About Dogs for better lives
Dogs for Better Lives: Rescuing and Professionally Training Assistance Dogs since 1977
Dogs for Better Lives is a national award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has been rescuing and professionally training Assistance Dogs since 1977. The organization is dedicated to providing highly trained dogs to people with disabilities, helping them lead more independent lives.
The mission of Dogs for Better Lives is to empower people with disabilities by providing them with specially trained dogs that can assist them in their daily activities. These dogs are trained to perform a wide range of tasks, including opening doors, turning on lights, retrieving dropped items, alerting their owners to important sounds such as smoke alarms or doorbells, and even providing emotional support.
The organization's commitment to excellence in dog training has earned it numerous awards over the years. In fact, Dogs for Better Lives was named the "Best Nonprofit Organization" by the Southern Oregon Magazine in 2019.
One of the unique aspects of Dogs for Better Lives is its focus on rescuing dogs from animal shelters and other rescue organizations. The organization believes that every dog deserves a chance at a better life and works tirelessly to find suitable candidates for its training program.
Once selected, each dog undergoes an intensive training program that lasts between six months and two years. During this time, they learn how to perform specific tasks based on the needs of their future owners. They also receive extensive socialization training so they can adapt easily to different environments and situations.
After completing their training program successfully, these Assistance Dogs are matched with individuals who have disabilities based on their specific needs. This process involves careful consideration of factors such as lifestyle requirements and personality traits so that each match is successful.
In addition to providing highly trained Assistance Dogs free-of-charge to individuals with disabilities across North America (including Canada), Dogs for Better Lives also offers ongoing support services throughout the lifetime of each partnership between an individual owner and his or her Assistance Dog.
This includes regular check-ins from trainers who help ensure that both owner and dog are adapting well together as well as access to resources such as veterinary care if needed.
Overall, there's no doubt that Dogs for Better Lives plays an essential role in improving the lives of people living with disabilities across North America (including Canada). With its focus on rescuing dogs from shelters while simultaneously empowering individuals through highly-trained assistance animals - it's no wonder why this nonprofit has received so many accolades over the years!