How to Handle Saying Goodbye as a Service Dog Puppy Raiser
Quick Answer:
Saying goodbye to a service dog puppy you’ve raised can be emotional, but focusing on the bigger mission, celebrating milestones, and leaning on the support of fellow puppy raisers and Putnam Service Dogs’ staff can make the transition easier. Every goodbye creates a new beginning for someone living with a disability.
Becoming a puppy raiser for a service dog is an extraordinary, rewarding gift. You’re shaping the foundation of a dog’s journey to transform someone’s life. But along with the joy of puppy kisses, playful energy, and countless milestones comes a reality every volunteer raiser faces: saying goodbye when it’s time for your pup to move on to advanced training. You’ve been taught by Putnam Service Dogs’ trainers how to bond very closely with your pup – much closer than you might have bonded with your pet dogs in the past. To give up this much loved pup is a personal sacrifice you’ll make to help someone living a very challenging life.
It’s natural to feel a mix of pride and sadness. Letting go isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most selfless, impactful acts you can do. Here’s how to navigate the emotional side of being a service dog puppy raiser and why your goodbye is a powerful act of love.
Acknowledge the Emotional Side of Puppy Raising
It’s normal to feel a deep attachment. After all, you’ve been there for every step—teaching sit, celebrating first walks on a loose leash, comforting during thunderstorms. You’ve been taught how to better communicate with your pup – how to read its signals, and communicate your intentions well. This creates a deep bond with the pup. Recognize that your sadness is a reflection of the love and care you poured into your puppy in training.
Remember the Bigger Picture: Why Puppy Raising Matters
When you feel the pang of letting go, remind yourself: this is the moment your puppy was preparing for — to transform two lives — the life of the pup and its person it assists. By raising them with consistency, patience, and compassion, and introduction to many new places and experiences, you’ve given them the tools to grow into a life-changing service dog.
Your goodbye is the first step toward someone else’s hello—their hello to independence, confidence, and companionship. Their life will open and change because of the pup you helped create.
Stories from Service Dog Puppy Raisers
You’re not alone in this journey—many volunteer raisers have walked the same path and found the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
Take Nick and Kathy’s story, for example. After losing their beloved schnauzer, they weren’t sure if they were ready for another dog. But when they discovered Putnam Service Dogs, they decided to raise a puppy for a greater purpose. That’s how Forest entered their lives—a gentle rescue pup who became a beloved companion, a quick learner, and a joy to their whole community.
Nick admits that saying goodbye to Forest when he enters formal training won’t be easy. But he and Kathy knew from the start this was the goal: to help Forest dedicate his life to someone who truly needs him. Their experience has been so rewarding that they’re already considering raising another pup.
Read more about the journeys of our puppy raisers and recipients—and see how each story is part of a bigger mission.
Celebrate the Milestones Along the Way
Goodbyes feel lighter when you frame them as a graduation. Create a scrapbook, print your favorite puppy photos, or write a letter to your future service dog about your journey together. These keepsakes help you honor your pup’s growth while recognizing the incredible role you played in their story.
Stay Connected to the Mission
Many puppy raisers find comfort in staying involved after their pup moves on. Whether it’s raising another puppy, volunteering in another role, donating, or attending events, continuing to support the mission helps channel your love into ongoing purpose.
See all of our volunteer opportunities.
Know You’re Part of a Supportive Community
At Putnam Service Dogs, every volunteer raiser goes through this transition. You’ll find a community of people who understand the mix of joy and grief—and who can remind you that your love is never lost, only carried forward into your pup’s next chapter.
Your Goodbye, Their Hello
The truth is, saying goodbye will always tug at your heart. But your act of love gives someone else the chance to live more independently, more fully, and with the companionship they’ve been waiting for.
Are you ready to make a life-changing impact?
Your goodbye gives someone else a hello to independence.
Learn more about becoming a volunteer puppy raiser with Putnam Service Dogs
FAQs: Transitioning After Puppy Raising
Yes—it’s natural to feel sad when it’s time to let go. Many puppy raisers describe it as bittersweet, but they also say the pride of knowing their pup will change someone’s life makes it worthwhile.
Puppy raisers typically care for a future service dog for about 12–18 months before the dog moves on to advanced training with professional trainers.
Each organization has its own guidelines. At Putnam Service Dogs, raisers may not always see the final placement, but you’ll know your pup is moving on to fulfill their life-changing purpose.
We provide training manuals, guidance from professional trainers, and a supportive community of fellow raisers. You’re never on this journey alone.
Absolutely! Many puppy raisers find the experience so rewarding that they raise more than one service dog puppy over time.
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.
