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?
Abandoned And Trapped In Deep River, The Elderly Dog started crying When The Volunteer Approached To Caress Him
In the heart of Los Angeles, a tale unfolded that touched the souls of many—a tale of abandonment, resilience, and compassion. It began with a simple phone call, one that sparked a mission of hope and redemption for a lonely soul trapped in the depths of the city’s river.
The call came to Hope in the Paws, a beacon of light for animals in distress. On the other end of the line was a plea for help, a desperate cry for assistance for an elderly dog stranded in the labyrinthine maze of the Los Angeles River. For weeks, the community had rallied around the dog, providing what little sustenance they could offer, but they knew that without intervention, his fate would be sealed.
With urgency in their hearts and determination in their eyes, the volunteers of Hope in the Paws sprang into action. But as they approached the river’s edge, they were met with a sight that tugged at their heartstrings—the elderly dog, once proud and majestic, now reduced to a trembling, frightened creature, his eyes betraying the fear and uncertainty that gripped his soul.
Undeterred by the enormity of the task before them, the volunteers pressed on, fueled by a singular purpose—to bring comfort and salvation to this vulnerable being. With each step closer, they could hear the soft whimpering of the dog, a haunting melody that echoed through the silence of the river.
But then, something miraculous happened. As one of the volunteers extended a hand of kindness towards the dog, offering nothing but love and compassion, the trembling ceased, and the fear began to ebb away. In that moment, amidst the chaos and turmoil of the river, a bond was formed—a bond forged in the crucible of adversity and sealed with the simple yet profound language of empathy.
With gentle hands and tender words, the volunteers lifted the elderly dog from his watery prison, cradling him in their arms as they made their way to safety. And as they emerged from the depths of the river, they were greeted by the warm embrace of the community, their faces alight with gratitude and hope.
The rescue of Peggy the German Shepherd was not just a triumph of human kindness—it was a testament to the power of compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. And as Peggy took her first tentative steps towards a new life, she carried with her the unwavering support of all those who had rallied behind her—a reminder that no soul is ever truly alone as long as there are hearts willing to open and hands ready to help.
So here’s to Hope in the Paws, an organization built on the belief that every life is worth saving and every creature deserving of love. Thank you for your tireless dedication, your boundless compassion, and your unwavering commitment to making the world a better place—one rescue at a time.
And to Peggy, may your journey be filled with warmth and joy, and may you always know that you are loved beyond measure. You may have been abandoned and trapped in the depths of a river, but today, you are free—free to run, free to play, and free to bask in the boundless love that surrounds you.
This is the story of Peggy the German Shepherd—a story of hope, redemption, and the enduring power of love. And as her tale spreads far and wide, may it serve as a beacon of hope for all those who find themselves lost and alone in the world.
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