The need for more volunteer puppy raisers was highlighted in a New York Times article, Sit, Stay, Say Goodbye, written by Ashley Stimpson. As the creator of the modern service dog concept in 1975, there’s been a growing need for highly trained service dogs since Canine Companions’ inception. And that need continues to expand.
As the article states, there is shortage of the volunteers that raiser future service dog puppies to help fill the growing need for service dogs.
“Canine Companions needs about 500 new puppy raisers a year to keep pace with demand, and wait times for a service dog can reach 18 months or more”, said James Dern, who leads the organization’s puppy program.
Michael Yau, 42, and his wife figured they were too busy to become puppy raisers. The couple, who live in Orinda, Ca., both work, and they have three children under 7, as well as a pet golden doodle. But Mr. Yau, an entrepreneur, was inspired to volunteer after attending a Canine Companions fundraiser that showcased client testimonials; it was the first time Mr. Yau’s wife had ever seen him cry.
Despite their own busy lives, the Yaus have been able to make it work. “The puppy gets fully integrated into your life,” Mr. Yau said. The family even took the first puppy they raised, a yellow lab named Fonzi, to Disneyland by plane.
At Fonzi’s graduation ceremony, the family was able to pass the Labrador’s leash to his new handler, a young man with autism.
“It was a bittersweet moment,” Mr. Yau said, “and such a seminal moment for our kids to learn about service.”
Today, the Yaus are on puppy number two.
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