Guide Dogs of the Desert seeks volunteer puppy raisers to help meet growing need

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) — Guide Dogs of the Desert is urgently looking for more volunteer puppy raisers to help prepare the next generation of guide dogs for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The organization says volunteer puppy raisers play a critical role in every guide dog's journey, providing the foundation puppies need before they begin formal guide dog training and are eventually matched with someone who will depend on them every day.

"We need 60 puppy raisers a year… we also need to keep retention of the 60 we have, so that's 120 raisers a year that we need," one staff member said.

Volunteer puppy raisers care for the puppies during their first year of life, helping them develop confidence through socialization, basic obedience, and everyday experiences.

The nonprofit says volunteers are supported throughout the entire process.

"We take care of everything from genetics to vaccines to anything that can possibly come up in their lives medically," another staff member said.

For guide dog user Danielle Larson, the work volunteers do has a lifelong impact.

"What these dogs bring to people's lives is hard to describe. It is a renewed sense of confidence and independence and honestly just fun," she said.

She says none of that would be possible without the volunteers who help raise the dogs from the very beginning.

"Without that foundational exposure and preparation for the work they are going to be doing it's impossible for them to be completely ready to go out and to be able to be the support and the tool and eyes someone needs," Larson said.

Guide Dogs of the Desert says eleven puppies will be ready to go home with volunteer raisers on Sept. 18.

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