KINDNESS
Southeastern Guide Dogs’ facility
and farmland of Palmetto grew into a sprawling 33-acre campus
that houses and trains future guide dogs.
Under the care of countless volunteers, veterinarians and
instructors, Southeastern Guide Dogs (SGD) welcomes
approximately 250 new puppies into the world every single year
who, ultimately, get to choose their own life paths.
“Every dog has a purpose, but only the crème de la crème become
guide dogs,” says Ruth Lando, media relations manager for SGD.
“We examine them to see what their aptitudes are,
their strengths. Some might be more well-suited
for police work or emotional support.”
And now, anyone who’s interested in peeking into
the process of transforming a dog into a superhero
– as many owners come to know them – can with
18 StPeteLifeMag.com November/December 2018
Southeastern Guide Dogs’ Behind Closed Doors tour.
“So many people were interested in the magic behind the scenes
here that we designed this tour to show them,” Lando said. “It’s a
great way to educate the public and get word out about what we
do.”
Starting at the Puppy Academy, experienced tour guides lead
intimate groups through all the stages of a dog’s life on campus
from newborn pups to running training exercises. After a litter
is born, the puppies attend Puppy Preschool for “playing with a
purpose” where they are introduced to new sights and sounds.
Then, at six weeks, they move up to Kindergarten where their
“Our goal is to create the best service dogs in the world,” said CEO
Puppy Love
BY KAYLA GLEASON
L
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/StPeteLifeMag.com