A resident of California, Steve Betando is an accomplished educator and educational administrator who has served as principal at Chrysler Elementary School and Eisenhut Elementary School in the Stanislaus Union School District. From 2013 to 2021, he served as the superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District (MHUSD). Passionate about giving back to the community, Steve Betando participates in regional activities and supports the organization Canine Companions.
Volunteer puppy raisers at Canine Companions contribute to the organization's service dog-raising efforts. They do this by providing shelter, healthy diets, obedience training, and socialization opportunities to Canine Companions' specially-bred puppies, which will one day become service dogs.
Individuals suffering from disabilities or debilitating medical conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, and cerebral palsy can live more independent lives with the assistance of these dogs. Service dogs can assist with opening doors, retrieving misplaced keys, pushing buttons for automatic doors, and keeping transaction receipts.
A Canine Companions' volunteer puppy raiser must commit themselves to supervise the pet under their care throughout the day and teaching basic commands and puppy manners to the pet. Other responsibilities include feeding the puppy a healthy diet recommended by the nonprofit, attending an average of two Canine Companions classes per month, and working closely with the nonprofit to document the pet's progress.
Furthermore, they must agree to return the puppy when Canine Companions request this. Adults can apply to become volunteer puppy raisers by completing an application form. People under the age of 18 require the assistance of their parents or guardians to complete the form.
