Service Dogs in Southern Maryland

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SSDsomd

New Member
Raise a puppy... Change a life. ​

Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) is an internationally accredited organization, which trains dogs to meet the specific needs of an individual with a disability, in order to give them a more independent life. These dogs help individuals with physical disabilities, balance issues, hearing problems, psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, and many children with autism. SSD is based out of Harrisburg, PA and now we are forming a new chapter, right here in Southern Maryland.

We are in need of dog-loving individuals to help raise our next generation of service dog puppies. We will provide all necessary training and all expenses (except dog food) are covered by SSD. We coordinate fun obedience classes and public outings for you and your puppy. There is no time commitment until you and your family tell us you are ready.

We know this a big job, but it is such a wonderful opportunity for families or individuals in all stages of life to give back to the community. It's a great way to meet new people, learn more about dog training, and most importantly- to change somebody's life.​


If you or your family are interested in learning more about this opportunity, or have any questions about SSD, please email Kelsey at: SSDsomd@gmail.com ​
 
frequentflier

frequentflier

happy to be living
SSDsomd said:
Raise a puppy... Change a life. ​

Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) is an internationally accredited organization, which trains dogs to meet the specific needs of an individual with a disability, in order to give them a more independent life. These dogs help individuals with physical disabilities, balance issues, hearing problems, psychiatric disabilities such as PTSD, and many children with autism. SSD is based out of Harrisburg, PA and now we are forming a new chapter, right here in Southern Maryland.

We are in need of dog-loving individuals to help raise our next generation of service dog puppies. We will provide all necessary training and all expenses (except dog food) are covered by SSD. We coordinate fun obedience classes and public outings for you and your puppy. There is no time commitment until you and your family tell us you are ready.

We know this a big job, but it is such a wonderful opportunity for families or individuals in all stages of life to give back to the community. It's a great way to meet new people, learn more about dog training, and most importantly- to change somebody's life.​


If you or your family are interested in learning more about this opportunity, or have any questions about SSD, please email Kelsey at: SSDsomd@gmail.com ​
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Will you also be able to train people's personal dogs and certify them as well?
 
S

SSDsomd

New Member
At this time, no. Unlike therapy dogs, which will continue to live with the family which raised them, service dogs will receive training specific to one person and after their training is complete they will be legally owned by that individual, and be with them at all times.

That being said, we do have an owner-trained program set up for individuals with disabilities wishing for their pet dog to become their own service dog. Service work is very challenging and not for all dogs, so all dogs (pet or not) must meet high temperamental standards. Most service dogs have been trained and socialized since the day they were born, yet programs expect only about 50% to actually become full working service dogs. However, there are a few special pet dogs out there who thrive with the extra work- and if you are interested in learning more about this program, please email us and we'll be happy to get the information to you!
 
DoWhat

DoWhat

Deplorable
PREMO Member
Sorry, but I could never do this.
Getting a puppy and training, then giving him/her away.

I know it is for a good cause, but I would get to emotionally attached.
 
S

SSDsomd

New Member
Yes, we do hear that a lot!

I think it is impossible to have a puppy in your home for that long, and not get emotionally attached! We know how much we are asking, when we are looking for puppy raises- so we at SSD strive to make that transition as easy as possible. We have many raisers who chose to work with specifically our program because we are unique in that we make that transition gradual over many months (rather than suddenly just never seeing your puppy again) and we give you the chance to spend some time with the client who will receive your puppy. Many raisers say this little thing makes an enormous difference, and makes it all worth it.

We know how hard it is though, and completely understand that it is not a job for everybody!
 
frequentflier

frequentflier

happy to be living
DoWhat said:
Sorry, but I could never do this.
Getting a puppy and training, then giving him/her away.

I know it is for a good cause, but I would get to emotionally attached.
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Amy, the lovely young lady that used to work at our store raised a couple of pups for a program like this in Seattle. I remember when I interviewed her, she showed us a picture of the last dog she had raised and helped train. She had tears in her eyes when she talked about him. BUT she also showed us pictures of him with his "person" who was in a wheelchair. I know she keeps in touch with the family and now that she is back in that area- I suspect she sees them often.
I know it would be hard to raise a pup and then turn them over to someone else. But it would be extremely rewarding to know and see what a difference they make in the daily life of a person that needs them!
 
DoWhat

DoWhat

Deplorable
PREMO Member
SSDsomd said:
Yes, we do hear that a lot!

I think it is impossible to have a puppy in your home for that long, and not get emotionally attached! We know how much we are asking, when we are looking for puppy raises- so we at SSD strive to make that transition as easy as possible. We have many raisers who chose to work with specifically our program because we are unique in that we make that transition gradual over many months (rather than suddenly just never seeing your puppy again) and we give you the chance to spend some time with the client who will receive your puppy. Many raisers say this little thing makes an enormous difference, and makes it all worth it.

We know how hard it is though, and completely understand that it is not a job for everybody!
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I will talk to my wife about this and see if she thinks I could handle it.
Thank you very much for the info and for providing this service to Southern MD.
Wishing you and your organization the best.
 
Roman

Roman

Active Member
DoWhat said:
I will talk to my wife about this and see if she thinks I could handle it.
Thank you very much for the info and for providing this service to Southern MD.
Wishing you and your organization the best.
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I know that I've never met you DoWhat, but I think you could handle it. You have a beautiful yard, and you really like dogs.
 
S

SSDsomd

New Member
Service Dog Demonstration

Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) will be holding a service dog demonstration and an orientation on Friday, January 31st at 7:00pm in Leonardtown.

The orientation should last about an hour and is open to the public. There is absolutely no commitment necessary. We want this just to be an opportunity to see what service dogs can do and to learn about how those of us here in Southern Maryland will be working with SSD.

If you are interested in attending please email SSDsomd@gmail.com for the specific details regarding this demonstration and orientation.
 
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