Domesti-PUPS Celebrates 20 Years of Helping People with Disabilities Gain Independence

For 20 years, Domesti-PUPS (domesti-pups.org) has been training service dogs to help people with disabilities live their best lives by gaining independence and confidence. Executive Director Michelle O’Dea founded Domesti-PUPS in 2000 after her own emotional support dog helped her through chronic depression. Her personal experiences showed her that dogs can help mankind and provide much needed support to differently abled people. The PUPS in Domesti-PUPS stands for Providing Unique Personal Service. All dogs are individually matched based on needs and training. Service PUPS are taught to pick up dropped items from the floor, open doors, turn on light switches, provide balance, pull wheelchairs, and can even be taught to sort laundry. These special canines are taught anywhere from 30 to 90 commands over a two-year period before being placed with their future life partner. Domesti-PUPS also trains dogs to become certified therapy dogs for classrooms, hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Domesti-PUPS is proud of the community support the organization has received in Lincoln, Omaha, and beyond for the past 20 years, and they look forward to many more years of service. In May, the community raised over $12,000 for the organization and volunteers continually help raise and socialize these pups. To learn how you can help, go to domesti-pups.org.