Pawsitively Puppies 101/Puppy Raisers for Guide Dogs for the Blind

Description

Puppies are raised by both youth and adult raisers. Raisers belong to local clubs and are supervised by trained volunteer leaders. Many of our volunteers are involved through projects offered by 4-H.

Guide Dogs for the Blind places puppies with raisers living in the eight western states of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. Puppy raisers make up the largest volunteer constituency at Guide Dogs for the Blind.

While living in a raiser's home, the puppy receives socialization as well as control and behavioral instruction in both home and community settings, which are essential for its development as a guide dog or breeder.

Raisers also assist GDB as representatives in their community, through their encounters wih the public and by promoting our puppy raising program through radio, televison, newspapers and the internet.

Raisers contribute financially to the program as well, for costs not covered by the GDB veterinary reimbursement and for the purchases of food and some supplies.