Based on a beautiful, state-of-the-art campus in Palmetto,
Southeastern Guide Dogs is a privately funded, nonprofit
organization that trains premier guide and service dogs for
“people who cannot see and those who have seen too much.”
They provide dogs to legally blind people and veterans - along
with lifetime services - at absolutely no cost.
Since its inception in 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs has
matched more than 3,100 guide and service dog teams and
currently has more than 1,000 dogs under its auspices. It
boasts the most advanced service dog training facilities and a
world-class staff of innovative scientists and talented trainers.
However, what really makes Southeastern Guide Dogs tick is
its dedicated team of volunteers—including 300 puppy raisers
across seven states.
“Breeding, raising and training our future superhero guide and
service dogs is both an art and a science at Southeastern Guide
Dogs,” says CEO Titus Herman. “As the saying goes, ‘It takes
a village,’ and we rely on the generous help of our volunteer
puppy raisers to give our young dogs the early basic training
and life experiences they need to succeed. Puppy raisers are a
special breed, because they love and care for our dogs during
their critical rst year, and then bring them back to our Canine
University when it’s time for their higher education. We are
grateful for their seless support, and when Mother ature is
generous to us - as is the case this fall - we always need additional
puppy raisers to add to the family!”
All You Need Is Love
You may be wondering if you are qualified to raise a little
superhero puppy. In most cases, the answer is yes. Southeastern
Guide Dogs welcomes all types of volunteer raisers - from singles
and working professionals to families, retirees and even college
students. According to Laura Zellner, Regional Manager of Puppy
Raising Services, the only requirements are time and lots of love.
“Any family that is willing to commit the time and has some love to
give, that’s the kind of family we’re looking for,” she says. Families
with children of all ages, from infants all the way up to teenagers
are welcome, she adds. Already have a couple of dogs or cats
9
at home o problem! “Dogs and cats are welcome, but we do
have a household pet limit. For instance, if you have 12 dogs
or 20 cats, it may not be the best environment for the puppy.”
With the same access rights as service dogs, these guide
puppies in training can tag along with you almost anywhere you
go. In fact, many employers allow volunteer raisers to bring their
puppies to work.
The Southeastern Guide Dogs staff carefully evaluates their
puppies and matches each unique pooch with the right raiser.
More condent puppies usually thrive with an energetic family,
while a laidback pup will do well with a less active raiser.
“If you ust have a weekly outing to the coffee shop, that’s ne.
If you’re a family who travels to soccer and basketball and all
over, that’s great too,” Laura explains. “We work to match the
puppy’s personality with the raiser, and we work with the puppy
raisers to help them be successful.”