covid Archives - NEADS World Class Service Dogs

On the Road Again

Kate Albertini, NEADS Manager of Breeding and Puppy Development writes about how puppy movement is a crucial part of collaborating with other Service and Guide Dog organizations in the industry and an integral part of the ADI North America Breeding Cooperative (ABC).

Let’s Go to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Support for our Let’s Go coloring book donation program has been incredible. You purchased enough copies that we have now sent 200 books to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This is…

Hospitalization and Recovery during a Pandemic

The pandemic has been difficult for all our TAD* veterans, but one client in particular, Rebecca, found herself in an extremely tough situation. A few months prior to the pandemic, she had to make the hard decision to have her second leg amputated. She had only had her Service Dog, Sully, for about 4 months at that time and was clearly worried about what to do with him while in the hospital…

Connecting in a Time of Isolation

When Covid-19 hit, we knew that connecting with as many clients as possible was important, particularly the veterans with PTSD in our Trauma Assistance Dog (TAD) program. Talking to these veterans, it was apparent that the isolation and stresses of quarantine, stay-at-home orders, and social distancing brought on by the pandemic was getting to them…

Campus Clinic

In early June, Dr. Christine Pelletier, our volunteer Medical Director, as well as several NEADS staff members held a two-day Campus Clinic for 36 NEADS dogs in training for vaccinations, health checks, and nail trimmings.

Training Town Trip

NEADS Director Training, Kathy Foreman, along with Apprentice Trainers Michelle and Michael, took 3 Service Dogs in Training on a town trip to Leominster last week. Training opportunities are everywhere if you know where to look. Nice weather helps.

NEADS – Here for Veterans

A message from NEADS Program Development Administrator to all our veteran clients and applicants.

If Vegas Could Talk

When Harvard University closed its campus in mid-March, Full-Time Puppy Raiser and Harvard student Amanda had to return home. Vegas is now living with NEADS Trainer Magen Blake, where he is continuing the work he started with Amanda. Amanda wrote Vegas a parting letter, and we’ve written what we imagine would be his reply if he could talk.

Checking in on Frannie’s Litter – Week 4

Checking in on Frannie’s litter, week 4.

Fun and Games

Enrichment is really important for all the NEADS puppies and dogs that we care for in the Canine Center and Early Learning Center. It provides mental stimulation and keeps the dogs happy. Now more than ever, dogs need to be kept busy…

Checking in on Frannie’s Litter – Week 3

Checking in on Frannie’s litter, week 3.

NEADS Plans Special Delivery for Patients at Franciscan Children’s Hospital

To celebrate the release of our new coloring and activity book, Let’s Go with NEADS Service Dogs Arnie and Zara, NEADS will be donating 1 copy for every book purchased to Franciscan Children’s Hospital (up to 200 copies). Written and designed by our own Lori Barrett, NEADS Creative Media Specialist, this fun and educational “A to Z” activity/coloring book is centered around words and phrases related to Service Dogs…

Behind the Scenes: Keeping the Dogs Fed

Twice a month, NEADS staff delivers dog food for our pups in prison, typically bringing a 2-week supply at a time. We have dogs in seven prisons, and they each receive anywhere from 5 bags to 15, depending on the program. That’s a lot of dog food – approximately 80 bags per month.

My Dining Room is Now a Nursery

In early March, Nursery staff welcomed Frannie, a pregnant brood* from Guiding Eyes to campus and whelped** her litter. They expected the next 8 weeks to unfold as they typically do with any of our litters…