Waunakee Rotarians had a chance to visit with puppies at the May 7 meeting when Kassel Matushak from OccuPaws Guide Dog Association was the speaker and brought along volunteers.
OccuPaws is seeking more volunteers for the nonprofit that provides guide dogs to visually impaired individuals. Some noted that having a guide dog can be life-changing, allowing for greater independence particularly with getting from place to place.
Some of the volunteers attending the meeting help to socialize puppies so the dogs can then go on for more extensive training to work with visually impaired people.
The socialization and training process takes about two years. And, volunteers can be put to use for OccuPaws in other capacities; they do not need to foster a dog.
Not all of the dogs graduate from the training, Kassel said.
“There’s a lot of weepy eyes when you see a dog make it through the program,” she said.
The less successful dogs go on to find other careers. OccuPaws contacts other organizations that can put them to work in other fields, such as helping those with PTSD.
Dogs with impulse control and that are motivated by food are easier to train and more likely to succeed.
OccuPaws volunteers seem to gain a great deal of satisfaction. One said, “I feel like I get more back than I give.”
Another said they got involved with the program when her daughter wanted a puppy. They took classes through OccuPaws, and after meeting a person whose guide dog had died, they realized how important the dogs are.
OccuPaws dogs rotate through households, living with volunteers for four months at a time to gain more exposure to different people.
OccuPaws also works to find the best fit for each dog and each; some of their future owners may be younger than others and walk faster. And more petite individuals may want a smaller dog. The household is another consideration, as some have other dogs or pets and children.
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Other news
The Rotary youth Interact Club’s personal hygiene drive for the Waunakee Area Food Pantry is continuing through June 7. Items can be dropped off at Rotary.
Bob Klostermann is planning another boat outing for June 11. Check your email inbox for an invitation.
And volunteers are needed for next week’s Tri 4 Schools triathlon event.
Coming Up
May 9: Experience Waunakee at the Depot
May 12: Sunrise Fellowship at Grace Coffee
May 16: Tri 4 Schools triathlon event.
April 25: Create Waunakee Fundraiser
April 25: Drug Take-back Day at the Waunakee Police Department
April 26: Community Awards Banquet
Greeters: May 14, Peggy Acker-Farber and Danae Marsh; May 21, David Rupp and Cyndi Kennedy; May 28, Shelley Moffatt and Jean Elvekrog; June 4, Veronica Castillo and ??
To sign up to greet or to find out when you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
