BluePath Service Dogs

GOAL: For Ranger to reliably perform his skills so that he is ready for hockey season and to be an autism service dog in the future. WARM UP: (Exercises, Purpose, Notes) Dress, Body Handling, Ranger puts his head through his puppy jacket (jersey) when he hears “get dressed.” A pup can’t exercise without his clothes […]

H.O.P.E. For Youth Foundation is dedicated to facilitating positive change in the lives of children, adolescents and families. The organization provides stable, nurturing, residential care, foster care, preventive and out-patient programs which educate, motivate and empower individuals to become self-sufficient and achieve their full potential. BluePath is the proud recipient of a $4,000 grant from

Namali and Shiloh How It All Began: In researching the role of a foster, I realized that it’s an opportunity to be actively engaged in the good work BluePath does in enabling families in need to receive a service dog. Favorite Part of Being a Foster: Although the outcome is unknown at the beginning of the process,

John and Evie at BluePath\’s 2018 Walkathon. How it All Began: I learned about BluePath when Dr. Sandler came to speak at my Rotary Club. I asked him where BluePath gets their dogs from and he said North Carolina. I have a close friend down there and visit her often, so I said, “Gee, do you

How it All Began: While employed as a policeman in the ‘90s, I volunteered by doing carpentry at another service dog organization. When I retired from law enforcement in 2010, I made an offhand comment that I was newly unemployed and wouldn\’t mind using my time to aid in their mission. I began work the next

by Saxon Eastman There’s no role in life I covet more than puppy raiser. What better way to learn honesty, integrity and connection than through the unconditional love of a dog? It’s said, “mother always knows best”—or maybe in this case it’s “raiser”—but you’ve all taught me time and again that often the best plan

How it All Began: As someone who works with children with autism, I have seen firsthand the calming influence that animals can have on individuals with special needs. While at work one day, I received a postcard from BluePath outlining their mission to help children with autism. I called and found out that, though I had

Kaete, Andy and their pet dog, Kota, welcomed BluePath Nicholas into their home with open arms (and laps!). How it All Began: I came across an article in the Poughkeepsie Journal talking about BluePath and the important role volunteers play in helping them achieve their mission. The article outlined the many volunteer positions available and, after

Saxon and Ranger at Madison Square Garden. How it All Began: It all started in college when my roommate decided she wanted to raise a puppy and I agreed to tag along to an orientation to see the cute dogs. The next thing I knew, I was signing up to be a puppy raiser! A graduate