Volunteers needed to raise puppies for the blind

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is recruiting volunteers to raise puppies that will become guide dogs for the visually impaired. Volunteers are needed to teach foster puppies obedience and manners while socializing the pups in preparation for their future as guide dogs.

Puppy raising regions are located throughout western New York. Local regions provide support and structured classes to assist raisers with their foster puppy. Approved veterinary expenses are paid by Guiding Eyes. The commitment lasts about 14 months, after which time the dog is returned to Guiding Eyes for the Blind for formal guide dog training 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 has been partnered with the pup they raised.

An information session is scheduled Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at the Dome Center, Monroe County Fairgrounds. For information contact region area coordinators: Donna Rice, 594-4864; Cindy Chait, 594-9808; Teresa Rodgers, 359-0117 or Barb Sturm, 768-7994.