“Puppy raising is being involved in something bigger then yourself, for a purpose outside of yourself”

There couldn’t be a better way to sum it up. Puppy raising is exactly that. Volunteer puppy raising is the idea of welcoming a young puppy into your home for up to eighteen months. During that time the puppy learns about basic obedience, socialization and fundamental manners to set them up for success in their future training as a guide dog. But it is so much more than that.

One of our puppy raisers, Kelsi M., shared her experience with us, and quite honestly, she said it best! We asked her a couple of questions about puppy raising, and this is what she had to say.

Q: Why do you raise puppies?
A: I raise puppies for a way to give back to the community. It is fun and meaningful to be fun of part something really big, so much bigger than yourself and what you could ever imagine. It illustrates a deep seeded type of kindness to be able to welcome in a dog, love and adore them, and then let them go off to do something to make someone else’s life better than before. Puppy raising allows you to establish a sense of community with others who share in the same principles you do. And using that strength as a community to be a part of fulfilling an impactful mission together. It forges a unique relationship that isn’t easy to come by. Together, as a group, you embark on a small piece of a big journey to impacting the lives of those around you. And there are no words for how rewarding that is.

There are some other things about puppy raising that are pretty impactful, too. For me, having a permanent dog would be hard because I am not home very often, and my pet would spend most of its time alone in a crate. With a puppy in training, they go where I go. We take on the world together and become a team… for me to do what I need to, and for puppy to learn and grow. It’s purposeful, it’s a lifestyle. And it fits my world better. I also get to meet, teach and enjoy some of the best dogs there are. To meet these incredibly intelligent dogs and watch them thrive on learning and experiencing the world, it just inspires you so much more to go out there and try things with them by your side. There are social aspects of this that matter a lot to me too. Puppy raising fulfills your soul, completes your home and lets you learn a lot along the way. Puppy raising just doesn’t quite ever parallel with any other type of volunteer or service focused role. It is an all-encompassing, unique hobby that brings out a side of yourself you never knew was there.

Q: How would you describe puppy raising?
A: Puppy raising is a lot like fostering a dog. You temporarily welcome a dog into your home, knowing this dog isn’t mean to be yours or a permanent family member. You welcome them in knowing that they will come for a while and then head off to fulfill a purpose far bigger then you could imagine. During that time, you teach them basic obedience, fundamental manners at home, and teach them to understand their world around them. It goes beyond providing a dog a home, and provides a dog instead with the fundamental skills to be able to later become a working guide dog for someone who is blind or visually impaired. You lay the groundwork for the purpose these pups have. You more or less guide them into maturity, adulthood and understanding of what is to be expected of them. You give them the puppyhood they need, while also teaching them the skills they will need later in life.

Q: What is it like when your puppy is placed as a guide dog, or in another line of service?
A: While not every puppy who is born to be a guide dog ends up in that career, they always find their intended purpose and destiny. To see a puppy become a working guide dog fills you with an indescribable sense of pride. Honestly, it does no matter what they do. Whether they end up in another line of service, as a breeder dog, or a cherished pet they are making a difference in their world, and they can do that because of the skills you gave them You feel able to celebrate their successes, and you know that the life you started them off with is a huge part of how they became the dog they are today. To watch them form new and meaningful, purpose centered relationships is a kind of fulfillment you just can’t find doing anything else.

Q: What would you want someone to know if they are thinking about puppy raising?
A:   Puppy raising sounds like a lot of work and investment of time for a dog that will not be with you forever. But that time, and energy investment is instead shaping someone else’s future. The work you put in impacts someone’s life directly. And it is really humbling to know that. You might think of this like you are “giving up” a dog that has become a member of your family. But what you are really doing is expanding your social circle, both in your home and within the puppy raiser community. Your world and your heart grow bigger. It may feel a little like loss, and sometimes it sounds that way. But what it is, is the experience of growing your world more and more. It’s pride in what you and you r puppy accomplish. It’s friendship. It’s purpose. And, there is just not much that compares to that.