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Author Messages Oldest First Newest First Rob G Cedaredge, CO Master Online Status: Posts:559 07/19/2008 7:22 AM Alert  Twice now, I've tried to contact two separate organizations to volunteer my efforts/dogs to help with their programs. And twice, I've gotten NO response whatsoever! A while ago, I contacted an organization that uses animals to help with kids and I didn't even get phone call in response to my inquiry. I also contacted the Delta County Search and Rescue coordinator about my interest in participating in training efforts, donating puppies, etc. and once again....no response. Sorry...just venting a little here, but it is frustrating when these types of organizations don't even return phone calls to people interested in learning more and helping out! Rob Home of: CPR Bearpoint's Top Gun "Maverick" PRG's Hunter's Lullaby "Cricket" CPR Sam's Jumpin Jack Flash "Jack" hooligan Southern California and Vancouver Island Master Online Status: Posts:782 07/19/2008 8:37 AM Alert  Not sure you should take it personally, Rob. Those types of organizations get lots of calls, mostly from "my dog loves kids and I want to bring him out to play" or "my dog can always find his bone after he buries it, so I think he'd be a great hero dog" types of people, and it's hard to tell what's up from a message. You might have to make a few calls, and be persistent, even though it seems like they should want to call you back. I know that groups that use dogs to "help with kids", or with senior citizens, require up to date vaccinations and a minimum of the Canine Good Citizen AKC test thing-some also require a Therapy Dog title, and/or additional specific training with their organization. Think, here, about liability and insurance requirements... Search and Rescue, I believe, usually works with owner/handler teams, or recruits older pups and young dogs. I don't believe they are usually set up to raise pups like the Guide Dog organizations. The best way to get involved there is to join the group, and take a dog to the training sesions. It is a LOT of work, and requires a good chunk of time and commitment on your part to be a part of SAR. If you want to donate pups, try the HRC youth program, or inquire about donating to "sniffer" dogs, through police departments, Customs and Immigration, airport police and security, and arson investigation squads. I think Scribbles from the "other" forum has listed on her website that she has donated some pups to these types of programs-you might contact her for more info. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Rob G Cedaredge, CO Master Online Status: Posts:559 07/19/2008 8:59 AM Alert  Thanks Hooligan, I realize the amount of calls these places may get, but a follow up 'courtesy' call would be nice. I would like to participate with my dogs in a therapy program someday. Knowing what each organization requires is really all I'm looking for. It would be a start... I'm just trying to look for ways to 'give back' that would involve me and my dogs and help shed a good light on 'hunting dogs'. As for donation dogs...I don't have any at the moment, but it would be good to know where pups could be donated for public service, if the need ever arose. Thanks for the advice...I will keep pestering these organizations. Rob Home of: CPR Bearpoint's Top Gun "Maverick" PRG's Hunter's Lullaby "Cricket" CPR Sam's Jumpin Jack Flash "Jack"
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