Volunteer spotlight: Debbie
09/02/2026
Story
Meet Debbie, one of our volunteer Puppy Socialisers who is socialising her first Dogs for Good pup, Nancy. Along with her husband Sam, Debbie is providing Nancy with all the care, love and support she needs before she’s ready to begin her training to become a life-changing dog.
What made you get involved with Dogs for Good in the first place?
We came to realise that after 12 years since losing our beloved pet dog Star that we had room in our hearts for another dog. I've always wanted to help [a charity like Dogs for Good] by socialising their puppies, knowing the difference [these] dogs can make to a person's life by providing vital physical, emotional, and social support, enabling individuals... to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
When I went on the Dogs for Good website and read about the amazing work they do to help support people with physical disabilities, autism and dementia it ticked all the boxes because these have affected people I love.
Being a Puppy Socialiser is a mixture of rewarding charitable impact, personal fulfilment, skill development and socialising all in the company of an adorable puppy.
How long have you been supporting us by socialising puppies?
We have been volunteer Puppy Socialisers with Dogs for Good since July 2024, we just wish we'd done it sooner!
What’s the best thing about being a Puppy Socialiser?
My husband Sam had been seriously ill two years prior to us joining Dogs for Good. Sam had lost his confidence when going out for walks and would only go for walks on a bus route where he could sit down or get the bus back home. Since getting our first Dogs for Good puppy Nancy, his confidence has built up so much and he'll take Nancy for long walks without realising he has not had to look for somewhere to sit down.
Another big part is the joy having Nancy has given us on a daily basis. Watching her develop into a confident dog is so heart-warming and rewarding, knowing that you have helped nurture a puppy to go on and help someone in need.
You have the help of a Puppy Coordinator, in our case Samantha who is always there to help and give expert guidance on any issues. Then there are the puppy classes to attend where you get to meet other volunteers and their current puppies. In fact you will open your life up to a whole new group of like-minded friends.
"My husband Sam had been seriously ill two years prior to us joining Dogs for Good... Sam had lost his confidence when going out for walks... Since getting our first Dogs for Good puppy Nancy, his confidence has built up so much and he'll take Nancy for long walks."
- Debbie, volunteer Puppy Socialiser
If people are unsure about whether or not to become a Puppy Socialiser, what would you say to them?
The only issue we have is that we didn't become Puppy Socialisers sooner! We've met so many lovely people since having Nancy.
Being a Puppy Socialiser is a mixture of rewarding charitable impact, personal fulfilment, skill development and socialising all in the company of an adorable puppy. It is a highly fulfilling role that transforms the lives of both [the people who end up being supported by the trained dogs] and the Puppy Socialisers.
Volunteers like Debbie and Sam help to make life possible
Could you help us change lives by joining our volunteer family?
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