the torch Winter 2016, Issue 4 | Page 10

Gifts from Meadows Foundation and Colonnetta family have tails wagging On the anniversary of its first year in operation, the Canine Companions for Independence Baylor Scott & ® White Health – Kinkeade Campus received two generous gifts that will help pair trained assistance dogs with people with disabilities. Joe and Kimberly Colonnetta recently gave $100,000 and the Meadows Foundation, which has a special interest in both companion animals and programs serving the disabled, gave $150,000 in support of Canine Companions. After attending a Baylor Health Care System Foundation board meeting where they learned about the program, Kimberly Colonnetta and her husband were inspired to provide support. The Colonnettas also decided to train a puppy for the program, a yellow Labrador named Atlas. “I’ve been a community volunteer for years, but this is far and away the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Kimberly, who with her family raised Atlas for 16 months. They recently sent him on for professional training through the program. Baylor Scott & White Health 2014. The nine-acre campus opened Kimberly Colonnetta, Atlas; back row (left to right): Damon, Maggie, Michael, Lucy and Jack Colonnetta dormitory rooms, kennels, indoor Each participant completes a two- affiliated with Canine Companions in in November 2015 and includes and outdoor training areas, and week course at the campus — areas for grooming, food preparation, the dog, and to prepare them to work The average cost to train and for the care, feeding, housing and assistance dog is more than $50,000. We continue to raise funds to multipurpose spaces. It also has designed to match the person and and a veterinary clinic and lab. together while becoming responsible provide follow-up services for one medical needs of the dog. The dogs are provided free of charge develop and support the Kinkeade to p e o p l e wi th p hys i c a l o r developmental disabilities, so this philanthropic support is important. Campus. For more information on Canine Companions for Independence at Baylor Scott & White Health — Kinkeade Campus, please contact Sarah Burdi at 214.820.4721 or [email protected]. The Meadows Foundation gift will be recognized on the Canine Companions for Independence Baylor Scott & White Health – Kinkeade Campus van.