WHY RAISE A PUPPY
No two puppy raiser journeys are exactly the same. Leader Dog puppies are bred for success, but any veteran puppy raiser will tell you that each puppy comes with a different personality, skills and surprises. Raising a puppy isn't about being an expert—it's about being willing to learn and give back. The time, patience, effort and love that you give to your puppy is what makes it possible for that dog to change someone's life forever.
From the moment you meet your little four-legged friend to the moment you wish him good luck on the next stage of his life, raising a puppy is an experience you will never forget.
Leader Dog puppy raisers are:
- Dedicated. Puppy raising is a year-long experience that takes work to give your puppy the best foundation.
- Nationwide. There are puppy raisers in 19 states in the U.S. (we've also had raisers in Canada)!
- Supportive. "It takes a village" definitely applies to puppy raising, and raisers share the highs and lows (and lots of encouragement along the way).
- Passionate. The majority of puppy raisers choose to raise a second (or third, or fourth, or tenth) puppy after raising their first.
- Generous. Raising a puppy is no small feat, but the act of raising that puppy is critical to giving someone who is blind life-changing freedom and independence through a Leader Dog.
What puppy raisers learn
That I could love a four-legged unbelievable creature and in the end let her go forward and know I played an important part of her life. Knowing she will guide someone or lead a different path. At one time I would say it leaves a hole in my heart when they leave but now, I look at it differently. They fill my heart with so much love and I can let go knowing all will be ok! God speed to all the puppies I raise, I know they're not mine to keep!
Val Benson
How there is such a supportive and amazing group of people—a family—that puts so much time, effort and love to change the lives of others. This was going to be one puppy, but five puppies and hosting a [breeding stock] mom and 24 babies later... can’t imagine not having done any of it!
Krista Stauffer
As we began puppy raising for Leader Dog, we could never have imagined how inspired we would be by these wonderful puppies and the whole Leader Dog family and process. We love the dogs we raised, and then let them go to make a difference in someone else’s life. Yet, every puppy we raise ends up making a huge difference in our own personal life.
Pat Phelps-Agnew
Why puppy raisers do it
It is very important to me to teach my children the importance of giving back and helping others—that there is more in this world than just themselves. As a family, we love animals so the decision to get involved with Leader Dog was an easy one. I love to see the pride in my children when they explain to their friends, or to people we meet when out with our [Future Leader Dog], why we are doing this. It has been a wonderful teaching moment and learning experience for all of us!
Tracie Faupel
Members of my family experienced visual impairment as they aged. I raise puppies in their memory. It’s not about the dog, it’s how they can change a life.
Bonnie Luternow
I raise because someone raised my service dog Maya (a PAWS dog) when I was wheelchair bound. It’s my way of saying thanks.
Debi Delie
I started out as a Lion. I was raising for my [Lions] club and then I got to meet someone who got one of my puppies and... WOW! I’m making a difference! It takes my breath away.
Laura Guerin
Raising puppies gives my life purpose. I am improving the quality of another person's life using my skills and talents, and having fun meeting people while I do the work!
Marcia Bedard
Ready to Start Puppy Raising?
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When Kayla picked up her puppy, he was a sweet, cuddly, 12-pound fluffball. She named him "Hopper" after the police chief in the show Stranger Things. Over a year, she taught him to calmly accept nail trims, walk by her side without pulling, ignore distractions like yelling children and squirrels, settle down quietly when she was busy, and many more skills. When the time came for him to go back to Leader Dog to start his guide dog training, it was hard for Kayla, but she wanted him to go fulfill his destiny.
Lisa has lived with blindness most of her life but never let it stop her from achieving her goals. She earned her bachelor's degree and two certifications and works as a medical coder. As her vision declined, she decided what she needed to keep her independence: a Leader Dog. Lisa was matched with Leader Dog Hopper. Kayla got to meet Lisa and see the pair in action. "Hopper was so happy to see us, but he settled next to her, with his head on my feet and his feet on hers. Just so proud of this amazing dog and so happy for the life of adventure and love that they will lead together."Share your info below and we'll be in touch with more information.
What else would you like to know about raising a puppy?
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