Veterinary products distributor Henry Schein Animal Health will ship something different to practitioners. The Dublin, Ohio, wholesaler announced a long-term partnership Thursday with Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit group that pairs nearly 300 trained assistance dogs a year with disabled people. Boxes filled with grooming items, treats and other pet products will be sent to veterinary clinics for delivery to clients who raise puppies on behalf of Canine Companions for Independence. The Puppy Raiser Care Package, which also includes product coupons, is intended to reduce the costs that volunteers incur before the animals become full-fledged working dogs. Veterinarians will receive a plaque acknowledging their participation in the program, which is scheduled to start later this year. “The puppy raiser devotes so much time, energy and personal financial resources for the benefit of people needing assistance, so we think it is only fitting to support that generosity with this gift,” said Stanley M. Bergman, chairman and CEO of parent company Henry Schein Inc. “The veterinarian, as the health care partner of the puppy raiser, also contributes to the betterment of society by providing the care needed to ensure the puppy grows into a working assistance dog.” About 1,400 volunteer puppy raisers across the United States are on the roster at Canine Companions for Independence. The volunteers provide young golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers with 18 months of socialization and basic training. “Our volunteers spend their own money to raise these amazing dogs, and their veterinarians provide exceptional care,” said Paul Mundell, CEO of the Santa Rosa, Calif., group. Henry Schein also reported the launch of a national fundraising campaign benefiting Canine Companions for Independence. The company committed $50,000 and invited vendors to contribute to the campaign.
