Posted: 4/20/05
By MaryHelen Swanson
Visitors to last weeks Health and Wellness Expo at the NB senior center learned about assistance dogs from Puppy Love Caring Canines, Inc. founder Grete Krause and with the help of three very lovable canines named Kallie, Annie and Sparky.
The non-profit organization Puppy Love trains both hearing and service dogs. The dogs comes from animal rescue groups, humane societies and breeder donations and are matched to the specific needs of the individuals who will be receiving the dog.
The dogs are trained and placed at no charge to the recipient other than a small application fee. The dogs that are trained by Krause, begin their life of service in foster homes.
They then often continue their training in the recipients home, especially hearing dogs. The dogs are trained with positive reinforcement in the form of treats, they donít understand English, Krause told the group gathered for the demonstration.
ěItís a paycheck,î she went on. All dogs must be trained in obedience before any other training is started, she also noted.
To qualify for an assistance or service dog, one must fill out an application, or have a ěprescriptionî as such from a doctor.
Each dog is trained for whatever tasks will be needed to enable their human partner to lead a more independent life.
What you can do.
Besides providing foster homes, which may last up to two years, others who would like to help out Puppy Love Caring Canines may do such things as sew service capes for the dogs or help pass out literature when a presentation is made to groups. Donations of money are always accepted as well as items such as kennels, dog toys, dishes, etc.
For more information about the organization, contact Puppy Love Caring Canines, 8224 165th Street N, Hugo, MN 55038 or call (651) 407-1864.
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