It’s truly remarkable how resilient dogs can be in the face of adversity. Allow me to introduce you to Hope, a little warrior rescued by Deepika Srivastavva in Gurgaon, India. Hope was discovered as a tiny puppy with her insides hanging out, abandoned and defenseless.
Imagine her plight – just 20 days old, separated from her mother, and left in an area inhabited by territorial street dogs. They attacked her, leaving her on the brink of death. Thankfully, she was found in time and rushed to the hospital, where a life-saving surgery was performed to mend her injured stomach.
Today, Hope is a thriving 4-5 months old, living up to her name with incredible resilience and potential. Despite not being involved in her initial rescue, Stray Dog stepped in when no one in India was willing to adopt her. Returning her to the streets was not an option, as she lacked the survival skills necessary.
“We’ll be standing by this brave girl until we find her a new home. Although she appears physically healthy, we had to postpone her spay surgery due to the challenges she has overcome,” shares her rescuer and foster parent.
According to them, Hope is not just physically resilient but also remarkably clever and affectionate. She’s learned to walk on a leash and is crate trained, proving that even after a tumultuous start, love and care can transform a life. Let’s join hands to ensure Hope’s journey continues towards a brighter, happier future.
Guide Dogs of America Needs Volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’
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?
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