Most people know just how special dogs are, but not everyone depends on their canine to get them from place to place. Approximately 12 million people over the age of 40 in the United States are visually impaired including many who are legally blind. 

Over the past several months, I have learned and seen with my own eyes just how special and important guide dogs are. Now, I have the privilege of raising a future superhero.

Southeastern Guide Dogs, Incorporated is a non-profit organization located in Palmetto, Florida.  They are dedicated to changing lives by training dogs. The process of training a guide dog, though, is long and complicated. 

First, it starts with puppy raisers. Many volunteers, including my family, give about one year to raise one dog to change one life.  During this year we will take on the responsibility of raising him, exposing him to many environments and experiences, and teaching him to be confident.

The raising process is long, hard and potentially heartbreaking when the puppy returns to campus for official guide dog training; but, more than anything, it is beautiful. My family is currently raising our first guide dog puppy – a sweet, cuddly, lovable baby boy named Buddy. He is named for a military and commercial pilot who lost his vision in his later years.

Our love for him is unexplainable, but we understand that he is not ours to keep – his purpose is so much greater. The most commonly asked question that we get and that every other raiser gets, is “how will you ever give him up?” 

To be perfectly honest, I wondered the same thing the first time that I saw a guide dog puppy in training. Then I researched the process and realized that these dogs have so much more to give.

Although I’ve only had Buddy for a few weeks now, he is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of my life. But to someone else, he will mean freedom, confidence, capability and hope. This motivates me each day.  

Southeastern Guide Dogs are changing lives and personally changing the way that I view the world.  Through this incredible journey, I have gotten to know other guide dog puppy raisers as well as someone in our West Hartford community who has a guide dog of her own. 

She has had a guide dog (different ones over the years) as a part of her life for about 35 years. When I see how her dog guides her through her day-to-day life, I know for sure that it is all worth it.

It will be hard for me to return Buddy to school, but it is a hundred times harder for a person who is blind to retire their guide dog when it is time. For them, this animal means more than anyone could put into words.

Lastly, I want to end by sharing how you can also be involved in this amazing process. Whenever you see a guide dog, a puppy in training or any service animal, do NOT distract or interact with them. They are working and doing this can be disruptive and possibly harmful. Instead, if you see a puppy in training, ask questions, learn about the dog and hear their story.

If you would like to get more involved, listen to inspiring stories about these dogs or donate money, please visit the Southeastern Guide Dogs website at guidedogs.org