Meet Auggie! Auggie, a Golden Retriever x Labrador Retriever mix, is Dogtopia of Easton’s second sponsored service dog through The Dogtopia Foundation. Auggie was trained through Canine Companions. Dogtopia of Easton chose Canine Companions for this sponsorship because of their dedication to lifelong training and work with service dogs that get matched with their person.

Throughout the sponsorship journey, Canine Companions unfolded Auggie’s training like a storybook; each week being a new chapter and a new update about Auggie. Before our eyes, Auggie went from a curious little puppy to a confident and smart companion, ready to serve his person.

After an intense and successful training program, Auggie was matched with Andrew. Andrew is a United States Army veteran from Pennsylvania. Andrew and Auggie met during a two week training program that helped individuals find a potential service dog. Andrew and Auggie hit it off and immediately bonded from the moment that they met.

After a final practical exam, Andrew and Auggie passed with flying colors and were approved to be a perfect match! Auggie helps Andrew turn on lights, create space in public settings, provides emotional support, and even wakes Andrew up when Auggie detects a nightmare! Auggie is an incredible dog with so many amazing duties.

When Andrew found out that Dogtopia of Easton is the facility that made this all possible, he felt compelled to reach out! Andrew and Auggie took a road trip and came to Dogtopia of Easton and met the team! This was a rare opportunity that meant the world to our team. Andrew showed the team what Auggie can do for him and others around him. He spoke about the impact service animals have on people and thanked us for giving him a second chance at an independent life.

The connection that we made with Andrew and Auggie was a moment that our team will remember forever. Thanks to the pet parents who have donated to The Dogtopia Foundation, we were able to give Andrew a newfound life of independence.