Our Volunteer Puppy Raisers are Indispensable to our Mission! We began raising and training puppies with Volunteer Puppy Raisers in April, 2017. We’re now looking for Puppy Raisers for our September 2017 and January 2018 classes. If you want to join our great cause and immerse yourself in the intellectually stimulating process of converting a lab/shepherd/retriever mix puppy into a Service Dog, the link is below. It’s a win/win – either you’ll have the heartwarming experience of seeing your puppy go to someone truly in need, knowing the dog will change their lives, or, if the puppy doesn’t graduate, you’ll end up with a great dog, if you want.
We will provide the majority of the supplies you’ll need, vet care of the puppies, and supporting classes taught by a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer) and materials to guide you through your time with the puppy. Warning: raising puppies for a Service Dog organization tends to be addictive because it’s rewarding in so many ways! You’ll be supporting a wonderful cause in a very meaningful way, your dogmanship skills will grow, you’ll meet other nice people, and spend time with a great dog! Help 2 less fortunate souls (puppy from high kill shelter and recipient).
Because we don’t have our Center yet, we’re asking our puppy raisers, if they can, to continue caring for the puppies at night and weekends once they begin formal training with our Trainer at about 15 months of age. Being a puppy raiser through the dog’s graduation will be a 20 month commitment or so.
We will also need dog fosterers who will take over the training of puppies when Puppy Raisers are out of town, or will host dogs in training starting in 2018 if their puppy raisers can’t continue to foster them. If interested, please contact us, info@putnamservicedogs.org
We also need volunteers to help us at our fundraising events. Out next event is our Day In The Park, Saturday, September 16, 2017, at FDR Park, Yorktown Heights. Interested? Please contact us at info@putnamservicedogs.org.
Computer Skills? We need help organizing our email list. info@putnamservicedogs.org
We are now raising funds to buy the site for our Center. We need volunteers to assist us with fundraising events – hosting them or volunteering at our events.
Also, if you’re good with the computer, and manipulating databases, PLEASE join our cause.
If you’re interested in volunteering in any of these ways, or others you’re well suited for, please e-mail us and let us know. info@putnamservicedogs.org
Thanks for your interest and support!