New partnership strengthens capacity for growth of the service dog program, as well as expands program for the pet dog and veteran communities
Puppy Jake Foundation, the nonprofit dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs to veterans, is excited to announce the purchase of Canine Craze, a long-time, well-respected training center for pet dogs in the Des Moines area.
This partnership marks a new chapter for Puppy Jake, expanding the organization’s training capacity while also providing a new funding stream that directly supports its mission.
“Canine Craze has a strong reputation for helping families and their pets build healthy, lasting bonds through quality training,” said Lisa Russell, CEO of Puppy Jake Foundation. “By bringing Canine Craze into the Puppy Jake family, we can continue teach responsible pet ownership, serve the broader community while also creating new financial sustainability that ensures more veterans receive the life-changing support of a service dog.”
For Puppy Jake donors, this purchase means their contributions will have an even greater impact.
“Like every service dog organization in the country, our waiting list is too long because there is an incredible need,” Russell said. “This alliance will allow us to grow and build our breeding and training programs, which will increase the number of service dogs provided to Iowa veterans.”
Canine Craze will continue operations with its current programs while opening the door to expanded offerings in the future. To ensure continuity, Renee Moore, the former owner of Canine Craze and a longtime Lead Trainer with Puppy Jake, will remain with the organization as Director of Training, bringing her deep expertise and leadership to guide current programs and help shape new opportunities for growth.
“Having also been involved with Puppy Jake for many years as the Lead Trainer, this move makes perfect sense,” said Renee Moore. “It’s an opportunity to expand both Puppy Jake and Canine Craze, continue teaching responsible dog ownership, and help even more people enjoy the joy of a well-trained dog—all while supporting a mission that gives back to our veterans.”
Moving forward, there will be opportunities for expanded volunteer engagement, additional resources for trainers, and increased visibility for Puppy Jake’s mission throughout Central Iowa.
“Puppy Jake is committed to providing the very best for our veterans,” Russell added. “With Canine Craze, we’re not only strengthening our mission, we are honoring our donors by ensuring their support goes further and lasts longer. Together we can unleash the independence of our nation’s heroes.”
