Bergin College Seeks Volunteer Puppy Raisers for Four Dogs Needing Homes by Next Week to Help Change Lives

CANYONVILLE, Ore. Bergin College of Canine Studies is seeking volunteer puppy raisers to take four dogs into their homes by next week, saying the placements are urgent because early home-based socialization and structure are essential to a dog’s long-term success in service work.

The dogs needing homes are Trendy (2-year-old male), Zabin (9-month-old female), Antje (5-month-old female) and Amanda (5-month-old female), the college said. The dogs are preparing for potential service careers that may one day support people with physical disabilities and veterans living with PTSD.

The college said the raiser stage matters because it is where dogs learn to navigate everyday life with confidence. That includes routines, sights, sounds and public settings that help build steadiness and resilience. The work is done in volunteer homes because the college does not use kennels to raise future service dogs, according to the announcement.

In addition to building skills, the college said raisers help shape dogs that are bred and selected for purpose and thrive with structure, affection and meaningful work.

Volunteers will receive weekly training classes where they learn to teach basic obedience and beginning tasking skills, the college said. Raisers also receive mentorship and support from instructors, with veterinary care and food provided. The program includes a community of fellow raisers, the college said.

The college also highlighted its roots, noting it was founded by Bonnie Bergin, who the organization said developed the concept of the service dog in 1975 while working with a quadriplegic woman named Carrie and the first service dog, Abdul. The college said Dr. Bergin developed 112 service dog commands designed to support mobility challenges, and those same commands are still taught today.

Those interested are encouraged to apply immediately so placements can be arranged on the short timeline, the college said.

How to apply

Interest form: https://forms.gle/yBE3ZhXxqqdVVo2J7

Additional Contact Information:
Nicole Roberts, Puppy Parent Manager
nicoler@berginu.edu
707-779-2070

Bergin College of Canine Studies
250 SE 1st St.
Canyonville, OR 97417
www.berginu.edu

For information about Bergin College and the Puppy Raisers program, see a previously-written article here: https://www.theroseburgreceiver.com/bergin-puppy-raisers/