As the day approaches for me to “hand over the leash,” I reflect on the reasons I, and others, puppy raise for Canine Companions for Independence. It’s not a simple answer. But, then, it is.
For me, I love dogs. I really love dogs. I have a college degree in Veterinary Technology but ended up not working in that field because of marriage and kids. However, I did work in a boarding kennel for some time. After quite a few years, I started to greatly miss working with dogs. I began to research ways that I could do something with dogs yet still remain a stay-at-home mom. A news article about puppy raising reminded me of a paper I wrote in college about service dogs. I began to look more into what puppy raising was all about and discovered the Canine Companions for Independence organization has a regional office only an hour away! I quickly talked my husband into us applying and the rest is history. We are currently raising puppy #4!
Like me, so many puppy raisers got started with CCI out of their love for dogs and their want to serve and give back. For others, it gives them a sense of purpose. Many are empty-nesters who need something to fill the void. Or, they are families who want to use the experience to help teach their children responsibility and service to others.
Some puppy raisers have been influenced by personally knowing a disabled person with a service dog. They have seen, firsthand, the impact these dogs make in people’s lives. A service dog could literally save someone’s life one day. To actually witness the connection, love, and loyalty a service dog has with its handler is awe-inspiring.
As puppy raisers, we get the following question all the time. “How can you give the dog up?” No, it’s not easy. Matriculation Day is always an especially hard day. You’ve spent the last 18 months raising, training, and socializing a puppy. You’ve fallen in love, no matter how much you told yourself you wouldn’t. Then, you witness the Graduation Ceremony and the “handing over of the leash.” You see the joy on the graduate’s face as they realize their hope for greater independence is coming true. It brings joy to your heart because you helped that puppy find its purpose. You realize that you’ve received even more than you’ve given. And now, it’s time to do it all over again.
The motto of the Canine Companions for Independence organization sums it up. “Some people wait a lifetime for a miracle. We raise them one at a time.”
Further Reading
To read inspirational stories from puppy raisers and graduates, please visit http://www.cci.org/about/stories/.
If you would like more information about becoming a volunteer puppy raiser, please visit http://www.cci.org/get-involved/ways-to-volunteer/become-a-volunteer-puppy.html.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are strictly my own. I did not receive compensation for this post.
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