Elva

The Guide Dog Foundation is a great organization providing assistant dogs for those in need. Each dog is trained specifically to cater to each person and their disability. The organization provides training free of charge to individuals who want to foster a pup. As a nonprofit, they depend on "donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, businesses, and fraternal clubs".

As a foster parent you are required to raise the pup and help train them. You are required to bring the pup to 2 puppy classes a month. You get free baths/grooming and vet checks at the foundation. The only expense you incur is the cost of food, which if you save all the receipts it is tax deductible.  

Great, I'm in! 

Welcome Elva

Our first trip into Manhattan

Now, if you ever decide to foster a puppy for the foundation just be certain that you are able to follow their rules on what you can and cannot teach the dog. You aren't just fostering a dog for an average person or family. These dogs are to be taught manners, obedience and adaptability. They have to be taught that they can't bark and jump when a person rings the door bell. They must go to the bathroom in 1 spot before an outing. They will learn boundaries and how to guide a person safety. These are amazing dogs that you will not get to keep.

You have to be ok with that. However some dogs don't make it into the program. You may get a dog that just doesn't want to work. That's ok. The foundation will try to find something the dog is qualified for. If they have hip dysplasia or other underlining medical conditions they will not go through either. 

Go to their website and see if Fostering a puppy is the right fit for you: www.guidedog.org