Volunteers play a key role at BC and Alberta Guide Dogs. As a Puppy Training Supervisor, I have the pleasure of managing and supervising the dedicated volunteers that raise our pups from 8 weeks old until they go in to advanced training. These volunteers have the pups in their home, work with them daily and attend weekly and monthly training classes and meetings. Volunteers are responsible for house training, socialization, basic obedience and much more.

Puppy Raisers have a great responsibility raising a pup to be a future Guide Dog, Autism Support Dog or PTSD Service Dog and they remain dedicated to the program. We really couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. Each volunteer puppy raiser brings something unique to the program.

Working with volunteers has always been a passion of mine, so being able to supervise such dedicated and caring volunteers is great. The time they commit to our program is invaluable, as they are constantly working with and caring for their puppy from 8 weeks old until about 1.5 years.

They are also fantastic ambassadors for the program. They always have this little bundle of joy along with them, which people constantly stop to ask questions about. They raise awareness about all of our programs from fundraising to puppy raising and beyond. Our volunteers are the heart of BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, and we really do have the best volunteers you could ask for. A lot of people say I have the best job in the word and they’re usually referring to the puppies. But it’s the volunteers who make the job so satisfying.