Graduation is a very special event at NEADS because it is the culmination of so many people’s (and dogs’) efforts to accomplish a successful match. What an amazing path a person with a disability takes to arrive at that day……….and what an equally special path the dog takes. We celebrate this achievement three times a year – March, June and October. Please join us – if not in person, in spirit.
Some of our dogs arrive for training at NEADS from a shelter where our trainers “interview” them to test their talents for assistance dog work. Some dogs are donated by breeders to NEADS as puppies. Others arrive from private homes. All are chosen for their special abilities to work with people to enhance independence. Over the 28 years NEADS has trained dogs for people, each one has a special place in its history.
Graduation is the celebration of the involvement of the hundreds of individuals and organizations who in a very kind and large way play an important role in these special unions…..breeders who donate puppies, puppy raisers and socializers, who offer their homes and hearts, veterinarians who donate their medical services, dog officers and animal shelter staff who rescue future assistance dogs, volunteers who exercise and groom the dogs during their stay at NEADS, or speak to groups about our work, state coordinators, who in their own home states interview potential clients and spread the word for us, and the individuals, service organizations, small businesses, corporations, foundations and communities who come together to underwrite the cost of training these teams.
Of course, we celebrate the graduates who, after spending two weeks living at NEADS and working with the instructors are matched with their canine helper to begin a new and effective working relationship.
For information about, locations and dates of graduation, please use the links below:
Spring graduation
Summer graduation
Fall graduation
To sponsor all or part of the graduation ceremony, please contact; dlaconti@neads.org or call 978 422-9064 ext.21
