TOLEDO, Ohio — With it being the summertime and people taking vacations, Stacie Baumbarger, the director of Ability Center of Greater Toledo's assistance dogs program, says it's hard to find volunteers and sitters to care for the dogs when they aren't working.
Soon, a litter of puppies training to be service dogs at the Ability Center will need a place to call home when they are away from work.
The center has had some luck in getting a few volunteers, but not enough.
"This is the first time post-COVID that we've really had a slump in raisers and sitters," Baumbarger said. "Even if someone's not able to take a puppy at this time, if they think it might be an option that's good in 3 to 6 or 9 months, they still work on getting involved and getting on board."
The center currently has 125 active volunteers.
"We can't do what we do without them, that's as simple as it is," Baumbarger said. "These puppies need to go into a home and learn what a home environment is like, what it's like to live with a family."
While a service dog's job working in places like prisons and other facilities is important, she says being provided a space to detach is equally important for the dogs.
"Once they go into prison, prison is wonderful and a phenomenal training program but it's not like anybody's home," Baumbarger said.
Katie Slink, a trainer for the program, said the 10-12-week process of puppy raising is a simple job for those looking to volunteer.
"We cover all the costs of raising a puppy or fostering a dog," Slink said. "We provide you with the kennels, the food, we cover vet bills, we provide basic toys and blankets, and kind of everything you need to get started with your puppy."
The only part a volunteer would need to give is a loving home.
"One of the big things I hear from people is 'I'm not sure if I can do the training, I don't know how to train, but we really break it down and make it as easy as possible," Slink said.
Baumbarger said the center currently has five puppies left still in need of a home.
Learn more about how to volunteer by clicking here.