Volunteer Puppy Raising Opportunity with Canine Companions

 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.

The Green Foothills' Efforts to Preserve the Stanford Foothills

 Steve Betando is an experienced educator who has earned several awards, including a 2006 Elementary Principal of the Year award. After retiring as superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District in California, Steve Betando continues to actively support various environmental protection causes, including the Green Foothills.

Green Foothills is a California-based nonprofit organization. Formed in 1962, the body plays an active role in preserving the natural environment and resources in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties through advocacy, partnerships, and education programs. Green Foothills works to influence decision-making and legislative action to align with safeguarding the ecosystem, preserving biodiversity, and other environmental policies.

Recently, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved an update of the Stanford Community plan. The plan, which sought to extend the protection of over 2,000 acres of hillside open space in the Stanford Foothills for 99 years, was approved by a unanimous vote. Earlier in December 2022, the Green Foothills had drawn awareness to this issue and encouraged people to email the supervisors to support the approval of this plan.

The protection of this extensive grassland was what originally triggered the formation of the Green Foothills. Its preservation is considered essential, as it provides irreplaceable habitat for wildlife and plays a crucial role in reducing climate impact. As the county makes further steps in drafting an environmental impact report and creating a final plan for the Stanford Foothills, Green Foothills continues to keep community members updated and educate them on how to contribute to this process.

A Social Strategy for a Daily Health Focused Life

 With experience as a principal, Steve Betando is an educational administrator in Northern California who most recently served as superintendent of the Morgan Hill Unified School District. One focus for Steve Betando is helping others achieve life balance in areas that range from physical health to social wellness.

The latter concept refers to the critical close relationships people have with others which has become increasingly sparse since the dawn of the digital age. More challenges to the human connection occurred when the pandemic caused further separation and isolative experiences. Many people struggled with forced distancing experience while heavily desired the physical presence of others. Whether physical isolation is voluntary or forced, there are other ways to support mental wellness by keeping social connected to others through a nurturing communication link with friends, family, old acquaintances, and coworkers.

Physical proximity certainly has a positive influence not quite found by another means of connection. However, it is important to take advantage of old and new technology when it is not possible to by physically together. Staying connected with others does not require close or lengthy physical proximity. A simple phone call, text, or email can help reestablish a sense of continuity with others. Try to integrate “10-second relationships” into the day as well. This involves simple greetings and conversations with neighbors, service workers, and others who share part of daily life's path.

For many, reaching out to others is not necessarily comfortable. For more reserved people, being the first to reach out to others must be an acquired skill before it become a natural part of their daily experience. The connection focus on improving communication skills and interacting with others in ways that carry minimal expectations and ulterior motives.

Proven effects of prosocial behavior include a raise in self-esteem, a stronger sense of purpose, and the frequency of "paying the positive connection forward," to others. Such brief interactions of human connectivity have profound positive influence on each individual involved in the interaction. A study providing a Theoretical Perspective on Thriving Through Relationships, (Feeney and Collins, 2014) found that receiving prosocial acts are associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater belongingness.

Multiple studies find that the human connection also decreases other health risks and improves physical well-being and longevity. Researchers have found that strong social connections also strengthen the immune system. Over time, infusing prosocial behaviors in your day’s routine will likely increase your chances of a longer life by as much as 50%. Moreover, enhancing the human connection in your and other lives will make each day on earth more healthy, positive, and meaningful.