Help Dogs and Humans through the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs
The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising and training assistance dogs for placement in positions of service. Assistance dogs can be life-changing for veterans, injured police officers or firemen and people who are differently-abled. Established in 2004 by Joy St. Peter, JLAD remains committed to raising public awareness about service animals and their significance for those who need their help.
Assistance dogs assist their owners with a variety of day-to-day tasks such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, providing companionship and communicating an alert during emergency situations. The acquisition of an assistance dog can promote healing, independence and self-sufficiency.
These specially trained dogs also participate in a variety of therapeutic techniques with their owners. A simple walk with a dog or a game of fetch can have very positive effects both physically and emotionally.
JLAD operates with all volunteers and is always looking for puppy raisers. No prior puppy-training experience is required; volunteers need only provide basic puppy care—food, exercise, socialization and veterinary care—and participate in in-home training and classes. To learn more and sign up to be a puppy raiser, visit HandsOnW.org
Melissa Padron is the program manager for HandsOn Willamette—a program of Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency. She can be reached at (877) 372-4141, or Melissa.Padron@mwvcaa.org
All HandsOn Deck! 
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