At Loyola University Maryland, there have been a lot of new four legged friends on campus. This year, many students at the school have volunteered as puppy raisers for the non-profit organization Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers (SDWR). SDWR is an organization where the service dogs will be place in a home of someone with PTSD, diabetes or Autism.
As a puppy raiser, volunteers "raise" the puppy until they are ready to go to their forever home to help someone in need. Raisers do basic house training and obedience, as well as some specified commands, such as opening a door or finding someone. Raisers are also responsible for making sure the dog is out in public and exposed to many different people and social situations. This could include going to the mall, to classes, restaurants, on trains, airplanes and more.
I have come to realize how truly amazing service dogs are, especially if you are the one who owns one of them or are a trainer. Here are some things about service dogs that I have come to love. Please enjoy my photos.
1. If you are the puppy raiser/owner, only you can touch them when they are working so you feel the most loved.
2. They look so adorable in their little vests.
3. They can go anywhere so you are never alone. (They are great company at the gym).
4. And are there to make you laugh by snoring in class.
5. You get to teach them an assortment of tricks.
6. They're just adorable.
7. They are there when you are sad to give you comfort.
8. They LOVE to cuddle and make you happy.
9. They can become your best friends.
