Not only are they heart-melting, they are literally life-saving puppies and they are in need of a few good people to take care of them.
The folks at the West Coast Assistance Teams Society are putting a call out for potential foster parents in the Lower Mainland for future assistance dogs.
Sharon Hill, co-founder of the group, says that they're looking for several volunteers to take care of the puppies, who will need to be trained for about a year before they are matched to an owner with a physical or mental disability.
"It's funny, I can teach them to do a light switch and a button and all those things, but I really need that good basic start that the puppy-raisers give them, because that's manners, just like teaching a kid," she said.
All of the food and medical costs will be covered by the West Coast Assistance Teams. But Hill says not everything is provided for, citing the hard work that goes into caring for a happy and healthy dog, including daily walks and training at home.
Puppy-raisers must also be able to attend a weekly Monday night training session in Burnaby, B.C.
Hill encourages the volunteers to take the dogs out with their service vests on to get as much exposure to the world as they can.
She says anyone could be a good foster dog-parent, whether you have kids, cats or other dogs.
"People with a generous heart that want to give back to the community and love puppies, obviously. They're fun but they're hard work too," Hill said.
With a long waiting list for service dogs, Beverly Schneider is lucky to have Ellie, her 17-month-old Black Lab she received from West Coast. Schneider suffers from multiple sclerosis and often wakes in the middle of the night choking. Ellie helps her sit up and regain her breath.
"They're not just a dog at the end of a chain, they're your lifeline," she said.
To find out more, contact teams@telus.net, or visit their website.
