Until a Seeing Eye dog is ready for training, he or she lives with a puppy raising or foster family that gives the dog love, gentle guidance, and consistent care. At seven weeks old, puppies are delivered to the homes of volunteers. Members attend monthly 4-H meetings to learn how to care for their dog.
When puppies are approximately 15 to 18 months old, they return to The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey to begin formal guide dog training. You and your family (children AND adults) can nurture a puppy to accomplish its special destiny.
Families in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, New Castle County in Delaware, and parts of Maryland, give the dogs abundant affection, teach them basic obedience, and expose them to a variety of social situations they will later encounter as working guide dogs. Many of these volunteer families have children, while a number of retired adults also volunteer their time as puppy raisers.
For more information about how your family can become involved in The Seeing Eye Puppy Raising Program visit seeingeye.org or call the Cumberland County 4-H Center at 856-451-2800.
