In response to the tragic events of October 7, 2023, Temple Judea chose to sponsor TJ, a guide dog puppy being trained at the Israel Guide Dog Center, as a meaningful way to support healing and recovery in Israel.
TJ has now completed more than a year with his puppy raisers and returned to the Israel Guide Dog Center to begin the next phase of his training. During his time with puppy raisers, TJ has grown into a mature and confident dog, ready to fulfill his life’s purpose of service to others.
TJ will undergo comprehensive assessment and testing at the Center to determine which specialized role he is best suited for. Based on the evaluation results, TJ may be trained as a Guide Dog for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, a PTSD Dog supporting those living with post-traumatic stress, an Emotional Support Dog providing comfort to those in need, or an Ambassador Dog educating the community about service animals.
The Israel Guide Dog Center trains service dogs at no cost to recipients, relying on the generosity of sponsors like Temple Judea to fund the breeding, raising, and training of these life-changing animals.
