Volunteers needed to raise puppies

The Canadian National Institute For the Blind (CNIB) is looking for volunteer puppy raisers in Winnipeg.

 Andrea Critch, Puppy Raising Supervisor said they are looking for volunteer puppy raisers for ten puppies right now. These puppies will grow up to be future guide dogs.

Critch said, "We have had a lot of interest which is really exciting."

The volunteers will teach basic obedience, socialization, and how to behave in public and just to be a happy confident young dog

Critch said that the qualifications they are looking for in a volunteer puppy raiser are that they must be over 18 years of age and that they have a vehicle. They will have to be able to get to visits with Critch as well as attending obedience classes. 

Other volunteer requirements are attending vet visits. Critch said, "That's really important that all of the dogs are fully vaccinated."

Another important piece that's required is that the volunteer must be okay with giving the dog back. "That's a really, really challenging part. It's hard, it's not easy but it is doable," Critch said, "and all family members to be on board."

Critch explained that the training has to be consistent throughout the family, even with kids.

She said that she doesn't mind kids at all because she finds that kids are patient and willing to help train the future guide dogs. But they need to be consistent in not feeding the puppies human food, or not letting them on furniture, etc.

Three different breeds of dogs are being used for guide dogs; Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden Cross.

Critch said they are also looking for boarder volunteers which give relief to the puppy raiser volunteers for an evening or two, or a weekend.

To contact Critch for more information visit CNIB.