Wisconsin Department of Corrections

February 2013
Click to read about New PawsForward Program

Sheboygan Press – Sheboygan

October 2012
Click to read about Guide Dog Meadow and his partner Susan.

Deanne

Deanne received her Guide Dog Mobility Training and Certification at the Leader Dog Guide Dog School in Michigan.  After working there for several years, she has also received instruction in service dogs training and placement.  She has placed several dogs with Wisconsin residents since joining OccuPaws.  Prior to becoming a GDMI, she worked as a Vet Tech.

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Ozaukee Press – Ozaukee

February 2012
Click to read about Puppy in Training, Gus and Puppy Raiser, Natalia.

State Journal – Madison

January 2012
Click to read about Volunteer, Andrew Tolmie and Pennies for Paws Fundraiser.

Metro School District

December 2011
Click to read about Pennies for Puppies Campaign.

The Gazette – Janesville

August 2011
Click to read about Puppy in Training, Ace and Puppy Raiser, Theresa.

Beloit News

April, 2011
Click to read about our puppies and their mission.

Daily Cardinal – Madison

March, 2011
Click to read about OccuPaws and our mission.

The Terrarium – Beloit

December 2010
Click to read about OccuPaws, Puppy in Training, Apple and Puppy Raiser, Kristin Bonnie.

UKC Ptd Neverest Cinderella Story “Cinder” CGC

Cinder went through the OccuPaws’ program training as a guide dog but chose to have puppies instead. Cinder loves to please and is an incredibly smart pup. Merit, a puppy from her first litter joined our program in August 2012.

Barb Schultze

Barb retired several years ago from a large manufacturing firm where she was a planner/buyer.  Mrs. Schultze has had dogs all of her life.  She has previously trained service dogs for the physically disabled and therapy dogs for Animal Assisted Therapy.

Neverest Bon Voyage “Journey”

Training Stage: Awaiting Placement
Journey has finished her formal harness training and is now awaiting the perfect match. In the meantime, she will continue to practice her skills.

Marlette Larsen

Marlette is a retired business owner, running the Happy Pastime Shop in Middleton for 35 years.  As the Fund Raising Chair, she has managed numerous, very successful fund raising events for OccuPaws, as well as hosting Promise, our Ambassador Dog.

Ridge View Amazing Maizy ”Maizy” CGC

Training Stage: Level 2
Maizy is litter-mates with breeding prospect Morgan. She is a bold little girl who always wants to be right in the action, which is exactly why the prison program is the perfect fit for her.

Diane Hermann-Brown

Diane was recently elected to the board, but has been an OccuPaws Puppy Raiser, volunteer, and puppy sitter for several years.  She is also the City Clerk for Sun Prairie, WI.

Ridge View Bright Future “Morgan” CGC

Training Stage: Level 2
Morgan is litter-mates with breeding prospect Maizy. Morgan is a cautious puppy, so to help her build more confidence she is receiving Agility training.

Mark Schultze

Mark is retired from the State of Wisconsin, where he was a bank examiner for several years.  Prior to that he was President of Sytech Integration, and before that, a Vice President of a Wisconsin Bank holding company.  He spent a large portion of his career creating and analyzing business plans, budgets and audits.

Neverest Pursuit of Excellence “Quest”

Training Stage: Level 1
Quest is litter-mates with breeding prospect Quiz. She is a smart puppy who is always looking for something to do.

Pam Reich

Pam has been a Teacher of the Visually Impaired for 29 years.  Pam’s specific talents include: knowledge of the developmental process of visually impaired students from age 3 to 21, wide variety of skills taught to students with visual impairment such as technology, Braille, orientation and mobility skills at all levels, daily living skills, entertainment and recreation, social and independence skills.

Neverest Passing the Test “Quiz”

Training Stage: Level 1
Quiz is litter-mates with breeding prospect Quest. She is very attentive to her handler and loves to learn new things.

Randy Meyer

Randy received his first guide dog, Deegan, from OccuPaws in 2010.  Randy helps guide dog applicants with questions and decisions about receiving and working with a guide dog.  He also assists with OccuPaws Corporate Fund-Raising and in his spare time, is the Mayor of Sheboygan Falls, WI.

