With my first stint as a puppy raiser recently ended, I read this article from a new perspective: Sit, Stay, Say Goodbye.

Puppy raising is hard work. That’s partly because raising any puppy is hard work! But knowing you will not enjoy the payoff — a well-behaved adult dog friend — makes it harder. Having to work through fears or bad habits that you can (and do) let slide in your own dogs makes it harder. Feeling the pressure to get the puppy out, get her ‘experience’ in all kinds of situations — without doing something that screws up her future — makes it harder.

That’s why I am in awe of the family in the article. A family that raises multiple service dog puppies at a time. And has raised 17(!!!) puppies so far.

They are puppy raisers for Warrior Canine Connection, an organization started by my friend Rick Yount. They place service dogs with veterans.

The ideal puppy raiser might be … you. The NYT article profiles the awesome couple, both retired. And a family with 3 young kids and a pet dog. (Having done it solo, I do think having a backup person is a good idea.) A service dog puppy fits in well with a busy life; in many states, a service dog in training can accompany her humans anywhere a working service dog can — grocery stores, malls, the airport, museums, kids’ school sports events, etc.

If you’re in/near Missoula, Montana, or Northern California, you can puppy raise for Dotty’s school. If you’re in the eastern or southeastern US, you could raise a puppy for Hildy, Koala, and Alberta’s school (Guiding Eyes for the Blind in New York state). Wherever you live, a local, regional, or national program might be looking for dog-loving volunteers.