For Nick and his wife, Kathy, dogs have always been part of their lives. However, after losing their beloved schnauzer in 2020 and with their frequent travels to Australia to visit family, they hesitated to adopt another pet. That changed when they saw an ad for Putnam Service Dogs (PSD) in their local paper. The idea of raising a puppy for a greater purpose intrigued them, and when they learned that puppy raisers could take time off for vacations, they decided to take the leap!
_____
“If you love dogs and want to make a difference, do it! It’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever experience.”
—Nick, Volunteer Puppy Raiser with Putnam Service Dogs:
_____
A New Beginning with Forest
When Nick and Kathy first met Forest, a newly adopted pup by PSD, he was a thin, gentle dog. PSD’s Head Trainer had spotted him at a rescue in Connecticut, Forest had been transported up from a shelter in Florida. His sweet nature and calm demeanor won Nick and Kathy over immediately. “He’s never done anything wrong—just a good boy,” Nick says. “All the kids in the neighborhood love him.”
Forest quickly became part of their daily routine. He accompanied Nick to Home Depot, visited a nursing home where Nick’s mother and a group of nuns doted on him, and even attended a PSD golf tournament.
His training, led by PSD trainers Melissa and Wendy, was thorough and structured. From mastering “Place” (returning to his bed) to understanding commands like “Under” at the local diner, Forest embraced his role with enthusiasm. “He picks up training pretty well,” Nick shares. “He even helps by picking up my old cell phone, TV remote, and tools in my shop—though he’s a little wary of hammers!”
The Rewards of Puppy Raising
For Nick and Kathy, the experience of raising Forest has been deeply fulfilling. “He’s a joy,” Nick says. “Last Christmas, our kids came from Australia, and Forest was just eight months old. Our two-year-old granddaughter climbed all over him, and he just sat there and took it.”
Beyond the joy, raising Forest has been a learning experience. “I’ve learned so much about how to train a pup properly,” Nick explains. “PSD provides a manual with the right commands so we’re all on the same page. The consistency helps the dogs succeed.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of puppy raising has been witnessing the dedication of PSD’s founder, Nancy Teague. “She’s incredibly committed to her vision,” Nick says. “She doesn’t miss a thing and makes sure we stay on track.”
Preparing for the Next Step — Changing Another Life
As Forest nears the time to enter formal training at the PSD training center, Nick acknowledges the transition will be tough. “It won’t be easy, but we knew from the start that this was the goal,” he says. “The training center is close by, and while we may not see him with his future recipient, we want him to be fully dedicated to his person.” Knowing that Forest will one day change someone’s life for the better—offering companionship, independence, and invaluable support—makes all the effort, dedication, and love put into raising him completely worth it.
Despite the impending farewell, Nick and Kathy are already open to raising another service dog pup. “Give us a bit to adjust, but when they have another pup ready, we’ll take it,” Nick says with a smile.
The Impact Puppy Raisers Can Make Through Putnam Service Dogs
Nick believes the community should know just how dedicated PSD is to its mission. “They provide service dogs to people with disabilities free of charge, and Veterans with PTSD—that’s huge,” he emphasizes. “The money donated is well-spent, and as puppy raisers, while we don’t get paid, we gain so much in return.”
Looking back on their journey, Nick and Kathy are grateful for the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves. “It’s been everything we thought it would be and more,” Nick says. “Forest is a lot of fun, and knowing he’ll change someone’s life makes it all worthwhile.”
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.
