Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs gets a new puppy to train

Reporter: Tiffany Rizzo
Published: Updated:
Lawrence the puppy will get trained to help veterans and children. (CREDIT: WINK News)

A new puppy is training hard to help children in need.

A lab pup from Ocala that was picked up on Wednesday by a volunteer for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs.

“I was asked to fly up to pick up one of our new Cadet puppies,” said Rick Mellon. “It was a privilege to do so.”

Applications are up so more dogs are needed. The organization also needs more space and will be moving into a bigger facility off Pine Ridge Road that will double its capacity.

In the new facility, the lab pup will get trained for about 2.5 years to do tasks like bringing dropped items back to their partner.

“A lot of times with my veterans they can’t go out in crowds, public, loud noises, fireworks, backfiring trucks,” said Gina Day, a senior handler for Golden PAWS. “These dogs will soothe them; they will comfort them. They will be by their side.”

Kyle Reed, president of the board of directors for Golden PAWS, said it’s life-saving work.

“A lot of times we say it’s life-changing, but in many cases, it’s life-saving,” Reed said.

Golden PAWS has been open for 10 years and have placed over 100 service dogs with veterans and children all over Florida.

Their new location opens on Tuesday. If you are interested in donating or volunteering you can visit their website by clicking here.

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