An incredible journey
My Puppy Raising journey began when I paged through Friend in Harness magazine. “We need Puppy Raisers” caught my attention, and the rest is, as they say, history.
What an incredible experience it has been! Over the past few years, I have shared my home and life with six puppies, each with its own unique personality. Being on this journey has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. There is the excitement of collecting your puppy, the frustration of a few weeks of sleepless nights and the thrill of watching your puppy master a new skill. Then there is the devastation at the news that your pup has been matched, the sadness of saying your final goodbye and a sense of immense pride as you watch a qualified Assistance Dog walk off with their new human companion.
My first pup, Vixen, was sadly withdrawn, and I have adopted her. Three of my pups, (Pringle, Felix and Lexa) have all been placed with the most wonderful people.
Pringle is a Service Dog; Felix is a Guide Dog; and Lexa is an Autism Support Dog. I still have contact with their owners, which brings me so much joy as I get to continue being a part of their lives knowing that they are happy, truly loved and making a meaningful difference.
I currently have two pups with me at home. Aspen, who will soon start her formal training, (I’m excited to see her flourish), and Eclipse, who still has about six months of puppy classes and cuddling before she commences formal training.
My day as a Puppy Raiser kicks off with a wet nose and a nudge to get up and “feed me breakfast, please”. This is followed by about two hours of playing and zoomies while I get ready for work. A few hours are spent sleeping in the office while I try to make money for dog toys and treats. Once or twice a week we break up our office time with a trip to a shopping mall or a farmyard for some exposure. This is crucial as puppies need to be exposed to a variety of environments and people in preparation for formal training. After work we rush home for another two hours of running around, dinner and a cuddle on the floor before bed. Each day is met with the same excitement and enthusiasm… it’s exhilarating!
We attend puppy classes once a week where basic obedience is taught, and our pups get to socialise with one another. We also get the opportunity to ask for advice or discuss any problems that we might have encountered during the week. This is also a good opportunity to meet like-minded people who share a love for puppies and want to make a difference.
Each puppy that I have raised and trained has filled my home with happiness and my heart with complete love. Knowing that I have played a small part in spreading some sunshine and making a difference in the life of someone who truly needs it makes it all worthwhile in the end.
I love being a Puppy Raiser, and I don’t plan on stopping any time soon!
Written by Robynne Kirkham, Puppy Raiser