Posted: May 15, 2009, 5 a.m. EDT
A partnership between the Morris Animal Foundation, Eukanuba and Canine Companions for Independence will spotlight assistance dogs and what it takes to be a puppy raiser.
From May 15 through 17, puppies are set to take over the racetrack at the Verizon Festival of Speed presented by Speedcom Communications. Racecar fans will be given a chance to learn about raising puppies to become assistance dogs.
Canine Companions for Independence, the national nonprofit that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities, will be at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif., to educate the public about the necessary requirements to become a volunteer puppy raiser. Attendees also can meet assistance dogs at the Canine Companions booth at the festival.
These highly trained Labrador and Golden Retrievers are taught more than 40 commands to help their human partners, such as picking up dropped items, switching on a light and opening doors.