Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Puppy Partners is a pilot program coming to Jamestown and the area in May 2013, where individuals help with foster care and training of service dogs, starting with puppies.

The program is sponsored by the United Way and private donations.

On Wednesday’s (Apr 17, 2013) Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Service Dogs for America, Executive Director, Pamela Standing said, two classes per month are planned for participants to learn first-hand about hands on service dog obedience training, for a period of 16-18 months..

The program will operate within a 50-mile radius of Jamestown.

Ms. Standing said, the participants give the puppy, about 4 months old, a home, while taking the dog everywhere with them daily.

Currently 13 lab/golden retriever mix puppies are available for training.

SDA will provide veterinary care, orientation, training materials, a puppy starter kit, and two training classes each month, along with planned socialization activities.

Volunteer Puppy Partners play a significant role in the pup’s socialization period, because an assistance dog eventually will live with and accompany a disabled person everywhere throughout his or her daily life.

Puppy Partners help SDA produce more confident assistance dogs that will enhance and enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Puppy Partners have the opportunity to meet the individual for whom the dog is being trained.

SDA Development Director Shelley Nannenga noted that Service Dogs for America is a nonprofit corporation established in 1992 with a mission to assist physically and mentally challenged individuals to gain greater independence and autonomy by use of trained and certified assistance dog.

More information by calling 701-685-2242#1, or E-Mail info@servicedogsforamerica.org