Over the weekend I was at the Boston Store in Madison volunteering for Occupaws, an organization that trains service dogs for the visually impaired. Volunteers raise and train English labrador puppies for 2 yrs. They take them out into the community to prepare them for their "working" life with their eventual owner. You'll see the Occupaws vest on the dog signifiying they are working and not to be petted. Luckily at this fundraising event, it was all about petting the puppies, who can say no to these big brown eyes? That's me above with Honor, we were able to get many donations with her friendly interactions with shoppers.
I volunteer by providing "respite care" so the puppy raisers can take vacation and get a break. Puppy raisers are very committed and they need some time off. This gives me a dog fix without the responsibility of owning a dog right now. I've owned several dogs in the past but with my frequent travel I'm taking a break.
We were able to raise $500 in a 2 hr period offering coupon books for a sale in later February. Funds raised go towards food, medical costs and training of the pups. Occupaws is recruiting "Puppy Raisers" if you feel like you can commit to the 2 yr training period in your home. They provide compensation for the food, treats, etc. but you need to provide the nurturing love and training to bring them along as a service dog. Contact me for more info or go to
www.occupaws.org