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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

Excerpt from East Fishkill Living Magazine For 26 years, Caroline and Jody worked together at guide dog school. After Caroline’s first 18 there, she founded an autism service dog program that altogether has placed 90 dogs with families. “It was incredibly successful and changed my world,” says Caroline, so much so that she and Jody

How it All Began: When I was about nine years old, I asked my parents if I could raise a service dog since some girls in my 4H club were raising service dogs, too. They told me that I could do it once I reached high school, probably thinking that I would forget about it by

How it All Began: I love animals and I love the idea of helping raise an animal for a purpose. Puppy raising combines both of these interests while also allowing me to bring my family closer together and help people who would benefit from having a service dog. I’m hopeful that my volunteer work will inspire

Aimee and Mary on a kayak. How it All Began: I’ve always been keen on the healing power of animals. When I learned about the hardships my friends met while raising children with autism, I realized that, even though I couldn\’t eradicate these difficulties, I could raise a puppy in hopes that people facing a similar

Kathleen and her husband, Stephen, with Duke. How it All Began: I loved dogs and I loved the idea of raising a dog for someone else. I have a good friend whose daughter is on the spectrum. When she was little, she loved watching my dog’s tail wag back and forth. It was then, in 1998,