Saint Francis Service Dogs is looking for dog lovers to open their hearts and homes to special puppies. Puppies are tested for temperament and ability, and are accepted into the program as young as seven weeks of age.

They live with volunteer puppy raisers until they are approximately 12-15 months old, at which time they continue their career with a Saint Francis Service Dogs trainer.

Volunteer puppy raisers are responsible for teaching the puppy basic obedience commands, socializing the puppy in a wide variety of settings, and providing lots of love.

Puppy Raisers attend a weekly training class to receive guidance and help during the year, so that the pup has the best possible start for a future as a service dog.

Once the puppy is ready to graduate and begin life with his or her partner, the puppy raiser is invited to attend a graduation ceremony to meet the pup's new human partner, say goodbye, and feel wonderful about having played such a great role in enhancing the life of a person with a disability.

For more information about raising a Saint Francis Service Dogs puppy, or to learn about other volunteer opportunities at Saint Francis Service Dogs, please call us at 540-342-3647 or email us at info@saintfrancisdogs.org.

You can make a huge difference in someone's life!