The non-profit group "Canine Companions" gives people with disabilities a new best friend. On Wednesday, the group itself received a gift from the National Automobile Dealers Association: A $10,000 grant. The check is the beginning of an annual program.

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Among those served by Canine Companions are veterans returning from war. “Our hearts just go out to these vets and what our men and women of our military mean to use to guard and protect us,” said Bob Mallon of the automobile dealers association.

After breeding, training and follow-up services, each assistance dog costs $50,000. Canine Companions provides the dogs to children and adults with disabilities - including veterans - free of charge.

The funding will help more veterans receive companions, like retired Sgt. Sam Cila has. Cila was severely injured by an IED blast in Baghdad in July 2005.

“Shrapnel came flying from my right side hitting my chest plate and hitting my chest and most of my left arm,” he said.

He underwent more than 40 surgeries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, all the while struggling with depression, post traumatic stress disorder and a traumatic brain injury. Ultimately, Cila's left hand was amputated.

He then learned about "Canine Companions for Independence." His dog Gillian now serves as Sgt. Cila's left hand, saving him from overexerting his right side. “She can do all the things my left hand can't. She can hold doors for me turn on light switches, carry that extra bag,” he explained.

“It makes every bit of hurt, sacrifice that I may have given worthwhile,” Cila said.

Cila is now a full time athlete, competing in last year's iron man world championships and training for the triathlon at the Paralympic Games in 2012. He calls Gillian his teammate and credits her for helping him cross each finish line.

“We're accountable for each other,” Cila said. “I need to be at my best to take care of her mentally and physically and when I do that, she's at her best to take care of me.”