DesAnne Hippe

DesAnne’s daughter was paired with an OccuPaws’ Children’s Visual Companion Dog, Slick, in 2009. She has enjoyed watching them grow and develop as a team. In her role as a board member, DesAnne helps prospective families consider how an OccuPaws service dog might benefit their child with a vision impairment.

Yvonne Hooks

Yvonne is one of the newer Board members, joining the Board after several years of volunteering and supporting OccuPaws with fund raisers.  Yvonne has had many years of fund raising experience, prior to opening The Luckenbooth Cafe with hubby Cliff in Black Earth.

Desirae Pausma

Desirae has been involved with Labrador Retriever’s most of her life, breeding, raising, training and showing her dogs.  She also donates some of those puppies to several service dog organizations.  She also raises and shows Ragdoll Cats.

ClearCreek BonaVenture Naughty by Nature “Natty” CGC

Training Stage: Level 1
Natty is a very laid-back girl. She is learning how to take her job more seriously so that she can begin harness training soon.

Theresa Moe

Theresa works full time at Shopko as a Certified Pharmacy Tech. She has been involved in training dogs for obedience and agility for over 12 years. She also helped with training dogs in the Rock County 4H Dog Project. Theresa has been with OccuPaws since 2007 raising puppies, helping with fundraisers and eventually joining the board as an Area Puppy Coordinator.

Empress Secret Rendevous “Roni”

Training Stage: Formal Harness Training
Roni is an old soul who loves to lounge with her partner.  She began her formal harness training in January 2013.

Ridge View Top Gear at Neverest “Tanner”

Training Stage: Level 1
Tanner joined OccuPaws at 18 month old; making him our oldest recruit. However, with his experience in the show ring and great personality he will catch-up in no time.

Empress Prantus “Patti”

Training Stage: Level 2
Patti is a mild-mannered girl who enjoys a quieter lifestyle. She is learning how to better handle working in crowds and around children.

RLZ Times Two Rocky Mountain “Lincoln”

Training Stage: Level 2
Lincoln is a active boy. He is working on his impulse control and learning about the importance of moderation.

Guide Dog Angus with Leo

Angus is litter-mates with Guide Dog Graduates Apple and Amber. Since their very first interview, Angus and Leo have been fast friends and a great team.

Graduation Video

Guide Dog Amber with Marc

Amber is litter-mates with Guide Dog Graduates Apple and Angus.  When she met Marc, it was love at first lick!  They have bonded very quickly and make a fantastic team.

Graduation Video

Liebchen’s Peacemaker “Pax” CGC

Training Stage: Level 2
Pax is being raised in conjunction with Pathways to Hope as a future service dog. Pax is learning a lot about appropriate greetings.

Guide Dog Meadow with Susan

Meadow loves being part of the action, so we were thrilled when he chose Susan and her busy household with 3 children.  Meadow’s upturned nose and waggy tail turn every greeting into a happy one.

Graduation Video

Sharmik’s Strong Warrior at OccuPaws “Murphy”

Training Stage: Level 2
Murphy is a smart dog who is constantly finding new ways to challenge his puppy raisers. He has come a long way over the past few months and is really thriving in the prison environment.

Guide Dog Apple with Angeline

Apple is litter-mates with Guide Dog Graduate Amber and Angus.  Apple and Angeline have definitely bonded so this will be a great team.

Graduation Video

Neverest Excellent Virtues “Merit” RN CGC

Training Stage: Level 4
Merit absolutely loves to work and assist his human. He is creative and resourceful. He can solve any problem, even ones he’s never encountered before. We’re pretty sure there’s nothing this dog can’t learn!

Guide Dog Gordy with Michael

At his graduation ceremony, it was obvious Gordy was well loved and will have lots of hugs from Michael and his family.

Graduation Video

“Nugget”

Training Stage: Level 1
Nugget is spunky boy who adores children. He loves to play with other dogs, but is now learning that sometimes you just have to hangout with your buddies.

Guide Dog Linus with Jeannie

Linus is a sweet, gentle boy; a perfect soul-mate to his new partner. Linus will soon be learning some new service dog skills to adapt to his partner’s changing needs.

Graduation Video

“Orion”

Training Stage: Level 1
Orion is a cautious but he is learning to enjoy the world a little more each day.  He is working with several handlers to help him build trust and accept change.

