My husband and I have been caretakers for two female breeders for Canine Companions for Independence. Over the years the two breeders had a total of nine litters of puppies. The pups are whelped at home and stayed with us for eight weeks. Then they go to families for a year to be trained to follow basic commands. Then they go to National Headquarters in Santa Rosa for more training. Finally, they are placed with disabled individuals. It has been a wonderful experience!