Companions
Some of our favorite moments happen when people come together. Families catching up over dinner. Friends celebrating a milestone. Neighbors becoming familiar faces around our tables.
That sense of connection is also at the heart of our partnership with Canine Companions®, a nonprofit that provides expertly trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings, all at no charge.
As a proud partner of Canine Companions, we’re bringing our guests and communities together to support its mission of greater independence.
A Partnership with Purpose
Caring for people and supporting the communities we serve have always been important to us. Through Canine Companions, we have an opportunity to extend that care beyond our restaurants.
Service dogs assist people with disabilities with everyday tasks such as turning on lights, picking up dropped keys, opening a door or alerting to sounds. Each partnership brings together an expertly trained service dog and a person with unique needs, routines and goals.
Through fundraising initiatives and awareness efforts throughout the year, our support helps fund Canine Companions service dogs and the program that makes these partnerships possible.
Meet the People Behind the Mission
Behind every service dog partnership is a personal story.
Meet Chuck and Navy
After a spinal injury sustained during a 1976 Air Force training session, U.S. Air Force veteran and retired Colonel Chuck Graf experienced worsening chronic pain and mobility challenges. Over time, he became reluctant to leave his home, especially alone. That changed when he was matched with Canine Companions service dog Navy. With Navy by his side, Chuck regained confidence and independence, returning to activities he once avoided. Navy even helps Chuck carry equipment for swimming, helping him return to the water and even complete a five-mile swim fundraiser for cancer.
“Navy has given me back my independence,” Chuck remarks. “I can’t imagine life without him.”
Meet Kimberly and Noodle
After losing her hands and legs following septic shock, former educator Kimberly was matched with Canine Companions service dog Noodle. He helps with everyday tasks such as opening the pantry door, retrieving cans from a shelf and picking up a dropped spatula while she cooks.
“He’s given me the confidence to ask for help and not be shy about my disability,” Kimberly says. “Together, we meet up with friends and go grocery shopping.”
Stories like these are why we’re proud to support Canine Companions. They offer a glimpse of what greater independence can mean in someone’s everyday life, from familiar routines to new possibilities.
Ways to Give Back
Throughout the year, we’ll share opportunities for our guests to support Canine Companions. Here’s how you can get involved now.
DIY Gingerbread House Kits That Give Back
A little frosting, a handful of colorful candies and time together around the table. Our DIY Gingerbread House Kits bring a little extra meaning to a favorite holiday tradition.
Available November 4 through December 31, 2026, while supplies last, each $8.95 kit includes gingerbread house cookies, white icing and an assortment of colorful candies for decorating. Build together while enjoying a meal at Lazy Dog or take a kit home to decorate with loved ones.
100% of net proceeds, up to $50,000, benefit Canine Companions, helping support its mission of providing expertly trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities, completely free of charge.
Kits are available in restaurants and online.
The Gift That Gives Back
Treat someone to a meal they can look forward to while supporting a meaningful cause.
Through December 31, 2026, when you purchase a Lazy Dog Canine Companions® gift card, 10% of your purchase goes back to the organization.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, saying thank you or surprising someone just because, it’s a gift with a little extra meaning.
Supporting Greater Independence Together
Our partnership with Canine Companions reflects something we value at Lazy Dog: caring for people and the communities we serve.
Through fundraising and awareness efforts, we’re proud to support the work behind each service dog partnership and help more people learn about the difference these dogs can make in everyday life.
Thank you for being part of our community and taking a moment to learn about a mission that means so much to us.
