Foster Homes needed for future Guide Dogs

Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB) has an ongoing need for individuals or families to provide foster homes for potential future guide dogs. Approved raisers receive an eight week old, specially bred Labrador Retriever puppy, which will be kept safe, taught good manners and socialized to prepare for formal guide dog training.

Local support is provided by area coordinators and helpers who supervise the puppy raising experience by arranging socialization/obedience classes and outings. All necessary veterinary expenses are covered by GEB. The potential guide dog puppies receive love and attention in their foster homes for approximately 16-18 months until the pups are mature enough to undergo an in-for-training test, beginning their formal guide dog education with certified instructors.

Puppy raisers are invited to the dog's graduation as a trained working guide, when they have the opportunity to meet the visually impaired person who is partnered with the pup which they raised. This experience, a privilege which brings the puppy raising experience full-circle, makes the process of raising a puppy - only to "give it back" - meaningful and worthwhile, according to the coordinators.

For information about the GEB program, call Monroe County volunteers Cindy Chait (594-9808), or Donna Rice (594-4864). In Genesee County, contact area coordinator Barb Sturm (768-7994). Interested participants are encouraged to attend the pre-placement sessions, observe puppy socialization classes, or visit the GEB Puppy Program website at www.guidingeyesbcweb.org or local website www.guiding-eyes-monroe.org.