It’s a Dog’s World… Lifestyles by Estelia

I’m a dog lover.  No bones about it!  St. Petersburg is a dog friendly city.  So it just seems natural to add a new feature to my blog – a section devoted to our loveable “best friends.  Look for it each week going forward and, if you are so inclined, please send me a picture or two of your faithful companion.

Service Dogs Foster Parents:  There is a growing demand in our country for guide dogs, mobility dogs, and, these days, psychiatric service dogs – often used to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.  According to a spokesperson for the American Humane Association’s Animal-Assisted Therapy programs, specialized training for service dogs doesn’t begin until they’re about 18 months old.  That’s where foster parents come in.  People 50+ often make the best puppy raisers because they tend to be more patient. Further, puppy fostering can be comforting for “empty nesters” – the puppy is like having a child all over again.  Saying good-bye can be difficult but foster parents are reminded of the dog’s purpose – to help someone live life more fully and therein is the beauty and reward of being a foster parent. If you are interested in knowing more about volunteer opportunities such as the foster parent program, please contact Southeastern Guide Dogs at www.guidedogs.org