Working with wonderful woofers, the sort of furry joy-bringers that make a difference in people’s lives?
Pitching in with a pack of incredible pups can make a lasting impression on a person’s mind, outlook, and, for sure, their spirit, too.
And that chance to lend a hand, your time, some empathy and understanding, and a whole lot of love is coming up, on Dec. 11, thanks to a “puppy raiser” training session with Guide Dogs of America.
This is a virtual happening, via Zoom, and it will be the final online information event before in-person gatherings return to the Sylmar campus in 2022.
Guide Dogs of American pairs trained pups with “… individuals who are blind/visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism,” with dogs also being placed in “hospitals, schools, and courtrooms.”
“Our highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient,” states the organization on its site.
And helping the organization achieve its mission?
Puppy raisers, those dedicated volunteers who are among some of the first people a young, in-training dog gets to know, trust, and adore.
If you choose to pursue volunteering for this life-changing role, there’ll be a few initial considerations, as well as matters you’ll want to mull.
One consideration? Where you reside. You and the puppy in your care will need to call upon the Sylmar campus on occasion, and attendance at both monthly puppy group meetings and “puppy kindergarten classes” is required.
The Dec. 11 information session will address what you can expect from meetings and classes, as well as what at-home life will be like with the future guide dog you’re helping to raise.
Questions covered include the breeds and types of puppies that volunteers raise, what can be expected in terms of puppy proofing and such, what out-of-pocket expenses might look like, and how long the puppy will live in your home.
And, yes: “(W)hat happens when the dogs ‘go off to college’ to begin formal training” is also a central topic of the session, as well as how dogs are paired with their forever people once they’ve graduated.
The word straight from Sylmar? “We ALWAYS need puppy raisers,” says Stephanie Colman, the coordinator of the puppy program.
So even if you can’t join the December Zoom, you can plan to attend an in-person information session on the Guide Dogs of America campus, in early 2022.
Could this be your new year’s resolution?
Wagging her tail in a desperate attempt to get assistance before giving up on life, this homeless puppy makes one last plea.
The puppy was suffering from distemper and recognized she was dying. When she saw somebody passing by, she asked for help one last time.
Distemper is one of the leading causes of death among unvaccinated street dogs. This infectious virus, which targets the breathing, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems of dogs, is often deadly.
In this video, we watch Animal Help Unlimited staff try to rescue a young homeless young puppy suffering from distemper.
The dog had actually been infected for weeks but had no treatment because the baby was homeless. She was eventually found collapsed by a roadside, wagging her tail in the hopes of seeking rescue.
The rescue team realized the canine was dying, but they intended to provide it a possibility to recover. She got intensive care for 2 week, which included antibiotics and fluids.
In spite of her excruciating discomfort, the dog was grateful to have humans look after her for the first time in her life.
She was gradually getting better every day! It was a magical moment for the grooming team when the puppy restored the strength to fit on all fours and walk again!
She was so overjoyed at her victory that she rushed towards her rescuers and hugged them tightly. Her bright smiles and unlimited waving of her tail brightened our day!
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