The most critical volunteers at Guiding Eyes for the Blind are the puppy raising
families and the Area Coordinators who help organize the puppy raising program in ten
states. Without the raisers, there would be no guide dogs. Raisers come from all walks of
life, in different ages and different family situations.
Volunteer puppy raisers agree to teach the pup good manners and to nurture and feed him
or her for approximately eighteen months. Guiding Eyes covers all the puppy's medical
expenses. Puppy evaluators and area coordinators teach puppy rearing skills and offer
continuous support to the volunteer families.
Another important job is performed by the volunteer puppy sitters. A puppy sitter is an
individual or family that watches a puppy when a raiser is out of town. Sitters receive
excellent support from both the raiser and the GEB team. They can own other pets or have
none, and they need not be experienced.
Being a sponsor to a puppy raiser or puppy raising family is another way to help. While
the puppy's veterinary services are donated by area vets, other sponsors are needed to
help defray the cost of feed and equipment. You can sponsor a puppy, or give a one time
donation. Additionally, we have various needs in the region.
Please contact us to hear how you can volunteer in
our region or help in some other way!
