RAISE

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The Raising Retrievers Program supports the needs of Giving Retriever Dogs who are currently in-training for future therapy and service dog work.  It is a foster-a-dog model, whereby individuals and families share custody of a Giving Retriever Dog to provide enrichment and learning outside of programming hours.  This is beneficial to the Giving Retriever Program Dogs because it allows for individualized and unique learning opportunities that build upon their training foundation.

Giving Retriever Dogs in the Raising Retrievers Program range from 8-weeks to 1-year and are still considered in-training for purposes of the program.  

Giving Retriever Dogs who reach the end of their training may go on to final placement with individuals and families who have special needs.  By joining the Raising Retrievers Family, you play an important role in this process. 

An individual or family with older children (high school and beyond), or a retired individual or family. This way, our Giving Retriever Dogs get respite from young children during their "OFF" hours. Other animals in the home are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Individuals and families will be asked to participate in training in their home by helping to reinforce house manners, as well as building social skills, manners, and confidence outside in the local community.  

Individuals and families must be flexible and adaptable.  Short notice changes, as mentioned above, are made to prioritize the needs of the Giving Retriever Dogs and program. 

Generally, dogs will attend Giving Retriever Classroom, Community, Workplace, and Senior Enrichment Programs weekly with the majority of days being Tuesday through Thursday. 

During those days, the Giving Retriever Dog will be out in-training with the program. 

We are also available to schools and facilities on demand for crisis intervention, those dates are not previously scheduled and require last minute adjustments. We follow the Westchester Public Schools calendar. 

Giving Retriever Dogs may also be in programming on select weekend dates that are scheduled in advance.

• Veterinary care and all associated expenses
• Training support and guidance (in-person and virtual)
• Transportation to and from training
• Equipment (crate / play-yard)
• Grooming (nail trim, ear cleaning, etc)

• Attendance to weekly virtual check-in calls and monthly in-person training sessions
• Socialization opportunities (positive learning exposures and enjoyable adventures both inside and outside the home)
• Respite (quiet time for rest and recovery from the work week)
• Food Stipend (average $8 per day)
• Grooming (weekly bathing and brushing)
• Toys (the most fun ones of course)
• Time (special and individualized time to connect)
• Love (your whole heart)

If you feel like you may be a good fit to join our Raising Retriever Family, please schedule a virtual meeting.  We look forward to meeting you!