I first volunteered as a Puppy Raiser nine years ago, after a friend who had raised a puppy for Mobility Dogs introduced me to the organisation. Since then, I have raised five long-term puppies (each for a year or more) and have also boarded many others for short periods. This has included holiday cover for other raisers, rotation of dogs out of the PiP (Puppies in Prison programme), and giving dogs experience in different environments.
Before becoming a Puppy Raiser, I had never been involved with dogs, so it was a steep learning curve. The first days with a new puppy can be testing and challenging as they find their feet and explore the world around them. This was particularly true with my first puppy, Harley, who developed an early aversion to walking – not always easy to manage! But we learned together, with assistance and advice from the Mobility Dogs trainers. Harley matured as he grew and was
eventually successfully placed as a fully trained Mobility Dog.
I have continued my active association with Mobility Dogs for several reasons. I really enjoy the interaction with the staff and the puppy raiser team. We meet regularly for training, dog socialising experiences, and coffee. My fellow puppy raisers joke that my pups all get their own coffee cards – a reference to my fondness for café visits! Because of their legal public access rights, the pups can accompany me to nearly all the places I go in my day-to-day life. I have also taken dogs on all forms of public transport, including several flights to other centres around the country.
My work colleagues have been very supportive of having dogs in the office. We have found that the presence of an office dog often has a natural calming effect during stressful or pressured moments.
I am frequently asked about the pups and why they are wearing “L” plates on their jackets. I enjoy answering these questions, raising awareness of Mobility Dogs and the important role they play in the community. I also benefit from the daily walks – something the dogs always look forward to, and which I might not always prioritise otherwise! Like people, every dog has a different personality, and it is fascinating to watch them develop their individual natures.
People often ask how I feel when the dogs leave my care for their advanced training. I always say that I have mixed feelings. There is some sadness, especially with dogs I have bonded with over a long period, but there is also the understanding that they have reached a stage where they are ready to broaden their world and learn new skills.
And of course, it helps to remember the ultimate purpose of all the training and socialisation – these dogs truly offer life-changing benefits to their eventual clients. I have met clients who have shared heartfelt personal stories about how their lives have been transformed by having a Mobility Dog, not only through practical assistance with everyday tasks, but also through the confidence and trust they gain when venturing out in public together. Above all, it is these personal encounters that motivate me to raise “just one more puppy”.