SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - It's a big day for Canine Companions for Independence.
On Friday puppies graduated to more advanced training, and graduates went home with people partners.
It's the culmination of months of hard work, love and dedication. Nine dogs graduated Friday and 45 puppies moved on to a rigorous six to nine months of training.
Two disabled veterans and their dogs were among the graduates.
"For me personally, it's more than the physical things they can do. It's emotional support, you know, a friend, a family member," veteran Bren Denney said.
The service dogs are trained to do things like retrieve out-of-reach objects, open and close doors and turn lights on and off.
