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?
A Brave Little Girl’s Snowy Quest to Find a Vet for Her Beloved Pet Dog
Once upon a time in the picturesque village of Düzpelit, nestled in the snow-covered landscapes of Ordu, Turkey, a dedicated veterinarian named Ogün Öztürk found himself on a unique mission. He had been summoned to the village to attend to a sick cow, a task he expected to complete swiftly and return home. Little did he know that this visit would lead to an unexpected and heartwarming connection.
As Ogün wrapped up his work with the ailing cow, he noticed something out of the ordinary. Through the thick blankets of snow, he spotted a determined little girl trudging towards him, carrying a pup on her back. Their extraordinary friendship began at that very moment.
The courageous girl was none other than Cemre Su Türköz, a resident of the village. Her faithful companion, Pamuk, had been suffering from an incessant itch for several days. Worried about her furry friend’s health, Cemre was determined to find a veterinarian as soon as possible. However, heavy snowfall had cut off access to the district center, leaving her with no choice but to explore alternative options. As luck would have it, an opportunity presented itself.
That fateful day, Cemre heard that a veterinarian would be in town to tend to a cow. Fearing that the vet might leave the village before she could seek his help, Cemre Su placed Pamuk on her back and embarked on a journey of over a mile along treacherous snow-covered mountain roads to reach Ogün’s location. Her arrival took the vet completely by surprise.
The resolute young girl approached Ogün and explained her predicament – her dog’s persistent itch, the inability to reach the district center due to the snow, and her desperation to have Pamuk examined. Who could refuse such an astonishing and determined client? Without hesitation, Ogün conducted a thorough examination, and fortunately, Pamuk’s condition was not dire. A simple topical medication would suffice to alleviate his discomfort.
In awe of the 8-year-old’s courage, Ogün refused to accept any payment for his services. Cemre offered approximately 7 liras, but he kindly declined. The kindness and bravery displayed by Cemre were rewards beyond measure for the compassionate vet.
This encounter marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Ogün continued to visit the village, not only to check on Pamuk’s well-being but also to spend time with Cemre and her beloved dog. Through the harshest of weather conditions, Pamuk felt the love and care that the little girl had showered upon him. It was a heartwarming tale of friendship and the boundless love between a little girl and her loyal canine companion.
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