Some people volunteer four hours a week or a month with a specific schedule and list of directives. Julie Ridenour, on the other hand, has quietly committed to volunteer 24 hours a day for months.

Julie has volunteered for Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity and First United Methodist Church Murfreesboro and will continue to do so. She has helped build homes, transported people in golf carts, taught, and more. This mom of four has seen and done it all. Yet, this adventure seeking paddle boarder was ready for new possibilities.

While visiting one of her adult children in Colorado, Julie happened upon Freedom Service Dogs. She toured the office, met the staff, and fell in love with the idea. Volunteering as a Puppy Raiser became her new adventure!

The nonprofit walks each volunteer through the journey as a Puppy Raiser by providing requirements, suggestions, and support. After all, they are puppy raising experts and understand “the dog’s psychology and their emotional needs,” she says. Yet, raising a puppy provides its own surprises – from cozying up to her feet while she works at the computer to wearing the puppy life jacket while paddle boarding!

“I know that she [the puppy] has a purpose and a mission. And even though I may never meet the person who ends up being her person, I know that I’m part of this program that makes a huge difference in people’s lives,” says Julie.

This blog is brought to you by Doing Good, a 501c3 nonprofit. Listen to Julie’s podcast episode at www.doinggood.tv/podcast.