Southeastern Guide Dogs
Puppy raisers play essential role in helping to
transform lives.
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives for
people with visual impairments and veterans with
disabilities by pairing them with expertly trained
service dogs. Giving these extraordinary canine
companions their best start in life are dedicated
puppy raisers who open their homes and provide
the training and affection to start these young dogs
along their path of service.
Scott and Christine Snyder have raised two puppies
that are now aiding visually impaired individuals,
and they are preparing to take in a new puppy. “It’s
enriching, and you learn so much about properly
training a dog. Anyone who doubts they can do it
will be surprised at the amount of support you get
and how enjoyable it is,” Christine says. “They say
you come for the puppies, but stay for the people,
and that is so true. We’ve made some good friends,
and you also know you have helped give someone
back their independence.”
There are a variety of ways to be involved aside
from committing to raise a puppy for a year and
attend twice monthly group meetings for puppy
raisers. Individuals are needed to puppy-sit and,
for those who hesitate to take on a full time
commitment, it is possible to co-raise a puppy.
“Anyone can do this. The best part is when you see
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the dog you raise matched with a forever person,”
Scott says. “It can be tough to let them go, but
at the end of the day, you know you are helping
someone else. It is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
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