Foster homes needed for guide dog poodle pups
Posted Jul 26, 2022 08:22:00 PM.
Over 30 foster homes are needed for puppies that will go on to serve people with disabilities as guide dogs.
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides(LFCDG) currently has 39 poodle puppies that are looking for temporary foster homes to get them ready for their formal training.
“Our Standard Poodle puppies are perfect for families who may have allergies,” said Lisa Kruitwagen, puppy program supervisor with the Lions Foundation. “Poodles are very smart and generally energetic, so would fit well into homes who would enjoy that.”
Foster families for these puppies play a critical role in the journey of a future Dog Guide. The puppy lives with the foster for up to 16 months, helping the pups prepare for formal training in the over seven programs offered by the Lions Foundation.
Families that are within an hours commute of Oakville, Breslau, Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph area facilities are eligible to take these poodles in. Previous puppy experience is also an asset as the fosters will have some responsibilities in terms of puppy care.
Families will receive full training and support from the guide dog organization with classes being held online and in-person to help with puppy development. This includes basic obedience skills and socialization.
All vet, food and training expenses are covered by LFCDG, but poodle fosters are responsible for the cost of grooming.
According to LFCDG, one in five Canadians 15 years of age and up are living with one or more disabilities.
“More Canadians are seeking the services of a specialized Dog Guide. This demand is only expected to increase over the coming decades as our population continues to grow and age,” said LFCDG.
Some of the areas these dogs will be trained in are in helping the visually impaired, physically disabled, Autistic assistance and facility support for professional agencies assisting individuals in traumatic situations.
Potential foster families are asked to reach out to puppyprogram@dogguides.com for more information and to apply click here.
