For Laura Allen, puppy raising isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion. Since 2001, when she was a junior in high school, Laura has been raising future Service Dogs, dedicating her time and energy to helping dogs grow into life-changing partners for people in need. Now, more than two decades later, Rooster, a Golden Retriever and her 16th puppy, has brought her on a new journey—her first with Dogs for Better Lives (DBL).
About Rooster
Rooster, looking adorable, plays in Laura’s yard
Rooster is a special puppy in many ways. With an ever-wagging tail and a sunny disposition, he brightens every room he enters.
“He’s always happy and has the cutest tail wag, and every morning, he greets the day with adorable Golden Grumbles,” Laura shares. “It’s hard not to smile around Rooster!”
His love for learning and his eagerness to be around people make him a joy to raise, and Laura is savoring every moment of their time together.
The decision to raise a DBL puppy was an easy one for Laura. “I love being a puppy raiser, and I especially love Golden Retrievers,” she says. “Having an opportunity to raise a Golden for DBL was an exciting opportunity!”
Throughout her experience with DBL, Laura has found the support system to be invaluable. The welcome puppy box and monthly preventatives have made a significant difference in easing the financial burden that many puppy raisers take on. “The communication between staff and volunteers has been wonderful,” she adds.
The many benefits of raising Future Service Dogs
Laura Allen with Future Service Dog Rooster. Photo courtesy @stillfragments
A question many puppy raisers hear often is, ‘How can you give them up?’ For Laura, the answer is simple.
“It is such a gift to be able to raise service dogs. I know that I am doing this work for someone else that I haven’t even met yet, and at the same time, I am benefiting from the love that I receive from the puppy during our time together.”
Beyond the bond with the puppies, puppy raising has also led her to incredible friendships with fellow volunteers and Puppy Raisers, strengthening the sense of community that makes the experience even more rewarding.
One of Laura’s favorite parts of raising a puppy is exposing them to the world and preparing them for their future roles. “People in public are generally friendly when you have an adorable puppy by your side!” she says. “Plus, all of my puppies get to experience Disneyland before they turn in, and that is always a very memorable time.”
While many people might assume that puppy raising is all about the dogs, Laura emphasizes that it’s also about the people—the volunteers, the staff, and the individuals whose lives are changed by these remarkable service dogs. “The friendships made through puppy raising are something very special.”
For those considering becoming a puppy raiser but hesitating at the thought of letting go, Laura offers words of encouragement.
“Give it a try. The impact you make is life-changing, and the journey is filled with love, learning, and an incredible community of support.”
Rooster poses with DBL Future Service Dog Comet. The two were featured on Dogs for Better Lives’ holiday card in 2024.
With Rooster by her side, Laura continues her mission to raise puppies who will one day provide independence, companionship, and confidence to those in need. And while saying goodbye will be bittersweet, she knows it’s part of a bigger purpose—one that she is honored to be a part of.
Follow Rooster’s journey on Instagram, where Laura posts frequent updates! @goodasgoldens
To learn more about becoming a Puppy Raiser, visit dogsforbetterlives.org/puppy-raiser
