Dogs for Good charity seeking puppy socialisers in Warrington

Dogs for Good has launched an urgent appeal to recruit people in Warrington to become volunteer puppy socialisers, with numbers dwindling due to Covid.

The charity provides expertly trained assistance dogs to help people with physical disabilities and families who have a child with autism.

It also supports learning disabled people and those with dementia to help them lead a more independent life through the help of a trained dog.

Jane Evans, from Fearnhead with her husband Richard and children Joseph and Lucy, is one of the charity’s volunteers who nurture and socialise puppies from the age of eight weeks for up to 18 months, when they can go on to be expertly trained as life-changing assistance dogs.

Lucy and Joseph with Wesley

She is currently socialising her third puppy called Wesley, and said: “It is like having a toddler in the home again.

“We all learn together as a family, and it really helped to have support from the puppy socialiser coordinators.

“It is upsetting when we say goodbye to the puppies, but the children really like the idea of what the puppies go on to do afterwards and we hear about how they are getting on.

“I would really encourage people not to be put off by having to give the puppies back, as the confidence and joy they bring to the people they are matched with far outweighs the sadness I feel in saying goodbye to them.

Wesley the dog

“Also, there is always another puppy waiting to be socialised so you can start all over again.”

The charity is holding an information session for people who want to know more on Wednesday, April 27 at 9am.

The session will cover what to expect as a puppy socialiser, information about the support available from the charity and a chance to ask questions to expert puppy coordinators.

Chris Muldoon, operations manager at Dogs for Good, added: “The last two years have had a real impact on our ability to recruit new socialisers.

“The demand for our services is incredibly high, but in order for us to support more people, we need to start with supporting our pups through the first year of their lives.

Jane Evans with Wesley

“That support starts with finding people who have the time to care and guide our pups before they start their formal training.

“Puppies are curious, mischievous and sentient beings that need lots of guidance and care, so the role of a puppy socialiser is hugely important.”

Most expenses are covered by the charity including food, health insurance and vet bills, and volunteers are provided with an initial ‘puppy pack’ with essentials such as bowls and a lead.

Although no experience is necessary, puppy socialisers are required to meet certain criteria, which is available via dogsforgood.org/get-involved/volunteer/puppy-socialiser/