Where Big Hearts Meet Big Paws
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bring hope, comfort, and independence to children by pairing them with a devoted service dog. Since 2012, we have been a small but passionate organization dedicated to raising and training dogs carefully matched to each child’s individual needs. These remarkable companions help children feel calmer, transition more easily, build confidence, reduce anxiety, sleep peacefully, find comfort during seizures, and experience the joy of responsibility and independence.
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Each year, we raise funds to make this life-changing journey possible. Our largest fundraiser is the SwissRidge Doodle Romp, a summer gathering where hundreds of SwissRidge families come together to celebrate love, community, and purpose. This special event allows us to continue giving children the priceless gift of a loyal companion who will change their lives forever.
To learn more about our amazing fund raising events and the famous Doodle Romp click here...
MEET SOME OF OUR DOGS
and their amazing best friends!
Changing a Child's Life... One Dog at Time
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Each year we select a child or two that we feel would fit into our criteria and program. Each puppy is individually selected and trained to meet the specific needs of the child. Here are some of our current and past service dogs and their best friend.
Be sure to follow our social to see their adventures!
ROSIE & COHEN
“My name is Cohen and I have Autism. My dream is to have a dog. It is hard to handle my Autism. When my Autism is acting up I feel out of control and angry. I love dogs and if I had an Autism dog it would help me deal with my Autism by every time I am screaming and crying the dog will help me stop. Love, Cohen."
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Rosie provides Cohen with emotional support needed when he is distressed. She also helps him transition between locations and activities as well as providing him with purposeful physical activity and responsibility.
"Since Rosie came into Cohen’s life, he has grown tremendously. Cohen has become a confident and social young man who became quite involved at school and has a very connected social group. Rosie has been a complete game changer and a huge contributor to the marked changes. She is his absolute favourite thing and is all he speaks about. To say that we are grateful to SwissRidge’s Dogs For Kids Program is an understatement. She has changed all of our lives forever. Thank you!" - Cohen’s Mom
LULA & EMI
“Lula has been a true blessing for Emi. Lula is the perfect reading buddy, a friend to play, a companion to go for walks or to hug when he feels anxious, a weighted blanket for security and anxiety and many other things. She also helps get Emi to sleep and stays throughout the night.
"Lula has without a doubt really changed the life of this little boy. She keeps our boy calm on long drives and help him to stay focus and motivated during the long hikings. This year we went to a water park resort and they reserved an area for Lula in the deck to keep her dry and avoid people touching her, but she was still close to Emi in case he needed her. Both rock the Waterpark as champs. Thank you Lucas Mucha and Sherry Rupke for making this perfect companion for our son. It’s been life changing for all of us. Pictures are not enough to show all of the wins with Lula.” - Emi’s Mom
DUKE & DANIEL
Daniel and Duke make such an amazing pair. Daniel has been known to wander at times so Duke is now in his life to help avoid this and keep him safe. Duke is also Daniel’s reading buddy and this has helped continue to develop his speech. Duke keeps Daniel active, with lots of walks, playing with balls, and out in his neighbourhood meeting new friends. Duke helps also with transitioning and change. Nowadays, Duke and Daniel have become country travel mates. They have flown on planes and traveled to various events within Canada. Duke has been a super star on all means of transportation including planes.
“I am so glad Daniel has Duke in his life. They brush their teeth together morning and evening, every day. Daniel continues to try to beat Duke in a race, and they still have cuddle time every night before bed. Daniel thinks it’s great when I come home from work and give him a big hug, Duke squeezes in between us and covers Daniel with kisses. The more Daniel matures, the greater the bond these two have, it’s so wonderful to see.” - Daniel’s Mom
ASHA & RACHEL
Rachel and Asha are the cutest bestfriend pair! These two have a special connection. Rachel has a natural love for all dogs. Asha has been great with Rachel’s Autism, which can cause tough transitions. Asha helps with adjusting to unfamiliar environments, going into her school, has helped Rachel sleep on her own in her bedroom, better control of her emotions and anxiety, making social connections with others, and building confidence and self esteem. Rachel’s responsibility duties have come a long way too. These two go everywhere together.
“Asha has made a huge difference in Rachel’s life. She sleeps with her, follows her around everywhere. She gives her a sense of confidence and has gotten her out more often. Lucas trained her so well. She can be around a huge group of dogs and she is super calm.” - Rachel’s Mom
POLO & JULIO
Julio and his new service dog Polo are the cutest, perfect pair! They are so well matched. Polo has a very calming vibe which helps balance a busy Julio out. A service dog will provide Julio with companionship, security from fleeting, social skills, a calming influence, assistance in transitioning and responsibility. Julio has been known to wander off and Polo has been trained to help prevent this and keep him safe. In their first few weeks together Polo has already taken over bedtime routine for helping Julio falling asleep. And wherever Julio goes, Polo is following close behind, keeping a close eye on him. Julio is an active boy and we look forward to watching Polo and his adventures together.
Polo listens to his training very well. He is perfectly behaved wherever we go. Julio loves to dress up Polo as a reindeer. Polo gives him what he needs, when he needs it. They love walking the mall together, going shopping. Just got back from a vacation. No shortage of smiling on-lookers while these two walked Pittsburg together. It’s been our pleasure to share all the wins with the SwissRidge Community and we are forever grateful.” - Julio’s Mom
LLEW & CIARAN
Introducing Llew — the newest member of our program and Ciaran’s new best friend. Llew’s journey began with a heartfelt wish. Thanks to the Shine Foundation, Ciaran’s dream of having a puppy came true. Shine was happy to work with SwissRidge Kennels to make it all happen. Now, we have the honour of training Llew to become Ciaran’s service dog, empowering him to take his four-legged friend wherever life leads.
More than a best friend, Llew will offer Ciaran life-changing support in ways such as reducing muscle tension, encouraging movement, sleep improvement, stress reduction, support through transitions, building friendships outside of the home, boost confidence, communication development, and possible seizure detection.
As Llew grows and matures, he’ll begin our advanced service dog training program to fully prepare for his important role. We can’t wait to follow and share the journey of Ciaran and Llew. Stay tuned for the adventures ahead!
ANCHOR
Introducing Anchor — the newest addition to our program, and a dog whose story and purpose are truly special. Anchor is being trained as a Transient Service and Therapy Dog to support children in times of need. His mission will take him to children’s hospitals, mental health clinics, special education and disability programs, elementary and high schools during exam periods or following a crisis, library reading programs, and youth grief centers.
Anchor’s journey began thanks to one of our program’s most devoted supporters: Frank Murphy. Frank was not only a passionate dog lover but also loved spending time on the water in his boat. Before his passing, he expressed a heartfelt wish that his family continue to support SwissRidge Dogs for Kids. In honour of that wish and with the support of his beloved wife Maura, who will be Anchor’s handler, we proudly welcome Anchor into the program.
We look forward to following Anchor’s adventures and witnessing the profound impact he will have on the children he meets, bringing calm, easing loneliness, building resilience, and encouraging communication in a supportive, non-judgmental way.
Meet Some the People Behind the Paws
Sherry Rupke, founder of SwissRidge Kennels, began breeding dogs at 15. Her first puppy donation, a medical alert dog named Beau, showed her how profoundly a dog can transform a life. Inspired, she went on to donate many more puppies to people and organizations in need of service and therapy dogs.
In 2012, Sherry and co-founder Karley Gittens launched SwissRidge Dogs for Kids. With head trainer Lucas Mucha, and a dedicated team of imprint trainers, the program has been providing service dogs to children for over a decade. What began as a dream has grown into a community,
made possible by the generosity of the SwissRidge family.
