Mopsy, Meg and Brian Start their ACTS Journey
Mopsy: Jurassic Park Raptor/Snuggly Black Lab
How heartbreak can turn into something meaningful.
Meg and Brian Tetrault are new puppy raisers for ACTS. They were selected by Mopsy to start her training as a potential ACTS assistance dog for the physically disabled.
Follow their journey on Instagram @our_acts_adventure
A New Adventure…
Is raising a puppy like Mopsy—a dazzling concoction of a Jurassic Park raptor with the heart-melting eyes of a baby seal, who lures you with her teddy-bear softness and hilarious grizzly snores only to unleash shark-like nibbles and cheetah-level zoomies, then skid to a stop into my lap and offer an apologetic head-tilt and tail wags—hard?
Find out below….
How did you hear about ACTS and the need for puppy raisers:
Meg: After losing our beloved dog Sadie in March, Brian and I were beyond heartbroken and couldn’t imagine welcoming another family pet right away. The emotional and financial toll of her final months left us needing time to heal, but we deeply missed the companionship of a dog. We wanted to honor Sadie’s memory by doing something meaningful, something that reflected her boundless love. That’s when ACTS came into our lives.
We had occasionally noticed ACTS service dogs in training around town, but it wasn’t until I exhibited at the MWV Chamber Event for my apparel business that we truly connected with the organization. At the event, we met Nadine and one of the ACTS dogs, Jonesy, whose wagging tail and joyful energy reminded me of the happiness dogs bring.
I spoke with Kathy at the ACTS table, learning about their mission, and then Nadine, with her warm sincerity, said, “I’ll be your best friend,” when I mentioned we were considering puppy raising. Her enthusiasm and Jonesy’s goofy grin sparked something in us—a chance to heal, give back, and make a difference. That moment set us on the path to becoming puppy raisers.
What did you know before you went into puppy raising?
Meg: Going into puppy raising for ACTS, we had a basic understanding of the role, though we’ve since realized there was more to learn in the first 2 months. At the MWV Chamber Event, we discussed key details that eased our concerns. Nadine introduced us to the “auntie” and “uncle” roles—a wonderful support system where volunteers care for puppies when raisers need a break, like for a camping vacation (though we were excited to hear that a puppy could also join us!) or a day of errands. This was a game-changer, as it meant we could balance raising a puppy with our love for outdoor adventures. We haven’t taken full advantage of this yes but it’s nice knowing it’s an option.
We also learned we’d attend weekly training classes and that ACTS provides all food, harnesses, leashes, service vests, crates, and even an x-pen if needed as well as covers veterinary expenses—a huge relief after the medical costs we faced with our late dog, Sadie.
One thing we absolutely knew from the start was that we’d need to give the puppy back to continue their journey in doing incredible things, and that realization sat fine with us from day one.
Will it be sad to say goodbye? Absolutely, without a doubt—I might even be tearing up now thinking about it—but the vital roles these dogs will fill make it worth the heartache. The impact they’ll have is truly special, and that gave us confidence to dive into this rewarding journey.
How is it going? Is it harder or easier than you thought it might be?
Meg: Is raising a puppy like Mopsy—a dazzling concoction of a Jurassic Park raptor with the heart-melting eyes of a baby seal, who lures you with her teddy-bear softness and hilarious grizzly snores only to unleash shark-like nibbles and cheetah-level zoomies, then skid to a stop into my lap and offer an apologetic head-tilt and tail wags—hard? Yes, you could say so, but she’s a puppy, doing puppy things! We keep telling ourselves that. Two months in, raising Mopsy for ACTS has been more challenging than we expected, but it’s also the most rewarding
thing we've raised our hand to do. Sometimes, she has puppy meltdowns during tasks we know she can handle, which can be frustrating. Brian and I don’t have kids, but we imagine it’s like watching your second grader’s dance recital: everyone’s doing the steps except your kid, who’s doing cartwheels and pulling their tutu over their head, even though you know they can nail the routine. The giggles from the audience just increase the silliness. But then we take a step back, remind ourselves she’s still learning, and reflect on how we’ve all had moments of wanting to scream during a tough task.
Another surprise has been realizing how different each puppy is, especially across litters. I think we were expecting a set in stone road map and it just doesn’t exist. In training classes, it’s easy for us to compare Mopsy to other pups, fixating on what she hasn’t mastered yet while overlooking her unique strengths—like how she nails certain skills that others are still working on. Give this girl a bucket or platform and she’ll amaze you with what she can do. We’ve caught ourselves overanalyzing her progress and reaching out to the trainers for support (sorry Marina!), but it’s all part of wanting her to succeed as a service dog. The effort is worth it when we think about the life-changing impact she’ll have. Every challenge is a step toward helping her become the best she can be for someone who needs her.
Would you recommend being a puppy raiser? And to whom?
If you’re looking for a chance to do something truly meaningful for the world while challenging yourself and earning those precious puppy kisses (especially after the teething phase), absolutely.
Raising Mopsy has been a wild ride, full of heartwarming moments and occasional chaos, but the joy of knowing she’s training to change someone’s life makes every effort worthwhile. It’s a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and give back, all while sharing your days with a furry companion.
We’d especially recommend it to people like us who work from home and can integrate a puppy’s training into their routine, or to newly retired folks looking for a fulfilling new chapter. If you’re ready to embrace the challenge and revel in the cuddles, puppy raising with ACTS is an incredibly rewarding way to make a difference.
Thank you Meg and Brian. We are so grateful for all of the time and hard work you are putting in with Mopsy! We can’t wait to see her grow up with your wonderful care.
Would you like to help other puppy raisers and our ACTS pups on their journey to become assistance dogs?
