EASTON, MARYLAND (August 2016) – Guiding Eyes for the Blind, known around the globe as one of the foremost guide dog schools, is inviting Eastern Shore of Maryland residents to open their homes and hearts in a rare volunteer opportunity to raise a future guide dog puppy. The nonprofit has announced its next orientation series begins on September 27, 2016 for those interested in becoming puppy raisers.
For someone without sight, a Guiding Eyes dog is a priceless, life-changing gift providing independence, companionship, and mobility. Guiding Eyes puppy raisers come from all walks of life and include couples, families with children, young adults, and senior citizens. The volunteers welcome 8 week-old puppies into their homes and with full support from the nonprofit, including training classes and free vet care. Raisers love, nurture, and educate the puppies for a 12 to 16 month period before sending them off to their calling as a guide dog for a blind or visually impaired person.
The puppy raiser orientation series will be held on September 27, October 11 and October 18 in Easton, Maryland. Prospective volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about the program and meet some very special pups. RSVPs are required and potential raisers must attend all three classes to become a raiser.
“Without the extraordinary dedication of our puppy raisers, we would simply be unable to provide guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired,” said Mary Bradford, regional manager of Guiding Eyes’ puppy raising program. Puppy raising classes are held on Tuesday evenings in Easton, Maryland.
Volunteers are always invited to attend the graduation ceremony of the dog that they helped to raise, which typically commences approximately six months after sending the puppy back to Guiding Eyes for formal training. It’s during this celebration that the raisers have the opportunity to meet the dog’s new partner and truly understand the impact that a guide dog has in the life of a person with vision loss.
“Change your life and the life of another! What better reward than to receive the unconditional love of a puppy and then, ultimately, to give the gift of loving freedom and companionship to a person who has lost their sight. The experience of raising Max is changing our lives… from the confidence and responsibility we see building in our children, to the simple moments of joy during our daily routines. Let a ‘Max’ change your life!,” explained Jeff Langston a first-time puppy raiser for Guiding Eyes who is raising yellow Labrador, Max.
The Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising Program is comprised of more than 400 volunteers from Maine to North Carolina. Some already have forever pets of their own, while others commit to raising guide dogs as a way to give back. Raisers live in urban, suburban, and rural areas, in apartments, townhomes, and single-family residences. No matter the circumstance, all puppy raisers agree that the program is emotionally rewarding in a multitude of ways.
To RSVP for the orientation seriesor to learn more about the Delmarva puppy raising region, contact Ellen Higgins at [email protected] or 410-991-5662. For additional information on Guiding Eyes’ Puppy Raising Program, call 1-866-432-LABS or visit www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer/puppy-raising/.
About Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing superbly bred and trained guide dogs. Since its inception, the organization has grown to be one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, known for its accredited training programs and lifetime commitment to its graduating teams. Dogs not suited for guide work may become service dogs for children on the autism spectrum. Guiding Eyes is dependent upon contributions to fulfill its mission and provides all services free of charge to individuals who are blind or visually impaired as well as to families with children with autism. The organization’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and its canine breeding center is in Patterson, N.Y. For more info, visit www.guidingeyes.org, like Guiding Eyes on Facebook (www.facebook.com/guidingeyes) or follow @guidingeyes on Twitter.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.