Behind the Scenes with NBC TODAY Show’s “Puppy with a Purpose” – Charlie
America’s VetDogs’ trainers, Olivia Poff and Katie Ruiz, visit with Marcie and Lovey about their incredible experience working with NBC TODAY Show’s "puppy with a purpose," Charlie. They give us behind the scenes info about Charlie’s appearances on NBC's TODAY morning show, his advanced training as a future service dog, and how he was matched with his human partner, retired United States Air Force Veteran and Combat Photographer, Stacy Pearsall. Olivia and Katie also share with us how someone can access their life-changing services or become a part of their inspiring puppy raising team!
BIO:
Olivia Poff, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Guide Dog Foundation
Olivia Poff began working with Guide Dog Foundation as a volunteer puppy raiser nine years ago. The United States Marine Corp. veteran that received the first puppy that she raised stated that her service dog not only improved her life, but saved it. It was in that moment that Olivia realized she wanted to join the assistance dog industry professionally.
Olivia graduated from the University of Georgia in 2011 with a degree in Animal Science and has worked in the puppy and training departments of Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs for over 6 years. She has raised 7 puppies total, including Charlie (TODAY's previous "puppy with a purpose"), and has formally trained 25 guide dogs for 25 deserving people. “The power of human-animal bond is something that never ceases to amaze me”.
Katie Ruiz, Assistance Dogs International Certified Service / Hearing Dog Instructor, America’s VetDogs
Bio: As a child, Katie was encouraged to volunteer and participate in my community. One way Katie and her family did this was to participate in a 4H program to help raise guide dogs. She and her family were able to do this with five different dogs and this helped to spur her onto the career path she follows today.
Katie graduated with a degree in Biology and Psychology and participated in an apprentice program to become a Service Dog Instructor. She been fortunate enough to work with several different service dog organizations throughout her career and has been working with America’s VetDogs for three years. Serving veterans and first responders with working dogs fills Katie with pride and thanks for the service the clients have given her and for the dogs that America’s VetDogs is able to give them.