Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB) is dedicated to enriching the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women by providing them with the freedom to travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and new horizons of opportunity.

Description:
Guiding Eyes for the Blind places puppies in volunteer puppy raising homes for 14-16 months. During this time GEB absorbs all veterinary costs for these puppies. More than 500 puppy-raising families from Maine to North Carolina participate in the puppy raising program.
The heart and sole of Guiding Eyes is the generosity and selflessness of our puppy raising families. Without their extraordinary dedication our program would not exist. As a result of their unique relationship with the puppies they raise, they share a very special common bond with the graduates.

History:
Guiding Eyes for the Blind was started in 1954 to enable blind and visually impaired people to achieve greater independence, freedom, mobility and dignity with the assistance of a trained guide dog. Although the cost of preparing a blind person and guide dog for their new life together is upwards of $40,000, there is no charge to the students. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a non-profit organization and does not receive any government funding. We depend solely on individual, corporate and foundation support.

Contact people:

Dianne Ende, Team Member, (phone), (email) Mary Ellen Pratt, Erie Region Coordinator, (phone), (email) Russ Thomas, Asst Erie Region Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

1110 Wisconsin Rd Derby, NY 14047 (See a map)

Overall Experience   
My experiences have been very rewarding.

I am a Puppy Raiser for Guiding Eyes for the Blind - Erie Region. My first puppy is a Guide Dog in harness working in Philadelphia. Raising this puppy to provide freedom and mobility to a blind person is the most rewarding experience of my life. I am now raising my second puppy Aurora. I am also a Team Leader with Guiding Eyes for the Blind and conduct the Pre-Puppy Placment classes. posted by dende716 on September 14, 2004