BluePath Service Dogs

If you could read a puppy raiser’s mind, you’d likely hear “note-to-self; this needs work” or NTS/NW. Mikey is at a stage where that thought runs through my mind quite frequently. He knows the verbal and hand cues for all of his commands. Unique challenges out in the real world are a chance to test […]

By: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, Volunteer Puppy Raiser Jeannie and her daughter, Ella, cuddle with Izzy by the waters edge. I knew what I was getting into. Yes, I have been down this road before. For the last 15 years, my family has welcomed puppies into our home. Oh yes, they are cute, but… Izzy arrived in

The Laura J. Niles Foundation encourages and supports efforts to improve the lives of both people and animals. During her lifetime, Laura Niles possessed a great appreciation for the gift of companionship. Whether it was through the ever-present company of her French poodles or by a visit from an old friend, Ms. Niles always relished the

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