Wilmington-based Canines for Service Inc. announced this week that the organization is buying a space on Old Dairy Road that it had been leasing for three years. 

The 5,022-square-foot unit at 221 Old Dairy Road will continue to be used by Canines for Service (CFS) in its mission to provide highly skilled service dogs for veterans and others with disabilities, according to a news release.

The organization is purchasing the unit from Glenn Hodges for $475,000, said Pat Hairston, CFS program director. 

"The purchase of this property is a testament to the long-standing commitment of serving the greater Wilmington community and the support of the donors, sponsors and volunteers," the release stated. "Canines for Service began in 1996 operating from the home of the co-founder and president Rick Hairston until leasing commercial space in 2011." 

In 2016, Canines for Service moved from a 1,600 square feet space to the current unit of just over 5,000 square feet. In addition to the unit the group is buying, Canines for Service leases a second unit at the same location for a total of 10,000 square feet of office, training and kennel space, the release stated.

“We are excited to continue to grow in our community and serve others," said Rick Hairston, who in addition to being the co-founder an president is also CEO of CFS. "I have dedicated the last 22 years to continue to grow and improve the organization to provide the highest quality of skilled service dogs for those in need."