PAWS introduces flexible options for volunteer foster puppy raisers

Nonprofit

Jan 29

To accommodate a variety of lifestyles and schedules, Paws With A Cause (PAWS) is offering new flexible commitment options for volunteer foster puppy raisers. Traditionally, foster puppies are placed in a single home for 14-15 months, but new co-raising and start/finish options allow raisers to host a puppy for a shorter time or during a specific time of year that works for them.

Located at 4646 Division Ave S in Wayland, PAWS' mission is to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with disabilities through custom-trained assistance dogs. The journey begins with volunteer foster homes raising the puppy and providing basic care and obedience training for the first year of the puppy's life.

"We know the commitment to foster a PAWS puppy can be complicated with traveling, work, school, or whatever else people have going on in their life," said Julie Thorington, National Foster Puppy Coordinator, Paws With A Cause. "We hope that giving the option to foster for six months instead of a year or alternating weeks with a co-raiser can help. We want this opportunity to be available to those who have been interested in the past but aren't able to foster year-round."

To spread the news about these flexible volunteer options, PAWS is highlighting the puppies who need foster homes in digital Valentine's Day cards on its social media and website during February.

"We decided to raise a foster puppy because my kids love dogs and we wanted to do something to help others. We got a beautiful golden retriever puppy named ZOOM. It was a great learning experience for all of us," said Sara Pfeiffer, PAWS foster puppy raiser. "The PAWS puppy trainer and vet staff were there for any questions and concerns we had along the way. We felt very supported and celebrated as volunteers. We also met so many wonderful people involved with PAWS. It's an organization that truly changes lives and we are so happy to be part of it."

For more information about PAWS or to apply to be a foster puppy raiser, visit https://www.pawswithacause.org/raise-a-foster-puppy/.