Susquehanna Service Dogs needs puppy raisers after welcoming three new litters.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Puppy raisers are needed for Susquehanna Service Dogs, a Lebanon County-based nonprofit.
One litter, born Dec., 13, includes four boys named Pike, Skip, Wade and Marlin.
Each expect to be trained as a service dog over the next two years.
As of now, they’re being cared for by Vickie Alfieri, a volunteer of 10 years.
“My job as a puppy raiser is to teach the pup between nine weeks old and about a year-and-a-half,” Alfieri said.
Alfieri also cares for a dog named Esther, a black lab.
Esther is still in early training and will pair with someone after completing advanced training.
It’s work that requires time and patience, according to puppy class trainer, Megan Cromer.
“We’re looking for people who love dogs [and] want to make a difference and see the reward and the payoff that comes with working with a service dog,” Cromer said.
Volunteers can welcome a nine-week-old puppy for 18 months.
During that time, they attend weekly classes for the first nine weeks and then every other week until the dog is approximately 18 to 20 months old.
The hardest part is eventually saying goodbye.
“One obstacle [for people] is having to give that dog back at the end of a year-and-a-half,” Alfieri said.
Anyone can volunteer, including seniors and college students.
“Each demographic offers a unique situation for the dog to be living in,” Cromer said.
Susquehanna Service Dogs trains the puppies of today to become the hearing, mobility, medical, autism, psychiatric, facility, in-home and skilled companion service dogs of tomorrow.
To volunteer, click here.
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