Guiding Eyes for the Blind Invites Marylanders to Volunteer in Puppy Raising Program

Press Release – FREDERICK, Md., Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.guidingeyes.org), one of the world’s leading guide dog schools, and its Catoctin Region, will be hosting an open house and initial puppy pre-placement class located at The Frederick Youth Center, 413 Burck St. Frederick, MD 21701. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet puppies in pre-guide dog training, their raisers and the Region’s Coordinator and Manager.

This event will launch the Catoctin’s Region new raiser and spring puppy program. Those interested may view the Catoctin Region’s Facebook to view some of their pups and activities.

The Catoctin Region is one of the Maryland regions of Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Canine Development Center located in Patterson, NY, where they selectively breed Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs for guide dog work. At 8-10 weeks old, the puppies are sent home with puppy raising volunteers who raise the young dogs at home for 15-18 months, offering time, love and training to teach them house manners and socialize them in numerous situations.

“We are very excited to continue to give the Frederick, MDarea and Southern Gettysburg, PA volunteers a chance to raise Guiding Eyes puppies,” said Kerry Lemerise, Puppy Program Manager for Guiding Eyes. “Puppies growing up need to learn about being comfortable in all aspects of their environments and will have a huge advantage when they begin their guide dog training.”

Volunteers are supported with regular guidance, training classes and free veterinary care, and often develop a unique camaraderie as they prepare the dogs to move on to the next steps in their training. Many puppy raisers consider their Guiding Eyes experience the most inspirational and fulfilling work they’ve ever done.

For more information about the Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising program and/or to RSVP to the March 17th program and pre-placement class, contact Becky Little. Email: beckylittle123@gmail.com. Class times will be announced at a later date.

For more general information about Guiding Eyes for the Blind call 866-GEB-LABS or visit the them at guidingeyes.org.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind

In 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind was founded to enrich the lives of blind and visually impaired men and women. Since that time, Guiding Eyes has become one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, graduating more than 7,000 guide dog teams. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It provides professionally trained Guiding Eyes dogs, training and lifetime support services to students free of charge with funds raised solely through the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations and civic organizations. Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, New York and its Canine Development Center is located in Patterson, New York.

SOURCE Guiding Eyes for the Blind