KENMORE, Wash. — To celebrate National Puppy Day on Saturday, March 23, the service dog nonprofit Canine Companions is raising awareness about its puppy-raising volunteer program.
A Kenmore couple, Dave and Ali Thurman, have been raising puppies through the program since 2014.
Their sixth pup, Hamish III, graduated this week and is serving a family in Woodinville.
In the past - the couple raised Kimono, Rhoda IV, Lina II, Ashlynn, and Legolas, to go on to become service dogs.
Currently, the Thurmans are raising Viola VII, a seven-month-old black Labrador Retriever.
The couple's primary goal is to socialize Viola, provide a safe home, take her to obedience classes, serve a healthy diet, and give her lots of love.
People can apply to become puppy raisers by filling out an application.
In honor of National Puppy Day - people viewed the live puppy cam throughout the week to see pups who are entering the program to become service dogs. You can view the live puppy cam with this link until 8 p.m. PST.
As a volunteer puppy raiser, Canine Companions requires the following:
- Provide a safe environment for a puppy who will be the only dog under 12 months old in the house.
- Work closely with Canine Companions to monitor the puppy’s progress and submit monthly reports.
- Attend an average of two Canine Companions-approved classes per month.
- Teach the puppy manners and basic skills.
- Provide for the puppy’s food, veterinary expenses and puppy classes.
- Transport the dog to the regional training center at the projected turn-in time.
- Feed the puppy a diet recommended by Canine Companions.
- Acquire and utilize a kennel or crate for sleeping indoors.
- Provide the puppy with age-appropriate socialization opportunities, such as public outings and veterinary appointments.
- Keep the puppy on a leash at all times, unless supervised in a securely fenced area.
- Supervise the young puppy throughout the day.