Guide Dogs of America's puppy nursery in Sylmar is completely filled with puppies.
It has thus prompted a call out to volunteer foster families to help raise and train the pups to be companions to the blind and visually impaired clients.
As of right now, the G.D.A. is housing three litters totaling two dozen puppies with more litters expected to come.
Since September is regarded as National Guide Dog Month, this may be the perfect time for you to become a puppy raiser! It could be a life-changer!
There is a multi-step application process that takes approximately four weeks to complete. It includes a detailed application, attending a local puppy raiser orientation, and scheduling an in-home visit with a G.D.A. representative.
Once a volunteer candidate is approved, the G.D.A. matches him/her with an 8-week-old puppy. The process also takes into account the volunteer's lifestyle and experience level.
All types of applications are accepted even if you already have a pet at home!
The program requirements include monthly puppy raiser meetings, weekly puppy kindergarten classes during the pup's first five months of being with the foster family, and monthly kennel visits.
Another cool part is that G.D.A. covers all medical expenses! The foster family will still have to cover the pup's food, toys, and flea/tick medication; however, these out-of-pocket expenses are tax-deductible.
Want more info?
Go to their website, Guide Dogs of America, and attend upcoming information sessions on September 22nd at 10:30 a.m., and October 27th at 9:30 a.m.
For even more info, call them at (818) 833-6447