Volunteer ‘Puppy Raisers’ Work to Tackle a Service Dog Shortage

“Puppy raisers are the backbone of our organization,” said Molly Elmore, the volunteer program manager at Warrior Canine Connection, a service dog nonprofit in Boyds, Md., that pairs service dogs with wounded veterans who have mobility issues, traumatic brain injuries or PTSD. “They’re the only way it all happens.”

Finding a New Purpose Amid Grief

On a Saturday morning in February, at the Hipsleys’ home in Catonsville, Md., Pogo was asleep at Ms. Hipsley’s feet, cuddled up with two other puppies the Hipsleys had raised: Blair, who was back for a visit, and Devin, whom the Hipsleys later adopted. Four-month-old Marita, who had arrived the previous week, stood at the edge of the dog pile, unconvinced she needed a nap.

The Hipsleys began puppy raising in 2015, less than a year after their son Chris died by suicide. Chris, a decorated Army medic, had developed severe PTSD during three tours in the Middle East. The Hipsleys had pleaded with him to apply for a service dog, but he was resistant.

After Chris died, the couple felt compelled to help other veterans, but weren’t sure how. Then a friend told them about Warrior Canine Connection, the nonprofit in Maryland that helps wounded veterans.

“It was just like fate — this is what we were supposed to do,” Ms. Hipsley said.

Soon, a bouncy black lab puppy named Jack moved in. The busyness of “all things puppy,” Mr. Hipsley said, was a comfort.