friends for life

FRIENDS FOR LIFE is an animal-assisted therapy program founded by Fred Alimusa and Raymund Lee sometime in 2003. Fred Alimusa is a canine behaviourist and first Asian to be appointed United States Rottweiler Club Breed Warden. He is also a licensed Rottweiler judge, Schutzhund trainer, as well as Canine Search & Rescue, Cart-Pull, and Service dog trainer. Raymund Lee is an accomplished clicker trainer and director of Philippine Schutzhund Group Inc.

Fred and Raymund were discussing possibilities of training service dogs when they came up with the unique idea to bring dogs to hospitals, orphanages, schools to show how dogs can benefit humans. The program not only fosters respect for dogs, but also teaches them how to care for one. It is also a bite-prevention program, as it educates children how to act around dogs and what to do in case situations arise.

When Fred Alimusa went back to Thailand, he continued the communication with Raymund Lee and formulated the training program and the outreach training methods. The very same training program Fred Alimusa conducts with the Thai Soi Dogs (street dogs), are the same methods Raymund Lee has applied to his own dogs.

When Raymund Lee asked his very good friend, Antonette Maniquis to be the first volunteer, together with her exceptionally behaved and very stable pug, Rischka, FRIENDS FOR LIFE was born.

The very first dogs of FRIENDS FOR LIFE were a lively and charming bunch. Rischka (the pretty pug), Cloey (the sweet labrador), Java (a huge but gentle golden retriever) and Pugslee (a skateboarding pug).

It has been documented, how pets can uplift spirits specially with kids. Even older people who get to caress a dog, get their muscles exercised and their emotional state improves. Dogs are great stress relievers. They can be momentary distractions from aches and pains.

The program has coordinated with the KIDS FOR CHRIST of Pinaglabanan, San Juan to teach kids about God's love through their beloved dogs.

The LIFT-BABIES FOUNDATION, a foundation who helps families with biliary atresia afflicted children, is frequented by FRIENDS FOR LIFE. The dogs bring joy, hope and laughter to these poor suffering children, even for just a while.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
FRIENDS FOR LIFE is currently in need of volunteers and their dogs to bring smiles to our brothers and sisters who are in battling illness and disease, old age, or to those who just want to learn how to interact with the dogs through
experience.

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?
All breed of dogs are welcome to be tested for service work. We also need people who have big hearts and who are willing to take time out to share their beloved pets with others. Dedicated and willing to train for obedience and therapy work, a candidate must be able to accomplish the required training.

But above all, FRIENDS FOR LIFE is all about sharing the dogs, and all about sharing with others. It's all about having big hearts and dedication to help make this world a bit better.