Working with wonderful woofers, the sort of furry joy-bringers that make a difference in people’s lives?
Pitching in with a pack of incredible pups can make a lasting impression on a person’s mind, outlook, and, for sure, their spirit, too.
And that chance to lend a hand, your time, some empathy and understanding, and a whole lot of love is coming up, on Dec. 11, thanks to a “puppy raiser” training session with Guide Dogs of America.
This is a virtual happening, via Zoom, and it will be the final online information event before in-person gatherings return to the Sylmar campus in 2022.
Guide Dogs of American pairs trained pups with “… individuals who are blind/visually impaired and service dogs for veterans and children with autism,” with dogs also being placed in “hospitals, schools, and courtrooms.”
“Our highly skilled canines become trusted companions that increase people’s confidence, mobility, and independence. All programs and services, including transportation, personalized training, room/board, and postgraduate support, are provided at no cost to the recipient,” states the organization on its site.
And helping the organization achieve its mission?
Puppy raisers, those dedicated volunteers who are among some of the first people a young, in-training dog gets to know, trust, and adore.
If you choose to pursue volunteering for this life-changing role, there’ll be a few initial considerations, as well as matters you’ll want to mull.
One consideration? Where you reside. You and the puppy in your care will need to call upon the Sylmar campus on occasion, and attendance at both monthly puppy group meetings and “puppy kindergarten classes” is required.
The Dec. 11 information session will address what you can expect from meetings and classes, as well as what at-home life will be like with the future guide dog you’re helping to raise.
Questions covered include the breeds and types of puppies that volunteers raise, what can be expected in terms of puppy proofing and such, what out-of-pocket expenses might look like, and how long the puppy will live in your home.
And, yes: “(W)hat happens when the dogs ‘go off to college’ to begin formal training” is also a central topic of the session, as well as how dogs are paired with their forever people once they’ve graduated.
The word straight from Sylmar? “We ALWAYS need puppy raisers,” says Stephanie Colman, the coordinator of the puppy program.
So even if you can’t join the December Zoom, you can plan to attend an in-person information session on the Guide Dogs of America campus, in early 2022.
Could this be your new year’s resolution?
Uncover the Secret Features of Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your iPhone’s Volume Buttons
Many of us are familiar with the iPhone, and its evolution over the years has been impressive. With just three physical buttons, the iPhone’s volume controls offer far more than basic sound adjustment. These buttons perform a range of other functions, enhancing your iPhone experience in unique ways. Let’s explore the hidden capabilities of these versatile controls.
1. Capturing Photos and Videos
Your iPhone’s volume buttons can act as a convenient shutter for photos and videos. In any camera mode—such as portrait, panorama, or standard—a simple press of either volume button snaps a photo. For video recording, press once to start and press again to stop. On newer iPhones, holding the volume up button activates burst mode, capturing multiple photos quickly.
2. Scanning Documents with Ease
Avoid on-screen controls when scanning documents. In apps like Files, Mail, Notes, and Reminders, you can use the volume buttons to quickly initiate a scan. A single press captures your document, making document management faster and more efficient.
3. Managing Alarms Simply
If you struggle to wake up in the morning or need a few extra minutes, the volume buttons offer an easy way to manage alarms. Pressing either volume button can snooze or dismiss alarms, making mornings a bit easier without reaching for on-screen options.
4. Quick Access to Emergency Services
In urgent situations, your iPhone’s volume buttons can be life-saving. Press and hold the side button along with either volume button to bring up the emergency SOS screen. Swiping the SOS icon calls emergency services, even when your phone is locked.
5. Restarting a Frozen iPhone
When your iPhone becomes unresponsive, the volume buttons offer a quick fix. To force a restart, press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and hold the side button until your iPhone reboots. This hardware reset can help resolve issues when a standard restart isn’t working.
6. Temporarily Disable Face ID or Touch ID
If you need extra security in a particular moment, you can quickly disable Face ID or Touch ID. Press and hold the side button along with either volume button for two seconds. This action locks your phone, requiring your passcode to unlock it, which can enhance your privacy when needed.
7. Silencing Calls Instantly
In situations where you need to silence an incoming call or mute vibrations discreetly, press either volume button. This will silence ringtones or vibrations in silent mode, allowing you to manage calls quickly and quietly.
Share this with friends and family to help them unlock the hidden potential of their iPhone’s volume buttons!
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