Ex-shelter dog now a service animal

retriever; Pierogi, a yellow Lab mix who is the only male; and Reese, who is the color of peanut butter and looks like a mix of shepherd or Belgian Malinois.

At 35 pounds, Raisin is the smallest dog in the pack, and her lineage is uncertain. She may have some Labrador and beagle in her bloodline, and her short nose hints at some pugblood, Mr. Grachen said.

“Raisin is perfect. She is smart and eager to serve and will also make a great pet.”

When she arrived at the shelter last May, Raisin was shy and scared and growled at people, said associate director Donna Bucek. After three weeks in Ms. Bucek’s office, Raison blossomed into a happy and social dog and moved out to Ms. Fodor’s program.

“We have plenty of room in the kennel, but they are raised in homes with families” who bring them to the kennel for training sessions, Ms. Fodor said. “We need puppy raisers.”

Canine Service Pals also needs money to keep the mission going. It costs $20,000 to raise and provide six months or more of training. Recipients pay nothing for their dogs.

“My family could never afford a dog like Raisin,” Sydney Campell said. “If sharing my story would help even onekid, I will be so happy.”

Go to www.canineservicepals.org for more information or to make a donation. Or mail a donation to Canine Service Pals, 66 Economy Grade Road, Coraopolis, PA 15108.