CARRBORO-Carrboro-based non-profit Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws (EENP) is inviting the public to the “graduation” of one of their trained service dogs.

“We have what we call a ‘graduation,’ where one of our dogs is fully ready to be placed with a person in need,” says John Stephens, who’s the chair of Eyes, Ears, Nose and Paws.

Stephens says the dogs stay at their facility for approximately 18 months working with the training director and volunteers known as “puppy parents” who provide basic care for the animals.

Once the dogs have passed the three-phase training program, a potential owner undergoes a two week training period to get accustomed to the dog. The upcoming graduation caps the training period for dog and new owner.

“It will culminate in something kind of like a high school graduation ceremony,” he says. “But, instead of a diploma, it’ll be essentially the leash of the dog, which symbolizes the keys to more independent living.”

Stephens says there were 100 people in attendance last year and two dogs were graduated. There are 8 dogs currently in the program, and Stephens is planning to have another graduation later this year.

The event is August 20 at 11 a.m. at the Carrboro Century Center. It is free and open to the public. For more information click here.