Our dogs are the ultimate decision maker on who they’ll be matched with. If the dog isn’t
keen on the person, it’s no match. We match an applicant’s needs, lifestyle, and home
situation, for both our service or release dogs. Then a Meet & Greet is held for the dog
to show us if there’s chemistry between the team. Does the dog greet the applicant, and
intially stay with them, or does the dog ignore them? On their first walk together, is the
dog happy to be walking next to them – loose leash, tail wagging, frequently checking in,
or does the dog look away, is unresponsive, and even appears untrained? We film their
initial walk to study the body language carefully.Our dogs are the final decision maker.
Because we seek a solid Win/Win for our dogs and their people, all matches on done on
a probation basis. Our service dog matches are a month long probation, and our
release dog adoption matches a week long probation. We provide the initial supplies to
ensure their success – seat belt harness attachment for their car, crate, dog bed, toys,
leash, harness, and food. Our trainers assist and support the person. Despite our care
in creating the match, and our support of the match, if the person has misgivings about
the match, we want to know. We want the person to feel they can return the dog with no
hesitation or embarrassment.
Putnam Service Dogs houses our dogs in training either with Volunteer Puppy Raisers,
who have been carefully vetted, or at our Center. Four dogs live at our Training Center
in a home-like situation with a large fenced backyard. They’re not mass kenneled, with
no human contact except when being trained, fed, or exercised. At our Center, we have
24/7 caretakers to attend to our dogs’ needs. Our happy Dogs learn well, and thrive as
they progress on their life’s path. They’re trained using only humane, gentle methods.
Our dogs love and trust people because of our model.
Our community clearly recognized the value of our mixed breed rescue dogs. We
receive 4 applications/week for our service dogs- physical mobility, hearing alert, or
PTSD for Veterans. We receive 1 application/week for our release dogs. We view our
release dogs as not just pet dogs to place in a loving home. They’re matched with
someone with disabilities to act as their emotional support dog. Although not a service
dog, they’ll still be helping someone who lives a very challenging life. Except for severe
temperament or health issues, all of our dogs will help someone with disabilities.
Our Mission Statement is:
We champion our dogs and people. Our dogs change lives. And they lived happily ever
after…….
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.