Guide Dog Sparta with Tami

Sparta is now a regular train commuter between Kenosha and Chicago, as well as a veteran on the El. Sparta is a litter-mate of Guide Dog Sonny.

Graduation Video

Harvestime Oakley of OccuPaws “Oakley”

Training Stage: Level 1
Oakley is an enthusiastic and sweet little girl.  She is picking up new skills rapidly and is always joyful and curious.

Guide Dog Sonny with Jeremiah

At graduation, Jeremiah wowed the audience with an Elvis song good enough to turn Sonny into a hound dog for just an instant! Sonny is a litter-mate of Guide Dog Sparta.

Graduation Video

Training Stage: Level 1
Polar is an easy-going puppy who is a pleasure to have around. He is coming around to the idea that training can be really fun.

Guide Dog Deegan with Randy

Deegan’s name means “Black Hair” in Gaelic.  He and Randy, the mayor of Sheboygan Falls, will be doing great things in the future.

Graduation Video

Guide Dog Divit with Dave

Dave waited over a year for his dream to come true with his hero Divit.

Graduation Video

Neverest Lambeau Field “Packer”

Training Stage: Level 1
Packer is litter-mates with PIT Pilot and Praxis. Unlike his boisterous brothers, he is a very quiet and reserved puppy who loves to observe the world around him.

Guide Dog Weily with Lisa

With Weily’s help, Lisa can safely and confidently navigate busy downtown areas while maintaining a job and a busy family life.

Graduation Video

Neverest Leading the Way “Pilot”

Training Stage: Level 1
Pilot is litter-mates with PIT Packer and Praxis. He is an active, curious puppy who like to be involved in everything whether you needed his ‘assistance’ or not.

Guide Dog Hanna with Jenni

Jenni and Hanna make a great team.  Together, they will travel many miles.

Graduation Video

Neverest Moments That Change You “Praxis” CGC

Training Stage: Level 1
Praxis is litter-mates with PIT Packer and Pilot. His name means to ‘to change the world,’ which is exactly what this little boy is destined to do. He is progressing rapidly in his training and has incredible focus.

Guide Dog Gilbert with Allison

Allison and Gilbert were the first guide dog team to graduate from OccuPaws. Gilbert has given Allison the confidence and pride to safely navigate her college campus.

“Quinn”

Training Stage: Level 1
Quinn is mastering the art of patience and figuring out that you can’t always control everyone and everything. Of course in between all that learning, he always manages to sneak some cuddle time.

“Reagan”

Training Stage: Level 1
Reagan accidentally broke her leg as a young puppy, but fortunately for us, she never let that slow her down. With a little physical therapy and lots of love, she is making a full recovery.

Visual Assistant Dog Timber with Sophia

Sophia and Timber graduated as a CVC Dog Team. However, the pair are now taking on more responsibility and working to gain more independence.  We look forward to seeing them continue to develop new skills together.

Graduation Video

CVC Dog Candy with Sawyer

Candy is our first standard poodle placement.  The feel of a labrador’s coat when pet backwards was unnatural to Sawyer but when we discovered that a poodle felt just right, we knew Candy was the dog for the job.

Graduation Video

CVC Dog Harley with Olivia

Once Harley learned that is WAS OK to get on Olivia’s bed, the pair was officially trained. Otherwise, without that critical component, Olivia would have been forced to share a dog bed with Harley in the living room, because she was NOT going to let him sleep alone!

Graduation Video

CVC Dog Banjo with Brooke

At graduation, Brooke’s mother said that Banjo is going above and beyond the call of a CVC dog and has become Brooke’s soul-mate.

Graduation Video

CVC Dog Slick with Kaitlyn

Pam Reich, an OccuPaws board member and Kaitlyn’s O & M teacher, suggested the match and was she ever right!  Slick decided that Kaitlyn was the perfect match for him and they are now best friends forever.

Graduation Video

CVC Dog Lilly with Valentino

Tino and Lilly are a perfect match!!  They bonded immediately and have become inseparable pals.

CVC Dog Bodie

Bodie was the first CVC Dog to graduate from OccuPaws.  Life has dramatically changed with the addition of Bodie.