If you love to work with dogs and want to make a difference in someone's life, this program is for you! A Puppy Raiser provides the foundation from which one-half of a successful guide dog team is made. A Puppy Raiser welcomes an eight week old puppy into his/her home for approximately one year, providing the puppy with the love, affection, socialization and the basic obedience it will need to succeed in guide dog school. No prior experience is required, however the puppy raiser must be able to provide a loving, safe and healthy home environment for the puppy. Guiding Eyes assumes responsibility for the required medical care of the puppy including check-ups and vaccinations. A crate is provided along with a "Welcome Home" Puppy Kit which contains some of the basic items needed to raise the puppy. The Puppy Raiser is responsible for providing the food and basic supplies, the cost of which is tax-deductible.

There is no minimum age requirement to raise a puppy provided young people have the support of their family and appropriate adult supervision. Puppy Raisers are responsible for teaching basic obedience and house manners, plus taking the puppy on age appropriate socialization experiences. Puppy Raisers receive support and guidance from volunteer staff members. Pre-Puppy Placement Classes are provided to the Puppy Raiser prior to acquiring a puppy. A Training and Informational Manual is given to each Puppy Raiser as a reference tool. When the puppy is placed in the home, an experienced Team Member provides assistance by reviewing the Puppy Placement material and answering any questions. Additionally, follow-up training sessions can be scheduled as needed. Mandatory puppy classes are held once or twice monthly to help the puppy in the socialization process. Finally, quarterly evaluations for the puppy are required.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Guiding Eyes for the Blind - Erie Region

Volunteers will work with the following groups

Adults (26-54) Young Adults (18-25) Older Adults (55+)

Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25) Families

Weekdays Weekends

Animals & Environment

Animal Services

Contact Person:
Dianne Ende, Team Member, (phone), (email)

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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