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MMeunier

Puppies Seeking Raisers

Guiding Eyes for the Blind cares deeply about its mission to provide guide dogs to people with vision loss, free of charge.

A Guiding Eyes guide dog brings independence, confidence, companionship, and freedom.

It takes a dedicated community, working together to meet our mission.

That’s where you come in!
We are reaching out with an urgent call for puppy raisers.

tiny yellow pup Jake looks up to cameraWe invite you to welcome one of our exceptional puppies into your home for 14-18 months, providing a safe and caring environment, socialization opportunities, as well as love, and basic obedience. We provide individualized support that includes training classes with a regional instructor utilizing STEP, our unique Successive Training and Enrichment Program, based on the relationship between raiser and pup, building the foundation they will need to complete formal guide dog training. We cover veterinary costs, provide preventatives and a crate.

Puppy raising is a rewarding experience and a great opportunity to involve everyone in the household. It’s a project that individuals or families can do. No prior dog experience is necessary, and we welcome current pet owners. You’ll meet other people who love dogs and enjoy giving to others, while learning life lessons and taking pride in knowing you’re doing something extraordinary!

If you live near one of our puppy raising regions, we hope you’ll consider joining our Puppy Raising community! Find more information in our Puppy Raising section, including FAQs, photos of unmatched puppies, and the “Raiser Checklist” – eight questions developed to help you determine if you’re ready to apply. You may also email lstephens@guidingeyes.org, for next steps in becoming a puppy raiser. If unable to volunteer, we hope you’ll consider making a donation to support this important mission. 

Feel the satisfaction of knowing that the puppy you raise will have a
profound effect on their new partner, and on you as well!

Hear from Guiding Eyes Puppy Raisers…

Raiser Kelly with Flower on a lake

The most enjoyable thing about raising Flower was being part of the Guiding Eyes community and the both of us learning together what it takes to be a guide dog. I wish Flower and her handler many happy years together and hope she brings as much joy to their home and life as she did to ours!” ~ Flower’s Raiser Kelly

“Between family hikes, going for runs, attending athletic events and theater presentations, and walking me down the aisle, Kenneth has been a reliable and loving presence who has always known his own mind and striven to make the right choices. I’m so excited to see his incredible growth and rising to his potential, and I can’t wait to see what he and his partner do in the future!” ~ Kenneth’s Puppy Raisers, the Avards

Kenneth held by raisers by pond near barn and silo
Yellow Lab Tigger sits with raiser Elizabeth on a large roll of hay in a field with sweeping views

To Tigger’s new partner: When you need a smile, Tigger will do something comical. When you need a hug, he’ll come near. When you need an adventure, he’ll be ready to explore. Tigger did all this for me, and now, he can do the same for you. Cheers to starting your new adventure together!” ~ Tigger’s Raiser, Elizabeth

“Neptune was a joy to raise becoming a big part of our lives – eager to please, loving & attentive. Neptune will always have a special place in our heart as he is one of the most loving dogs we’ve known. We are thrilled to send best wishes to Neptune and Erin for a lifetime of companionship and adventures!” ~ Neptune’s raisers, The Gallons

Neptune sits with raiser Anne and Abraham Lincoln