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Meet that Raiser – Stephen and Jenn Newbold
Name: Stephen and Jenn Newbold
Occupation: Architect/Historian
Prison: Devens
Current Pup: Iris, 19 months old (now matched)
How long have you been a Weekend Puppy Raiser and how many dogs have you raised? (Include furloughed dogs and the one you are currently raising).
5 years, 5 puppies
What led you to Weekend Puppy Raising?
Gerry came to our church with four WPR’s and puppies to discuss NEADS and their work with the Concord prisons. (Faint sound of kibble crunching during the prayers)
Ice Breakers
If you had your own talk show, who would your first 3 guests be?
If I had a talk show, the first 3 guests I would want to interview are: Robin Williams (laughs) Jimmy Carter (charity), a Child (courage).
If you had one extra hour of free time a day what would you do with it?
Nap and dream, just like a puppy.
Would you rather be able to speak all foreign languages or talk to animals?
Animals, I would like to get some outsider’s opinion of us humans.
If you could visit one place in the world where would it be and why?
Tibet- seems to be simpler, more colorful, and fewer suits.
Are you a listener or a talker?
I talk to people, and listen to nature. Striving for less of the former, more of the latter.
Tell us your favorite part about being a Weekend Puppy Raiser or your favorite memory with one of the NEADS pups.
The best part is the companionship of the puppies and the wider WPR / NEADS nation. I like to take the puppies out and surprise people with how a puppy can be so well trained- walking in town, taking the train, or under a table in busy restaurant . (You would be surprised how many people get shocked when a dog comes out from under the table cloth). I love driving and seeing a pair of loving eyes watching be from the back of the car. (The Sunday night, “The weekend is over already” look…) I also like seeing the pride of the inmate handlers and being able to help them succeed as we gauge the puppy’s development.
My favorite memory is having the our bishop arrange his service to have the congregation bless one of our departing puppies. Not a dry eye in the house. What does the thank you card say…”beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear”. But I know there is renewal in the next puppy, you just have to open your heart again… and the treat pouch.
