Have you ever passed by a guiding eye dog and gazed in amazement at their innate ability to lead a blind person? After witnessing such, I did some research and stumbled across Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Guiding Eyes for the Blind, or GEB, is a nonprofit guide dog school committed to “providing the blind and visually impaired with superior Guiding Eyes dogs, training, and lifetime support services.”

My family and I have volunteered for GEB throughout the past six years, working with a total of 24 puppies thus far. We participate in the Home Socialization Program, where families “provide puppies with exposure to the sights and sounds of a household for a few days.” A typical socialization experience involves feeding, walking, massaging, crating, and playing with the puppies. The purpose behind this program is to introduce the puppies into new environments and familiarize them with different people.

Our most recent volunteer experience was just two weeks ago when my parents and I socialized three German Shepherd puppies: Peyton, Pasha and Pageant. 

These puppies were only nine weeks old, yet their loyalty and reliability were already recognizable. The Guiding Eyes dogs are nothing short of remarkable; “it costs upwards of $45,000 to breed, raise, train, and match each dog with its handler.”

There are endless volunteer opportunities for those who are interested in helping support the GEB. To become a Home Socializer, all you need to do is complete an online application and attend an orientation to learn about puppy care. GEB provides all of the food and equipment necessary for the visit; the only thing for you to do is devote love and attention to each puppy. If you would like to volunteer for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, fill out an application today!



Meghan