dogs in training
NSD Meeko
Meeko is currently with her puppy raiser. She is being taught a foundation of house manners and cues, for becoming a well-socialized part of the community.
Woof! Woof!
(Hello!)
Breed: Lab x Golden Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: April 26, 2023
Sire: SSD Tico
Dam: NSD Luna
Litter: M Litter
Puppy Sponsor: Sonia Demjanow, family & friends
Volunteer Team: Dave Clarke, Krystie Purvis
Fund My TrainingSponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
Donate
At NSD, we do not receive any government funding to support our mission. Instead, we rely entirely on the generous support of individual donors, community partners, corporate sponsors, service clubs, and through annual fundraising events.
Help us empower people to achieve their full potential. Show your support and donate today.
Volunteer
NSD would not exist without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Their commitment to our mission and the individuals we serve is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have them as part of our family.
If you are interested in joining our outstanding team of volunteers, we encourage you to submit an application.
Meeko's Updates
August 2023
Meeko is such a sweet heart. She’s a ball of energy, has a heart of gold and has brought so much joy to all those in her life. She’d prefer a good tussle over her toys, and she’s shown she loves water. As we venture out into the world a bit more she’s done amazing at keeping her focus on us while exploring.
December 2023
Meeko is learning how to settle in a number of settings and how to cuddle in new ways that will be used to support a future partner. She is finishing grade school and will be moving to high school next month.
January 2024
Meeko keeps us amazed with everything she does. With multiple visits to the local air cadets, a scout group, a school visit and trips to other work places, she’s professional and brings smiles all around. She especially enjoys times when the vest comes off to interact with those around her, but as soon as the vest is back on she knows she’s back to work. From her first few visits of not knowing what to expect with kids, to being close to all the excitement, she has done amazing with learning to be calm. She continues to learn to ignore what’s going on around her, as well as keeping her focus on her handler. We’re very proud of how far she has come.
Everything You Need to Know
Training
Volunteer
Apply
The flow of dogs through NSD’s Programs takes 0-2 years as follows:
- Step 1: Breeding Program
- Step 2: Volunteer Raiser Programs
- Step 3: Behavioural Assessments
- Step 4: University/College
- Step 5: Placement
The tireless efforts of our clients, staff, and volunteers allow our dogs in training to succeed, with social workers and mental health professionals present to ensure our entire process stays people-centric. After about 2 years of training and assessment, our NSD graduates are successfully placed in a client’s home.
Become a Puppy Raiser
Help raise a puppy into a life-changing Service Dog by providing love, training, and socialization until they are 14-16 months old.
Become an Adult Raiser
Help facilitate training and care for a Service Dog until they find their forever family. Polish the dog’s current skills and manners and test their abilities with a new handler as they enter a new environment.
Become a Carpool Driver
Transport Service Dogs with your car to their weekday training sessions. This volunteer role involves picking up NSD University/College dogs from their Adult Raiser’s home and bringing them to training in Kitchener/Cambridge.
Several factors determine the cost of a Service Dog.
Over their eight to ten year working life, Service Dogs are valued up to $50,000. However, each dog is provided free of charge to approved clients. All food and veterinary costs are borne by the client once the dog has been placed.
NSD receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations from the general public, corporate sponsors, fundraising events, and community supporters. We also host third-party fundraisers in support of our working dog teams.
Applications are on a referral basis. Please visit our program pages for more information.