Dogs with Wings / Facebook

By Emily Keller

volunteers needed

Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society looking for volunteers to raise puppies

Apr 30, 2020 | 5:30 AM

Dogs with Wings, an organization that trains and provides service and assistance dogs, is looking for volunteers to raise puppies in Grande Prairie.

Dogs with Wings provides assistance dogs around Alberta, and is based out of Edmonton. They have satellite operations in Grande Prairie and Calgary. They have been operating in Grande Prairie for about five years.

Dayna Fox Volunteer Coordinator with Dogs with Wings, says the puppies would be eight weeks old when people will receive them.

“From there, they have the puppy until 14 to 16 months, in which time the puppy goes into the adult program, and we only do the adult program here in Edmonton, it’s advanced training, and their biggest job is just to have that puppy in their home, love that puppy, care for that puppy, and everywhere they go, the puppy goes.”

Dogs with Wings has several categories of service dogs, including companion dogs, autism service dogs, service dogs, guide dogs and facility dogs. Fox says they currently have two service dogs working in Grande Prairie, and they are expecting about four litters of puppies, and want to send some to the Swan City.

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She says there are certain qualifications for raising the puppies, including have no more than two dogs already, and if they do have children, they must be at least four years old.

Fox adds that they provide the food and veterinary services, and the puppies have access to a trainer in Grande Prairie.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch the puppies gain their wings and go work with clients,” said Fox. “Of course, it’s difficult too because this dogs been part of your life for a year plus, and then you say goodbye and watch it go on its way, I’d say (it’s) more rewarding than sad.”

More information on the criteria and how to sign up can be found at the Dogs with Wings website.