RAISE A PUPPY AND CHANGE A PERSON'S LIFE


Diana and Joshua Mullins, Heather, Laurel and Mitchell Greer, and Deb Cox, left to right, are members of the newly formed peninsula “Puppy Pilots” club that raises Guide Dogs for the Blind puppies. Clarabelle, a 3-year-old black Labrador, is a registered service animal. Rowan, 6 months, and Hank, 12 weeks, are in training to become guide dogs.

“Puppy Pilots” club seeks people to raise future guide dogs

by ASHLEY ODEN
Staff writer

In June, Guide Dogs for the Blind announced its intention of making a permanent presence on the peninsula.

Now, four months later, the nonprofit organization providing blind and visually impaired persons with service dogs is up and running. “Puppy Pilots” — a club comprised of volunteers who teach guide dog puppies basic manners and potty training before the animal receives any formal training — is seeking puppy raisers and sitters.

Puppy raisers generally have a puppy in their home for one year and are responsible for feeding, exercising and socializing the pup. Guide Dogs for the Blinds pays for veterinary bills, leashes and medication but does not cover food, treats, crates, toys or fencing. After a year or so with a family, puppies are sent to Oregon for formal harness training, which lasts four to five months, and then are paired with a blind person.

Black and yellow Labs, golden retrievers and German shepherds are the most commonly used dog breeds. Each breed is known for its “calm, patient and helpful” personality, according to Michele Cawley, community field representative for Washington state.

Deb Cox, club leader, said about 50 percent of puppies graduate to become certified guide dogs. Those who fail the program or retire in old age are used in a different therapeutic program or found a loving home, often with their initial raiser.

“Starter puppies” that have received basic training and are a little older are available upon request.

Cox is planning to get a puppy in November. “I have a real connection with dogs and compassion for helping other people,” she said. “I really believe there is a need for this club.”

Heather Greer, of Port Angeles, and her children Laurel and Mitchell are raising Hank, a 12-week-old yellow Labrador.
“It’s hard,” Laurel, a seventh grader, admitted, “but it’s worth it.”

Laurel said Hank wakes her up at 6:30 every morning to go outside to the bathroom and then takes at least 30-50 minutes to settle back down. And sometimes, he still has “accidents.”

Returning Hank to Guide Dogs won’t be easy, the family agreed, but it is for a good cause.

“I know I am going to be upset to give him up because I’ve grown to love him, but I hope he makes a good guide dog,” Laurel said.

Shortly after returning Hank, the Greers will be relocating through the military. “I hope to find a Puppy Pilots chapter wherever we go,” Heather said. “It makes our hearts happy and is a good distraction when the kid’s dad leaves (on duty) for one or two months at a time.”

Diana Mullins, who is legally blind and uses a registered service dog, is raising Rowan, a 6-month-old yellow Lab, with her family. Her son Joshua is having so much fun training the puppy that already he is talking about the next puppy, Mullins said.

Unlike children, puppies come to raisers with a complete “how-to” manual. Topics include caring for the puppy, health care, training principles and training techniques.

The peninsula club is No. 18 in the state. The closest is in Poulsbo, Cox said.

Puppy Pilots meets at least once monthly. There are no dues. For more information, call Cox at 582-0560.

Blind statistics
  • Someone in American becomes blind or visually impaired every seven minutes.
  • About 10 million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired.
  • More than 1.3 million Americans are “legally” blind.
  • About 109,000 visually impaired people in the United States use long canes to get around, while about 7,000 use guide dogs.
  • More than 1,500 individuals graduate from a dog-guide user program each year.
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind reported 1,400 puppy-raising volunteers and 139 puppy raising clubs in 2006.
  • More than 10,000 guide dog and user teams have graduated from Guide Dogs for the Blind since the organization’s inception in 1942.
Requirements to become a Guide Dog for the Blind puppy raiser:
  • Raisers must live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah or Washington.
  • Potential raisers must have a home interview by a local representative.
  • All members of the household must be committed to raising a puppy.
  • Raisers can be adults or youths at least 9 years of age.
  • The home in question must provide a safe and secure living environment for a puppy.
  • The puppy must sleep indoors.
  • As a puppy raiser, individuals must join a local puppy-raising club and attend scheduled club meetings and outings.
  • Puppy raisers must be committed to providing daily exercise and socialization of their pup.
  • Puppy raisers are responsible for some expenses, including food and incidentals. Such expenses may be tax-deductible, depending on state tax laws.
  • Puppy raisers must present positive representation of Guide Dogs for the Blind within their community.
  • For more information about Guide Dogs for the Blind, go online to www.guidedogs.com or call 1-800-295-4050.