Meet Toby! This story began with a heartbreaking photograph that broke our hearts. Toby was bound and wrapped in a bag, his eyes filled with terror and misery. His life was hanging by a thread, with the fear of execution just minutes away. We realised we needed to move quickly.
We rushed Toby to the vet since his condition was critical. Toby’s ordeal had rendered him paralysed, a defence mechanism, a desperate attempt to protect himself from the horrors of the world. He had clearly lost trust in humanity, and his initial check found no broken bones. The idea of crushed nerves was investigated, but one thing was certain: Toby had suffered greatly.
Toby was extremely resilient despite his pain and terror. He never complained, silently suffering the trials that life had placed upon him. Toby, like any other dog, deserved a chance at a normal existence, in our opinion.
The road to recovery began with acupuncture, and Toby surprised us by being unusually calm and cooperative. The tiny angel gradually began to trust us, and his true beautiful nature began to come through.
Today, Toby exudes happiness. While his walk remains difficult, his eyes tell a different story – one of joy, resilience, and unexpected optimism. His left leg has steadily grown stronger, allowing him to lift his body and take the first steps towards a brighter future.
Many people have been following Toby’s growth, and one generous woman gave him a wheelchair. It was an exciting time for Toby as he relished his newfound freedom. He now runs everywhere, a testament to his tenacity.
But Toby’s adventure does not end there. He continues to undergo acupuncture treatments and benefits from swimming therapy. Every day, he lives a life full of happiness, love, and caring.
It’s hard to believe that just four months ago, Toby’s life was in jeopardy. He might not have lived to see this day if fate had been one minute later. Toby’s story is a testament to the power of kindness, resilience, and second chances. He is a living reminder that every being is deserving of love, care, and the chance to live a life of happiness and purpose. Toby, you genuinely deserve all of the world’s love.
Guide Dogs of America Needs Volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’
Working with wonderful woofers, the sort of furry joy-bringers that make a difference in people’s lives?
Pitching in with a pack of incredible pups can make a lasting impression on a person’s mind, outlook, and, for sure, their spirit, too.
And that chance to lend a hand, your time, some empathy and understanding, and a whole lot of love is coming up, on Dec. 11, thanks to a “puppy raiser” training session with Guide Dogs of America.
This is a virtual happening, via Zoom, and it will be the final online information event before in-person gatherings return to the Sylmar campus in 2022.
Guide Dogs of American pairs trained pups with “… individuals who are blind/visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism,” with dogs also being placed in “hospitals, schools, and courtrooms.”
“Our highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient,” states the organization on its site.
And helping the organization achieve its mission?
Puppy raisers, those dedicated volunteers who are among some of the first people a young, in-training dog gets to know, trust, and adore.
If you choose to pursue volunteering for this life-changing role, there’ll be a few initial considerations, as well as matters you’ll want to mull.
One consideration? Where you reside. You and the puppy in your care will need to call upon the Sylmar campus on occasion, and attendance at both monthly puppy group meetings and “puppy kindergarten classes” is required.
The Dec. 11 information session will address what you can expect from meetings and classes, as well as what at-home life will be like with the future guide dog you’re helping to raise.
Questions covered include the breeds and types of puppies that volunteers raise, what can be expected in terms of puppy proofing and such, what out-of-pocket expenses might look like, and how long the puppy will live in your home.
And, yes: “(W)hat happens when the dogs ‘go off to college’ to begin formal training” is also a central topic of the session, as well as how dogs are paired with their forever people once they’ve graduated.
The word straight from Sylmar? “We ALWAYS need puppy raisers,” says Stephanie Colman, the coordinator of the puppy program.
So even if you can’t join the December Zoom, you can plan to attend an in-person information session on the Guide Dogs of America campus, in early 2022.
Could this be your new year’s resolution?
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