Call It Saturday School for Dogs: Pasco County Partners With Nonprofit to Prepare Canines for Service Jobs
By Michele Miller
Originally found on the Tampa Bay Times
"Puppy raisers are people with very big hearts and a lot of patience who are willing to put the time in to raise these puppies," said Holtkamp. The former geologist started volunteering with Southeastern when she and her husband became empty nesters about seven years ago. They have fostered five dogs.
Dakota became a bomb and arson dog. Peggie is service dog for a veteran with vision loss and other disabilities. Liberty is a guide dog for a woman who is visually impaired. Subie, who was sponsored by the local Subaru dealer, became an ambassador dog for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Tatty Max, the latest, will leave for formal training soon.
"These dogs cost the recipients nothing," Holtkamp said. "There is no public funding. Everything is donations and volunteers."
