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?
Echoes of Suffering: A Dog’s Tale of Exhaustion, Tears, and Hope Amidst the Agony of an Iron Bar Attack
It is heartbreaking to hear that a dog was impaled by a stick. The animal had to go through tremendous agony and suffering before being saved. However, the road to recovery can be beautiful, and the dog can recover completely with proper care and attention.
When a dog gets impaled by a rod, the first goal is to get the item out of the dog’s way as soon and safely as possible. This may need surgery or other medical intervention, and it is critical to seek emergency veterinarian care to maintain the animal’s stability and safety.
After the dog’s immediate medical needs have been met, it is critical to concentrate on his long-term recovery. This may include giving patients pain relievers, wound care, and other medical treatments as required.
Additionally, to help the dog cope with the trauma of the experience, it is critical to provide emotional support and care. Following such a traumatic event, dogs may experience anxiety, fear, and other emotional distress, and it is critical to provide them with a calm and nurturing environment to help them feel safe and secure.
Professional assistance from a trained dog trainer or behaviorist may also be required to assist the dog in overcoming emotional trauma and rebuilding trust in people. Positive reinforcement training approaches might make the dog feel more secure and comfortable.
It’s essential to note that recovering from such a traumatic incident takes time and patience, but with the right care and attention, dogs like the one that was poked may make a full recovery. They may rediscover the ability to trust and love, and live happy and full lives with their new families.
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