Volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind

Guide dogs, or leader dogs, for the blind help many blind people to get around and be independent. Who raises the dogs that grow up to be guide dogs?

The puppy raising is done by volunteers, and it is something that you might like to try! Here are some reasons to volunteer, from the Guide Dogs for the Blind website:

Why raise a Guide Dog puppy? Your first answer may be, “Because puppies are so cuddly, adorable and fun!” And you’re right?puppies are terribly cute, and raising a Guide Dog puppy is a lot of fun. But, raising a future Guide Dog also takes a lot of time, responsibility and hard work.

A Guide Dog puppy requires anywhere from 12 to 18 months of development in a raiser’s home before it is ready to return to Guide Dogs for its formal guidework training. A puppy raiser is responsible for teaching a Guide Dog pup good behavior both at home and in public, and what to expect and accept in this busy world.

A raiser also rears the puppy to be a person’s close companion?to trust and be trusted. Read more…

There are many organizations that train guide dogs. Guide Dogs for the Blind is in the western states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. If you are not in this area, some other organizations are:
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Guide Dogs of America
Freedom Guide Dogs

Or do a Google search for more organizations.

Tags: Guide Dogs, Volunteer