dogs in training
NSD NeoLife
NeoLife is currently with her adult 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: Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Date of Birth: April 28, 2023
Sire: PADS Zegen
Dam: NSD Chip
Litter: N Litter
Puppy Sponsor: Shelley Sheridan of NeoLife. NeoLife means “New Life”. This name was chosen for three reasons. First, my business and association with the company NeoLife has transformed my life in so many ways. Secondly, the income I earn opened a door to giving back to NSD by way of annually sponsoring a Puppy-In-Training. And lastly, I strongly believe that this little puppy, NSD NeoLife, will impact many lives along her journey, and give a “New Life” to someone in need as a Service Dog and/or Best Friend.
Volunteer Team: Morgan Ellis & Trey Larue, Candice Smeltzer, Dave & Amy Estill
Fund My TrainingSponser Future NSD Puppies
Help Our Service Dogs Change Lives
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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.
NeoLife's Updates
July 2023
Neo is a very smart and full of life girl. She is very quick to learn new tasks which there are a lot of at this age. She likes to be with people and will settle at your feet anywhere in the house you would like to go. That being said she is always keen to go on an adventure and loves to play. Neo likes to be outside and really likes to be in the sandbox with the kids. But her favourite activity is playing fetch in the house. Neo is working on her loose leash walking and impulse control. She is doing well but sometimes forgets and really wants to see what’s up ahead sooner than we can get there. She can be redirected quickly as she really likes her kibbles. Neo’s most recent accomplishment is wearing her vest and going into a store for the first time. She was a super star and acted like she has been doing it for years!
December 2023
NeoLife 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.
October 2024
I am now in high school classes and getting ready for my next adventure in NSD University! I’m really starting to get the hang of this service dog thing, so my puppy raiser takes me to lots of new and exciting places to practice. I am also learning new advanced skills such as 'back,' 'touch,' 'chin,' and stepping on the perch pot. In class, I practice stairs and different under-footings and work for new and different handlers. This is an important step in preparing me for the next phase of my training. At home, I am polishing up my manners around meal times, guests, and outdoor walks. Now that I have more impulse control, I get to have more freedom around the house and get to sleep out of my crate some nights.
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.