Introduction:
At RocDog our Mission is simple: “People helping Dog’s help People”.
RocDog, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on a simple belief: “People Helping Dogs Help People“. Our certified Handler-and Dog Teams have long brought comfort to Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Behavioral Health Units, Libraries, and Schools across the many Communities we serve and the Paw’s Project carries that mission into the homes of Special Needs Families who can benefit most from a well trained companion. Whether you are a family hoping to welcome a dog, a Volunteer,, or a Sponsor, this page shows what we do and how you can be a part of it.
PAWS Project:
The Paw’s Project places carefully selected and Trained dogs with Special Needs families that include a member with a intellectual or developmental disabilities and psychiatric issues like Severe Anxiety or Post Tramatic Syndrome (PTSD).
A dog can offer a calm in stressful moments, encourage routine and responsibility, and open the door to new social connections. In every placement we work to match the family’s needs and the dogs traits. RocDog supports each family from first conversation through placement, training, and beyond.
PAWS Rescue:
As a licensed rescue in the State of New York, RocDog gives dogs in need a second chance, and many Paw’s Project dogs begin their journey through our rescue efforts. Each dog receives veterinary care, a safe place to stay, and time to settle in so our Team can learn its personality and potential. Dogs.
Every rescue find the right home.
All of the dogs we rescue go into FosterCare in a home with well trained Volunteers to guide these dogs through our process. In this phase our goal is to comfort and care for these dogs. Give then the love they may have never had in the past.
Interested in becoming a FosterCare family? Let us know, we would love to talk with you.
Dog Placement:
Our placement process is built for strong, lasting matches. Families begin with an application describing their household, routine, and the needs of the family member the dog will support. RocDog Staff them meet with the family to understand their home enviroment and help identify the traits that will make the dog a good fit.
.Once a potential match is identifies, the family and dog spend time together before the placement is finalized. After the dog goes home, RocDog Staff stay involved with follow-up visits and guidance to help everyone adjust and settle into this new life.
This ongoing support helps ensure the placement thrives for years to come.
Obediaence Training:
To begin with every dog receives training focused reliable basic commands, calm behavior in busy or noisy settings, good manners around people of all ages, and the steady temperiment that families can depend on. This foundation helps the dog feel confident and helps the family feel secure
All training provided by RocDog are built on a progression from basic to advanced skills.
Levels of Training:
- Emotional Support Dog: first 3 months of weekly training.
- Therapy Support Dog: second 3 months of weekly training.
- Psychiatric Service Dog: third 3 months of weekly training.
- Physical Need Service Dog: fourth 3 months of weekly training or more.
Each of the above levels of training have a test that the Family and Dog must pass to move forward to the next level.
Success Stories: Lilly and Collette
When we started helping families with dogs and training, we had a hope and expectation that we could help some families. Wow, we never could have imagined the profound impact our dogs make in their families.
Lilly is 9 years old and has some issues in life that can make simple things a struggle. Colette came to Rochester through a Rescue Transport out of North Carolina. Sweet and a little shy, but loved people. The first time they met it just kind of seemed right.
A few days after that meeting Collette moved home to live with Lily and her family. We were not sure how much of the training Lily could do, but boy were we wrong. Lily took command of Collette and they were on a Mission. Lily and Collette pasted the Service Dog Test after almost a year of training.
They now have an inseparable bond. Collette sleeps with Lily at night to help her get a full and restful sleep. Then during the day they are very active.
At RocDog we are so proud of both of them. RocDog RocStar’s
PAWS: Sponsor’s:
The Paw’s Project is made possible by the generosity of businesses, Foundations, and Community Partners who believe in our Mission. A Sponsorship of $5,000 covers a complete family placement, including:
- Rescue Care
- Veterinary Needs
- Placement Support
- Obedience Training
- After Care
We work to showcase our Sponsor’s on our Website and through our Social Media efforts. Sponsor’s are also highlighted in all of our other Fundraising efforts.
This kind of partnership between you and RocDog plays a direct role in bringing a dog and a family together.
Help Support our Efforts:
There are many ways to support the Paw’s Project. Individual donations of any size help cover the cost of care, placement, and training for dogs in our program. Businesses and Organizations can become Sponsors, and community members can attend our fundraising events, such as the “with LOVE” Gala, which benefits the Paw’s Project.
You can also help by volunteering your time, fostering a dog, or simply sharing our Mission with friends and Neighboors. Every contribution brings another family one step closer to welcoming a dog into their home.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.rocdog.org or contact RocDog directly.
The following are some resources to help you with this entire process:
The 3-3-3 Rule for Rescue Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide to Help Your Dog Adjust – YouTube