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?
“Unwavering Loyalty: The Heartwarming Tale of Puppies Mourning Their Mother on the Railroad Tracks”
Near an abandoned railway, a group of unfortunate puppies managed to survive and make a modest living. One of the puppies stood out as exceptional, displaying unwavering loyalty to its mother. Sadly, the mother, an elderly dog, met a heart-wrenching fate after being struck by a passing train on the very railway track they called home.
Every day, this devoted puppy would come back to the railway, tirelessly searching the area for its mother. Unaware of her untimely demise and unable to comprehend her absence, the pup would discover a dry leaf, hop onto it, and with tender touches, lick away its own tears, as if silently imploring its mother to come back. This heart-wrenching routine persisted for several days until destiny intervened. A young girl stumbled upon the railway and bore witness to this poignant scene. Moved by an overwhelming surge of empathy, she felt an irresistible urge to assist these vulnerable puppies
She showed kindness by carrying a basket filled with cookies and drinks, and even extended it to the unique puppy. The one-of-a-kind puppy eagerly hopped onto the basket and enjoyed the provided nourishment. However, an underlying feeling of longing lingered as it repeatedly returned to the railway, settling on the dry leaf, seemingly forever in quest of its lost mother.
The touching story deeply moved the young woman, causing tears to well up in her eyes. Touched by the puppy’s heart-wrenching situation, she made a heartfelt decision. She would take this special pup under her wing, providing it with the warmth, shelter, and nurturing it so desperately required. From that point on, the unique pup found a new refuge, a fresh family, and a renewed opportunity for happiness. This story serves as a poignant reminder that love and care possess an extraordinary transformative power, capable of guiding us through even the most challenging of circumstances and illuminating our path with hope and resilience.
Leave a Reply